A review by emilys_editions
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This was my first time reading Wuthering Heights in full and I, like many, had wrongfully expected a glorious romance.

Reader, that is not what I experienced. 

Wuthering Heights is a novel about hate, jealousy, anger, disgust and revenge. In all honestly, none of the characters are likeable. Even the ever-present Nelly Dean has traits and habits which make her appear less than friendly. 

Everyone in Wuthering Heights has suffered and everyone (apparently) deserves pity and revenge. 

However, I can't deny that the younger Brontë has written a novel that is filled with beautiful phraseology and scenes that will remain with me for a lifetime. "He is more myself than I" is just one, obvious, example. There are many more. 

Generally, I enjoyed it but it was a bit of a slog. Everyone is so miserable, it does make it a hard read.