Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

[Nicolle]

Here we can discuss Emily Bronte's classic tragic love story!

(sorry for the delay in adding this as I was moving home)

I am going to start reading later than scheduled for 8th March as I am currently reading another book and should finish then but everyone else feel free to start right now!

[Nicolle]

I am curious as to what versions people are reading. I am reading : Wuthering Heights. It looks quite thick so will probably take a week or two to read.

[Mady]

Hi! I've already read this a few years ago, so I'll skip this month! Hope to join next month :)

[Nicolle]

OK, nominate next months book!

[KatLynne]

Hi Nicole. Just finishedWuthering Heights. I had read this many years ago and enjoyed reading again. Purchased this version to read on my Kindle.

[Laraine]

I started listening to Wuthering Heights on audio a few weeks ago but stopped because I think the theme is too dark to listen to. I'll see if I can get a copy on my kindle and finish it before the month ends. :)

[Flor]

I'm skipping this one, I hope it's OK.

[Resident Optimist]

Hi, new to this group, just starting out on reading Wuthering heights, is it worth my time?

The language is quite tricky O_O

[Nicolle]

Note: these monthly book discussions will be open all year so feel free to read later on or don't panic if you don't finish on the last date of each month!

[Laraine]

Boo Kworm wrote: "Hi, new to this group, just starting out on reading Wuthering heights, is it worth my time?

The language is quite tricky O_O"

I'm 40% in, I think the prose is lovely if a bit different and harder to grasp, it's when Joseph speaks that I really have trouble deciphering what he's talking about lol!

[Kristen]

I'm about 60% through the book, and I found it hard to get through Catherine being so whinny and Heathcliff being so mean. Joseph is very hard to understand, and I think that Nelly (or Ellen) has such deep feeling for the main characters that she can be complicated to follow at times.
I feel that Isabella is the most mistreated character in the whole story, yet Bronte doesn't focus on her much at all. It's like Heathcliff get's away with how bad he treats Isabella because being tortured by Catherine's death. I'm not really sure how I feel about that, maybe I'll have a final stance once I finish the whole book. I'm more curious what other readers are thinking about that whole situation, and if I'm off base or if other people feel the same way.

[KatLynne]

I finished reading this one a few weeks ago. Loved it! This was a re-read for me and even knowing it was a Gothic novel, I had forgotten how full of despair it was. After all these weeks I still find myself thinking about this book and the brilliance of the author.

[KatLynne]

Boo Kworm wrote: "Hi, new to this group, just starting out on reading Wuthering heights, is it worth my time?

The language is quite tricky O_O"

For me, this book was well worth reading. It's a wonderfully written Gothic tale of revenge, love and despair. In my review, I call it brilliant! I really enjoyed it and hope you like it too:)

[KatLynne]

I'm 40% in, I think the prose is lovely if a bit di..."

Laraine, I had the same problem with Joseph's speech:)

[KatLynne]

Kristen wrote: "I'm about 60% through the book, and I found it hard to get through Catherine being so whinny and Heathcliff being so mean. Joseph is very hard to understand, and I think that Nelly (or Ellen) has s..."


Kristen, I certainly agree that Isabella was one of the most mistreated characters in this book. She was used with such malice for revenge. Beginning with Heathcliff, there were so many innocents subjected to harsh cruelties. A vicious circle of mistreatment. Heath's actions are definitely fueled by his revenge, mourning and heartache. One of the things that I found amazing about this author is that while I was so angry with Heath and wanted to smack him, deep down in my heart I still loved him...I longed for him to find peace and comfort!

[Laraine]

I'm 70% in now. At first I couldn't get over how cruel and harsh all the characters were, except for Edgar Linton of course. I do not like Catherine's character either and although Heathcliff is the cruelest of them all, I feel that I don't blame him, I blame Catherine for breaking his heart, therefore Heathcliff exacts revenge by ruining everyone's chance at happiness as well.

Also, I can't help but notice that people keep on dying in this book. I know that they had no modern medicine during that time but more than half of the characters are frail and lack endurance. Now, I begin to worry about Cathy and what lays in store for her. I like her character because she seems happier than the rest but I know that will change as what was shown earlier in the book.

[Kristen]

I have to say that I agree with you KatLynne, no matter how horrible Heathcliff was I still cared about him, he just wasn't as much of a stand up guy as I wanted him to be. I had a really hard time with Catherine as well because if she wasn't full of pride, she would have married Heathcliff in the first place and they probably would have been very happy together instead of completely miserable in a love triangle.

I did finish the book last night, and the ending has made me love the book, but I'm going to wait on commenting on the end until more people finish as to not spoil the ending for those who have a bit more to read to do. I always hated those kids in school who read faster than me and told me the ending before I could get there, so I'm going to be kind and wait until everyone has finished. I hope the ending of the book makes you like it as much as I do now.

[Sarah]

I'm starting reading this book quite late so probably won't reach the deadline! Actually book still hasn't arrived in the post yet! Once done I'll contribute my thoughts if it's still ok after the end of March.

[Laraine]

Sarah wrote: "I'm starting reading this book quite late so probably won't reach the deadline! Actually book still hasn't arrived in the post yet! Once done I'll contribute my thoughts if it's still ok after the ..."

Yes I think that will be alright, Nicolle posted this a while back: Note: these monthly book discussions will be open all year so feel free to read later on or don't panic if you don't finish on the last date of each month!

[Laraine]

Finished it! I don't want to spoil the ending either but suffice to say that I was very glad that it ended that way, or else I would have have been full of doom and gloom after reading the book. haha...

I love the way Emily Bronte writes; it flows so naturally and beautifully. At first I was distracted by Nelly's subjectivity when telling the tale, but I also found it to be a creative use of storytelling that lets the reader see into the mind of one the catalysts of the story and not just a bystander. When I noticed this, I began to form my own opinions about the characters instead of just what Nelly thinks.

[Jena]

I actually find Mr. Lockwood to be one of the most frustrating characters, especially at the beginning. Heathcliff gives him no sign that he will be a warm and hospitable host, yet Lockwood proceeds to go back there the very next day, in a snow storm, and then get all pissy when he isn't given a grand welcome. Maybe that is something from that time that I do not understand in a modern mindset, but if someone is rude to you, you do not go back to their house the next day uninvited and expect a pleasant time.

[Jena]

I think I'm going to take back my previous assertion. Linton Heathcliff is even more frustrating. I wish I could reach through the book and slap the boy. He is SO whiny!

[Laraine]

Groovy wrote: "I think I'm going to take back my previous assertion. Linton Heathcliff is even more frustrating. I wish I could reach through the book and slap the boy. He is SO whiny!"

Haha... Yes he's one of my least favorite character too!

[Felicity]

Um...hi. I found Nelly to be one of the most irritating characters. I mean, come on. Her actions influences the flow of the story too much than a nursemaid should. Haha.

[Sam]

Please just gouge my eyes out with a spoon!! I could not get into this book. The characters are repulsive, the prose were very hard to understand, and the language of some of the characters was near impossible to figure out!! However, the story was really good....could we have an updated version written please?? Then I may feel a little better about the book!!

[Jessi]

I need to re-read this one of these days. Read it when I was a teen. I remember enjoying it though.

[kwesi 章英狮]

How did you guys finish the book? Any tips to share or any suggested reading position. I am so desperate to finish this book and I only read 4 chapters.

Chapter 1-4 - (view spoiler)[Give me a pillow, I'm very sleepy after reading the first four chapters and I think I already mentioned this all over the thread that I find this book very boring, hard to dig in, conversations are exactly foreign to me and Yorkshire slang had been use. No, I don't pity her for writing this masterpiece but it seems that the book is quite dull and very vigilant.

So Mr. Lockwood rested that Grange place near the mooreland farmhouse and he was enjoying his attachment with the Heathcliff and suddenly he dreamed of this female who was trying to choke him and trying to enter the place! That scene was so funny for me and please don't judge me for that and suddenly Heathcliff went back to the Grange with Lockwood and ask his housekeeper, Ellen Dean, to tell the horror of that chamber.

This book is totally vulgar or maybe I'm too conservative to appreciate the dialog. See, they even talk like rascals even though they have the money and rank as middle class or maybe higher than that. (It was mentioned in the book) They always push things out and keep on shouting their slaves and no manners! Haha. (hide spoiler)]

[Laraine]

You can try putting on a mindset that you are in for a dark and twisted love story, but a love story nonetheless. The language and theme are often times harsh and cruel but there's beauty in the prose once you get used to it. One thing I never got used to was Joseph's accent though, I never know what he's saying most of the time. :p

[kwesi 章英狮]

Thanks for the tip Laraine but I did that too and that is the reason why I read the book. I agree, John's dialog are very hard to understand. What happened to his speech? Did someone cut his tongue? I think he needed medical attention as soon as possible.

[Laraine]

Your comment crack me up haha... :))

It's because he has this really broad Yorkshire accent, not that I'm an expert or anything. I heard it somewhere that Emily Bronte's depiction of the speech and accents were very accurate.

[kwesi 章英狮]

I see, but I don't think emphasizing the 'broad Yorkshire accent' of her characters was a good idea. I can't even fill the missing and interchangeable letters in the sentence. Don't tell me, he will also tell the family story in that way?! I hthe 't!

[kwesi 章英狮]

Done reading 5 chapters today and so far the story is getting better and better. I suggest John must be killed in the story to stop that interrogative words of him. Ugh! I hthe 't, 'do lur'e 't!

Chapter 5-9 - (view spoiler)[Yeah! I'm glad the story is getting better, interesting and speculatively mysterious. Well, I have another problem with the characters, emotionally. They are very bad, no manners and very creepy masters for a servant like Ellen Dean. It was a great courage that she lived with the family for a very long time and took care with her master's sons and daughters.

In fact reality might be creepy and that was Anne's main idea or maybe not, but the creepiness will always be inside me trying to toggle my finger in every words and so far the book did not disappoint me.

They adopted a homeless boy, ugly and naughty, same with the children in the house and kept as one of the family member. Because of the jealousy between Hindley and Heathcliff, Hindley was sent to college and left the place. After 3 years he came back with ease and become the master of the house and force Heathcliff to become slave.

After that her wife died and become bitter to everyone in the house and become drunk every night. Destroying his life every day and with the love of Catherine to Heathcliff he become more apparent than before. I nearly forgot that he also hate his son and Catherine used to slap the kid when she was annoyed. Ugh! I hate that shocking part.

Catherine and Edgar become close friends and become lover. Heathcliff disappointment worsen more after what he heard from Catherine's secret from Dean, and in fact it was true. Who the hell are you going to marry a man without a power with beauty and appearance that can attract richness? Haha. I'm too materialistic, but I agree to what Dean said tha love is not all about money and so on. It is inside that makes everything flows.

So Heathcliff was lost without a trace and Catherine become the wife of Edgar... I'll continue the story later and I'm getting excited. Hey, what will happen to their love and hate relationship? My sneaky brain can't stop asking the book. (hide spoiler)]

I also suggest that you guys have to sit in front of an air conditioner while reading the book and that makes it more interesting because you can feel the bumpiness and coldness of the place. Chilling. (Ugh, my stomach ache.)

[kwesi 章英狮]

I'm done reading 8 chapters yesterday while waiting someone in the library. I mean, I'm planning to attend an event and I heard that my favorite singer will going to perform. Unfortunately, my sister's teacher set everything as a humor. Shame on me.

Chapter 10-17 (view spoiler)[The story is already interesting and very confusing. Yes, I still find this book hard to read. Harder than reading The Arabian Nights at least I got my attention doomed to the passion revenge that other reviewers talking about.

This is not a typical love story, this is more on how to take revenge to your ex-girlfriend and how to chainsaw their head while waiting for the police to come. I don't know why heathcliff have to do those things just because of his love to Catherine. If he only did nice things he can get Catherine from that house or befriend with the family. Maybe his heart is loomed that he can't get out from the static shock.

When Heathcliff went back to the Grange everyone was so shocked and he stayed in the Wuthering Heghts doing bad things and diabolic plans while looking outside the window dreaming of Catherine. He pursue the life of taking Isabella's idiotness of falling in love to a hero to take revenge to the Linton family.

After that Catherine become sick and died after the birth of the new Catherine. Hindley also died after the event because of alcohol etc. Now, I can't wait to read another chapter later. (hide spoiler)]

[Laraine]

I found that it really speaks true to the era that Wuthering Heights was written that the author would find it common for sickness and death to come hand in hand...

[Felicity]

Sam wrote: "Please just gouge my eyes out with a spoon!! I could not get into this book. The characters are repulsive, the prose were very hard to understand, and the language of some of the characters was n..."
I experienced your problem too... then I read a summary at the back of the book (it was a Signet one "enriched edition" stuff) and it intrigued me. So I tried to understand the dialogues and narration, and I enjoyed it. I really did, and I hope you will, too.

[kwesi 章英狮]

@Laraine: I agree and I found out that they love to kill there characters. Dying of sickness and hunger because of depression. They are the cruel God of there worlds. Haha. Now, I'm sick of people dying.

[kwesi 章英狮]

The Ending: Uhm, at least the new generation of the two families end up with a very mysterious ending. I want to read what really happened to the two living characters. Anyway, I loved the whole book except when John speak of something very long and in broad Yorkshire. Haha.

[Jennifer]

Same here! Haha, I can't seem to understand what Joseph is saying. How does depicting him with a Yorkshire accent add to the story? It's sad how he is a Pharisee who likes going to church and following rules but didn't let God's words affect his life.

I'm half way through it so far... I can't believe Catherine (the mom) died and the story is still not more than 3/4 over. This book is better than the movie. I think the movie focused too much on the sexual scenes, but the book focused more on Healthcliff's obsession of Catherine. He loved her, but didn't love her the right way. I hate how he married Isabella as a tool to make Edgar mad! It's hard to sympathize with him. He shouldn't have come back after he left. Or he shouldn't have left... just talk to Catherine honestly and try to change her mind before she marries. If she says no, then just move on. I'm guessing she would have said no, because obviously she picked money and comfort over him. However, I feel like she really did love Edgar when she married him after waiting three years for Healthcliff. Edgar made her feel special and loved her despite her flaws.
I'm looking forward to finishing it in the next week or so!

Laraine wrote: "Boo Kworm wrote: "Hi, new to this group, just starting out on reading Wuthering heights, is it worth my time?

The language is quite tricky O_O"

I'm 40% in, I think the prose is lovely if a bit di..."

[Jonathan]

Personally I didn't feel it was as much a romantic novel as a tragedy. It was more a look at obsession and madness. I didn't like any characters simply because most of them were full of spite and plans of revenge. And someone once called Heathcliff better than Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy was the far nobler character in my opinion.

[Raquel]

I agree with some of the commenters who brought up the fact that the book is more of a tragedy then having anything to do with romance. The characters are awful and I can't care for any of them. The story is written well with lovely language except for the nearly incomprehensible talk from Joseph. I didn't care for this book at all.

[Jonathan]

Raquel wrote: "I agree with some of the commenters who brought up the fact that the book is more of a tragedy then having anything to do with romance. The characters are awful and I can't care for any of them. Th..."

Nice to see I'm not the only one. I only cared for the writing which was beautiful, not the characters.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

Very dark, but calls your attention.