Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights was my first taste of Bronte literature, and I was certainly not disappointed. This intense gothic novel was so powerful and interesting it was hard to believe that when it was originally published it was met with scorn, then again, what great books don't have their hardships? I found it very unfortunate that this was Emily's only novel, published only a year before her death in 1848. 

It's rare to find a novel that gives the reader an immense amount to think about but actually flows considerably well. Told through the point of view of Nelly to Mr Lockwood, with the occasional input of Isabelle Linton's letters, it shows many different points of view and offers a tapestry of symbolism and emotion I'm just dying to prod and pick at. 

Mr Lockwood moves to the vast expanse of the Yorkshire moors to escape from society after driving the love of his life away, only to meet the mysterious Mr Heathcliff who lives with the strangest, rudest people Lockwood has ever met. Returning to his home after introducing himself to his neighbours he falls ill and asks Nelly, his housekeeper who grew up with Heathcliff, to recount the story. We then travel a whole lifetime back to the beginning of the story. And we are then told one of the most tragic love stories in classic literature, which I believe (which I hope) was enough to deter Lockwood from travelling the same road as Heathcliff did. 

I would love to give more away, but for those who haven't read it I wouldn't like to reveal only part of the tapestry, it's much more impressive when viewed all together. However I will say that the imagery and symbolism in the book was immensely thought provoking. 

The story is woven together so beautifully, and so intricately that it will give you an intense, but enjoyable reading experience. For those who intend to read this brilliant gothic novel, expecting a typical love story between Heathcliff and Cathy, I would advise you to not put down the book if you don't see what you were expecting, and to power through to the brilliant ending.