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‘Is Mr. Heathcliff a man? If so, is he mad? And if not, is he a devil?’
Set on the bleak moors of Yorkshire, Lockwood is forced to seek shelter at Wuthering Heights, the home of his new landlord, Heathcliff. The intense and wildly passionate Heathcliff tells the story of his life, his all-consuming love for Catherine Earnshaw and the doomed outcome of that relationship, leading to his revenge.

Poetic, complex and grand in its scope, Emily Brontë’s masterpiece is considered one of the most unique gothic novels of its time.

Where do I even start, eh?! At the beginning, I guess.

I attempted Wuthering Heights many, many moons ago and about halfway through called it quits. I cannot recall exactly why I DNF-d it, but I daresay I was simply bored, and not in the right mood for it.

That said, can anyone ever be in the mood for such a depressing read? This was altogether callous. But! Gothic, indeed, and with La La in the Library offering to buddy-read, we supported each other through the book (as she also disliked her first time with the title). We had some great discussions during and after, and found that we enjoyed the writing a lot more than either of us remembered. Naturally, we scoured the great web for some discussions and information and it must be said: some of the theories and suggestions that have emerged about Heathcliff’s heritage and sexual orientation, and how the novel is seen in its entirety through the modern readers’ eyes, really can take one by surprise. I mean, it is absolutely preposterous to claim that Heathcliff was asexual because the book didn’t display enough sexual content in between Heathcliff and Catherine. Please…. Just, please. Heathcliff’s heritage is of course a source of many speculations, but I stand firmly by the belief that Heathcliff was a gypsy, of Romani heritage. Not of African descent, and not a slave.

Wuthering Heights often gets the label of a tragic love story, but to me it was more like a deep-dive into obsession and revenge. I do like the idea of Nelly being the unreliable narrator, though. Bystanders do tell stories from their own points of view and add or leave out bits that would most suit them. In her narration to Lockwood, Nelly included her own actions or idle witnessing during certain times so it does leave a lot for the reader to ponder on. How big of a play did Nelly’s hand have in everyone’s fates if she would have intervened, or at times if she wouldn’t have?! Still, it has to be said that I loved how Nelly showed warmth and kindness and common sense towards anyone that needed it.

There is no denying, however, that Heathcliff COULD WELL BE one of the paranormal elements in this gothic story. The troubles started with his arrival, there was pain and hurt for everyone whilst he was at Wuthering Heights, and tables turned for the better when he died. And the small respite everyone had when he was gone for, what was it, 8 months? Yes. It’s almost as if he himself was a curse upon the place and the people living there. Ghosts milling about the moorlands were truly a child’s game compared to a living, breathing Heathcliff.

Catherine. I wasn’t partial to her either. She came across irresponsible and manipulative. And maybe that’s why Heathcliff and Catherine hit it off together so well. They recognized a kindred spirit in each other and let that feeling run wild. But. My hand does not rise to write that it was love in between them. Not even with the great statements they were able to utter to each other – great statements do not always mean love, they can also mean desperation. It would also be apt to ask here, what does one know of love when they treat everyone else around them cruelly? Can a cruel person love someone else? Or, do they love the feeling that a kindred spirit raises in them?

So… I am glad I gave Wuthering Heights a second chance. I have now read the book. I absolutely love how much material it provides for speculation, but to me it is not a love story. It is a tale of revenge, madness, and obsession. The book is grim and gloomy and yes, even unforgettable, but romantic it is not. So, whilst I enjoyed the writing, I didn’t enjoy the story – how could I?!

To close off this review, I want to send a HUGE THANKS to La La in the Library for yet another buddy-read and for the discussion during and after. Always a pleasure! 🙂