Book Review: Wuthering Heights

My rating 2 1/2 stars

Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte is a classic, tragic, tale of several inter-related romances.

Just because it's slated as a classic doesn't mean it's enjoyable to read from start to finish. Some people may believe a book should be revered and respected because it is a classic, but I say that you don't have to love something simply because it has endured the test of time.

Heathcliff is a detestable character and he is whom the story is mostly about. He loves a woman he grew up with who returns his love, but marries someone else for her own selfish desires (money, of course). Heathcliff upon finding this out leaves and becomes rich, he returns to court the married woman he loves, Cathryn. She then dies in childbirth and has baby girl; who is also named Cahtryn. Heathcliff, spiteful man that he is, marries Cathryn's husband's sister; and treats her poorly for revenge. Heathcliff's wife runs away and bears a son whom she names Linton (which was her maiden name). By the time both children are almost sixteen Linton's mother dies and he goes to live with Heathcliff, who at first spoils him rotten - making him also very self-centered, then abuses to obtain more wealth. Heathcliff had obtained his love, Cathryn's brothers property and young boy by deceit. He hatches a plan to have the his son and Cathryn's daughter marry so that he may also own everything that once belonged to his Cathryn.

Heathcliff attains his purpose by beating his son and commanding him to send for his cousin (Cathryn the younger) and upon her arrival he locks her up and hits her when she is defiant. He then forces the marriage and his son who was very ill dies a few days later, Cathryn's father also dies leaving Heathcliff with everything, including Cathryn's sanity.

None of the characters are really likable except the young Cathryn and then Heathcliff turns her sullen as well. However, in the end he is driven mad by thinking the Cathryn he loved is haunting her and dies from it. I sad when you are glad to see a character who was a main love interest kick the bucket.

Although I will not say I am sorry I read the book, only because I understood Stephenie Meyer's books a little better and believe reading can only improve someone who would like to write some day. This book defiantly helped me to know what emotions I wouldn't want others who would feel reading something I wrote. Overall, it was kinda depressing but it ended well so that ind of made up for it.