saliwali's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Bullying, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Classism, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
mattiedancer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Writing: 5⭐️/5
Anne Brontë’s writing, much like her sister’s, is thoughtful, intentional, poignant, and full. Reading a Brontë novel feels filling and, even as these novels tend to start slow, they’re always worth the payout. Most of this novel is beautifully written, even stunningly so. No notes.
Characters: 4.75⭐️/5
It was refreshing to see Gilbert’s immense growth through the story. From starting as a bit of a stuck-up farming boy to a thoughtful and moral man was an entertaining read. Similarly, I love Helen with my whole heart, deeply appreciating her desire to be more than just a wife or mother, while also placing those roles and their corresponding responsibilities on a bit of a pedestal. Her feminism was refreshing and her fight against her husband’s control reminded me a lot of bits and pieces of my own life and how, looking back, you realize how blind you’ve been. I struggled a bit with Lawrence, Helen’s brother, and his slightly inconsistent character, but where he failed to deliver, every other character seemed to step up.
Plot: 4.5⭐️/5
I’m going to start with my critique, which is that one of our main characters, in a fit of rage, horrendously injures our other character’s brother. Gilbert is quick to apologize once he realizes the connection between the characters, but it felt like a large obstacle that was shoved conveniently out of the way. Otherwise, I think this novel’s plot progressed nicely, though slowly. I enjoyed the switch of perspectives as it gave a fullness to the story and, even though the switch was the majority of the novel, it felt perfectly timed and well-structured.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of the Brontë sisters
- Fans of classic literature
- Those looking for a slow, romance-heavy read that bends toward feminism
Content Warnings?
- Misogyny, sexism, infidelity, emotional abuse, classism, death of a parent, death, injury, terminal illness, pregnancy, bullying
Post-Reading Rating: 5⭐️/5
I love Helen and Gilbert.
Final Rating: 4.75⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Violence, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Sexism, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Grief, Misogyny, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
marilla07's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexism
aeshred's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
***slight spoilers ahead***
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë has rapidly shot up to join the ranks of my favorite novels of all time, the ones that I would not hesitate to recommend and rave about to anyone who asks. While it is mostly well known and regarded as a feminist novel, I would venture to say that it is even more than that. Barring the difficult language, as it usually is with classics (especially to someone like me who has English as my third language), its writing and the themes it explores throughout the book transcends time and could have been written through the modern lens of someone from the 21st century. It presents an argument on how children are raised, double standards, the independence and rights of women, divorce and domestic violence in different forms. Furthermore, though not as obvious as the others, I believe that it also presents a criticism on Christian morality and belief through Helen Huntingdon’s own personal beliefs (that could be annoying at times with how sanctimonious she can be) and how it has both positively and negatively affected her decisions.
With that said, Anne really does not hold back her punches in writing her characters as all of them are extremely flawed in many ways, even Helen and Gilbert. Especially Helen and Gilbert. They can be uncomfortable at best and extremely unlikeable at worst but these flaws, I believe, give more emphasis to their character development. This applies to other characters as well, wherein sometimes, some of them become even more flawed and worse than they were at the beginning of the novel.
Helen could be, as mentioned, sanctimonious and infuriating in some of her decisions but later on she learned from some of them and she did reap the consequences of these choices but she is also a strong-willed, independent and committed woman. Gilbert can be seriously petty and dramatic and might have anger issues but he admonishes himself for it and openly admits his previous mistakes in judgment. Characters like Arthur Huntingdon may be a rage-inducing asshole but he is realistic and Arthur as the exists in real life.
Understandably, these characters can be difficult to read and I admittedly had to put down the book a couple of times due to how enraged or astounded I was at their thoughts and actions. Nevertheless, as I believed that they were written this way intentionally and character behaviors and traits have paralleled each other, or their development later on throughout my reading, I was able to enjoy the book as it is. I ended up loving how these characters and their circumstances were written, flawed and infuriating as they are.
Hence, I think this is such an important and insightful novel that is worth a read and should be revisited, whether we liked it or hated it the first time.
tldr;
- very modern ideas despite its date of writing
- includes themes on child rearing, morality and feminism
- epistolary format, unreliable narrators
- character-driven, flawed characters that either learns and grows or gets even worse
- very slow paced
Recommendation:
Though it is a fairly digestible novel as compared to some of the classics I’ve read (though they are few), I think that this book is best read with a pre-existing knowledge on the circumstances and societal norms at that time. Furthermore, Anne’s author preface is an important read before diving into the novel as it gives us a perspective on the mindset she has as she wrote this and provides a deeper understanding on the complexities of the very flawed and sometimes unlikeable traits of her characters.
It is a book that benefits more when read slowly and with intention and patience, and quite frankly, should I have read this at an earlier time of my life, I might have even disliked it knowing what my preferred reading pace used to be. Perhaps what helped me get through this book and end up liking it as much as I do now is because I came in reading this with the intention to annotate and reread passages of the book, and that might not be for everyone. But if you like to sit on a book for a while, annotate, get pissed off some characters regarding their choices, actions, beliefs and thoughts, and take your sweet sweet time reading (and googling words every now and then if you’re like me who has a hard time with classics), then this might be your cup of tea.
Some of my favorite passages/quotes from the book and its context in my own words:
“Because, my dear, beauty is that quality which, next to money, is generally the most attractive to the worst kinds of men; and, therefore, it is likely to entail a great deal of trouble on the possessor.”
- Helen’s aunt speaking facts and predicting her future
“...but if I hate the sins I love the sinner, and would do much for his salvation…”
- Helen in her "i can fix him" era with her toxic crush
"My cup of sweets is not unmingled; it is dashed with a bitterness that I cannot hide from myself, disguise it as I will. I may try to persuade myself that the sweetness overpowers it; I may call it a pleasant aromatic flavour; but say what I will, it is still there, and I cannot but taste it.”
- just Helen being in denial that her husband’s an ass
“...he knows he is my sun, but when he chooses to withhold his light, he would have my sky to be all darkness; he cannot bear that I should have a moon to mitigate the deprivation.”
- Helen about Arthur isolating her, toxic asf but the line is pretty
Note:
Might reread in the future after I’ve read all the works of the Brontë sisters.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë has rapidly shot up to join the ranks of my favorite novels of all time, the ones that I would not hesitate to recommend and rave about to anyone who asks. While it is mostly well known and regarded as a feminist novel, I would venture to say that it is even more than that. Barring the difficult language, as it usually is with classics (especially to someone like me who has English as my third language), its writing and the themes it explores throughout the book transcends time and could have been written through the modern lens of someone from the 21st century. It presents an argument on how children are raised, double standards, the independence and rights of women, divorce and domestic violence in different forms. Furthermore, though not as obvious as the others, I believe that it also presents a criticism on Christian morality and belief through Helen Huntingdon’s own personal beliefs (that could be annoying at times with how sanctimonious she can be) and how it has both positively and negatively affected her decisions.
With that said, Anne really does not hold back her punches in writing her characters as all of them are extremely flawed in many ways, even Helen and Gilbert. Especially Helen and Gilbert. They can be uncomfortable at best and extremely unlikeable at worst but these flaws, I believe, give more emphasis to their character development. This applies to other characters as well, wherein sometimes, some of them become even more flawed and worse than they were at the beginning of the novel.
Helen could be, as mentioned, sanctimonious and infuriating in some of her decisions but later on she learned from some of them and she did reap the consequences of these choices but she is also a strong-willed, independent and committed woman. Gilbert can be seriously petty and dramatic and might have anger issues but he admonishes himself for it and openly admits his previous mistakes in judgment. Characters like Arthur Huntingdon may be a rage-inducing asshole but he is realistic and Arthur as the
Spoiler
cheating alcoholic husband who emotionally and psychologically abuses his wifeUnderstandably, these characters can be difficult to read and I admittedly had to put down the book a couple of times due to how enraged or astounded I was at their thoughts and actions. Nevertheless, as I believed that they were written this way intentionally and character behaviors and traits have paralleled each other, or their development later on throughout my reading, I was able to enjoy the book as it is. I ended up loving how these characters and their circumstances were written, flawed and infuriating as they are.
Hence, I think this is such an important and insightful novel that is worth a read and should be revisited, whether we liked it or hated it the first time.
tldr;
- very modern ideas despite its date of writing
- includes themes on child rearing, morality and feminism
- epistolary format, unreliable narrators
- character-driven, flawed characters that either learns and grows or gets even worse
- very slow paced
Recommendation:
Though it is a fairly digestible novel as compared to some of the classics I’ve read (though they are few), I think that this book is best read with a pre-existing knowledge on the circumstances and societal norms at that time. Furthermore, Anne’s author preface is an important read before diving into the novel as it gives us a perspective on the mindset she has as she wrote this and provides a deeper understanding on the complexities of the very flawed and sometimes unlikeable traits of her characters.
It is a book that benefits more when read slowly and with intention and patience, and quite frankly, should I have read this at an earlier time of my life, I might have even disliked it knowing what my preferred reading pace used to be. Perhaps what helped me get through this book and end up liking it as much as I do now is because I came in reading this with the intention to annotate and reread passages of the book, and that might not be for everyone. But if you like to sit on a book for a while, annotate, get pissed off some characters regarding their choices, actions, beliefs and thoughts, and take your sweet sweet time reading (and googling words every now and then if you’re like me who has a hard time with classics), then this might be your cup of tea.
Some of my favorite passages/quotes from the book and its context in my own words:
Spoiler
“Because, my dear, beauty is that quality which, next to money, is generally the most attractive to the worst kinds of men; and, therefore, it is likely to entail a great deal of trouble on the possessor.”
- Helen’s aunt speaking facts and predicting her future
“...but if I hate the sins I love the sinner, and would do much for his salvation…”
- Helen in her "i can fix him" era with her toxic crush
"My cup of sweets is not unmingled; it is dashed with a bitterness that I cannot hide from myself, disguise it as I will. I may try to persuade myself that the sweetness overpowers it; I may call it a pleasant aromatic flavour; but say what I will, it is still there, and I cannot but taste it.”
- just Helen being in denial that her husband’s an ass
“...he knows he is my sun, but when he chooses to withhold his light, he would have my sky to be all darkness; he cannot bear that I should have a moon to mitigate the deprivation.”
- Helen about Arthur isolating her, toxic asf but the line is pretty
Note:
Might reread in the future after I’ve read all the works of the Brontë sisters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Misogyny, and Sexism
uncreativeoops's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Addiction, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Confinement, and Infidelity
Minor: Rape and Suicide attempt
malachinelson's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved Helen's feminist discourse. However, the Gilbert's character arc was unsatisfying and ultimately ended act three on a low note.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse
eve81's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexism, Death of parent, Addiction, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Classism, Death, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Murder
bruhbruh's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Infidelity
Moderate: Sexism, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Domestic abuse
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If I could but wrest myself from literature written in the 1800s, I might but yet relent from the poly-syllabary of obfuscatory prose.. but let me speak plainly. I must admit to putting this book off for a while, because it seemed a bit daunting. I added it to my reading list as part of a challenge to read "A Classic you hadn't heard of before this year" so I'll admit that I had mentally bunged it in with other "classics" that I had tried to read as a teen, and failed to finish (like Wuthering Heights).
CW: alcoholism, infidelity, gambling, violence, head injury, heteronormative Christian sexism
A reclusive painter and her son move into an old building that had previously been barely habitable, and the neighbours start to gossip about what she's hiding. Idle speculation leads to talk of scandal and stuck in the middle of it all our narrator begins to fall for this dark beauty and her logic, wit, piety and rationality.
I notice that Anne Brontë, like Mary Shelley before her, has delivered the narrative in the form of letters. Within this she also includes journal articles and conversations that flesh out backstory.. so that it becomes a pile of different stories nested within each other. Within this framework she uses characters in opposing schools of thought as verbal combatants to flesh out ideas of practicality and morality. She shows her colours as the daughter of a clergyman as the entire tale is underpinned by Christian sensibilities.
As far as the plot is concerned I could see where it was going and so I was frustrated that JUST as I felt there was going to be a revelation to the oblivious main character, instead he is handed a journal and then we proceed to get the entire backstory of the woman he's interested in... it's a good story though, so I shall pout quietly.
I find it very refreshing to see a lot of arguments about the raising of children in this story. The concept of coddling girls from evil influences, while expecting boys to learn of them from personal experience was a discussion I have had many times. I also noticed the common refrain of the Introvert - that enjoying the society of others doesn't mean that you need it all the time, or that it isn't overwhelming and exhausting. (REPRESENT: Welcome to Autism Appreciation Month 2023! lol)
I felt like one of the last sections of the book was tacked in to make the book longer, and give it a bit more action, pace? tension? It still felt like an afterthought, and that the cohesion and pace of the book was .. coming a bit unstuck as it bloated.
For an "old book" it has a lot in it to recommend it, and I can ignore most of the rest of it. For a book written in the UK in the 1800s it's .. almost ethnically diverse - characters being pale and red-headed, dark haired and black eyed with an olive complexion, or blonde and blue eyed... and there is plenty of forthright discourse about the affect that is expected of women, and men's obliviousness to the sacrifices they make for their husband's comfort. Yes it's wearisome that the framing is all about pairing off of men and women, and the expectations that young women will be married off.. and the tension between love and money/property/status.. that a woman's security is solely at the whims of the men in her life.. it is historical... in our culture if not in others.
My daughter recently stumbled upon the Scholastic rebindings of classic novels and this was one of them. I don't think that I would stop her reading it, as it's mostly about judging virtue, vice, and moderation, and considering honesty and forbearance. It's probably a bit old for her as yet, but for 20+ readers it might be an interesting chill read.
CW: alcoholism, infidelity, gambling, violence, head injury, heteronormative Christian sexism
A reclusive painter and her son move into an old building that had previously been barely habitable, and the neighbours start to gossip about what she's hiding. Idle speculation leads to talk of scandal and stuck in the middle of it all our narrator begins to fall for this dark beauty and her logic, wit, piety and rationality.
I notice that Anne Brontë, like Mary Shelley before her, has delivered the narrative in the form of letters. Within this she also includes journal articles and conversations that flesh out backstory.. so that it becomes a pile of different stories nested within each other. Within this framework she uses characters in opposing schools of thought as verbal combatants to flesh out ideas of practicality and morality. She shows her colours as the daughter of a clergyman as the entire tale is underpinned by Christian sensibilities.
As far as the plot is concerned I could see where it was going and so I was frustrated that JUST as I felt there was going to be a revelation to the oblivious main character, instead he is handed a journal and then we proceed to get the entire backstory of the woman he's interested in... it's a good story though, so I shall pout quietly.
I find it very refreshing to see a lot of arguments about the raising of children in this story. The concept of coddling girls from evil influences, while expecting boys to learn of them from personal experience was a discussion I have had many times. I also noticed the common refrain of the Introvert - that enjoying the society of others doesn't mean that you need it all the time, or that it isn't overwhelming and exhausting. (REPRESENT: Welcome to Autism Appreciation Month 2023! lol)
I felt like one of the last sections of the book was tacked in to make the book longer, and give it a bit more action, pace? tension? It still felt like an afterthought, and that the cohesion and pace of the book was .. coming a bit unstuck as it bloated.
For an "old book" it has a lot in it to recommend it, and I can ignore most of the rest of it. For a book written in the UK in the 1800s it's .. almost ethnically diverse - characters being pale and red-headed, dark haired and black eyed with an olive complexion, or blonde and blue eyed... and there is plenty of forthright discourse about the affect that is expected of women, and men's obliviousness to the sacrifices they make for their husband's comfort. Yes it's wearisome that the framing is all about pairing off of men and women, and the expectations that young women will be married off.. and the tension between love and money/property/status.. that a woman's security is solely at the whims of the men in her life.. it is historical... in our culture if not in others.
My daughter recently stumbled upon the Scholastic rebindings of classic novels and this was one of them. I don't think that I would stop her reading it, as it's mostly about judging virtue, vice, and moderation, and considering honesty and forbearance. It's probably a bit old for her as yet, but for 20+ readers it might be an interesting chill read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Physical abuse, Drug use, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse and Child abuse
444lex444ndr444's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Animal cruelty