imoganthebogan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
This is my first book by any of the Brontë sisters but I have a feeling Anne will be my favourite. This classics’ romantic and beautiful prose was often contradictory to the pain documented on the page resulting in a heartbreaking and unflinching portrayal of domestic abuse.
I don’t think I can understate what a courageous , selfless and kind character our heroine Helen is. This is further highlighted by the time period this was written in and how controversial this story was at the time. Anne should be commended for providing such a raw and unfiltered view of society and the patriarchal institution of marriage that argues for equality between the sexes, universal salvation and respect for all.
I liked the portrayal of the cycle of addiction which included illustrations of people succumbing to their temptations but also others overcoming their vices. It argued that whilst dangerous, people had the ability to break this cycle. However, this was tempered by the notion that the individual themselves could only make that choice highlighted by Helen’s doomed attempts to save her husband from his sinful vices.
My only critique of this book were the male characters. I found almost all reprehensible and our main character Gilbert did not sufficiently seperate himself from the portrayal of men as only loving women as an object that could be useful for themselves. I would have much preferred the book to be in Helen’s POV entirely as my favourite parts were those that centred her internal monologue.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those wanting to read an honest and feminist portrayal of marriage in the Victorian era that still feels relevant in the 21st century.
I don’t think I can understate what a courageous , selfless and kind character our heroine Helen is. This is further highlighted by the time period this was written in and how controversial this story was at the time. Anne should be commended for providing such a raw and unfiltered view of society and the patriarchal institution of marriage that argues for equality between the sexes, universal salvation and respect for all.
I liked the portrayal of the cycle of addiction which included illustrations of people succumbing to their temptations but also others overcoming their vices. It argued that whilst dangerous, people had the ability to break this cycle. However, this was tempered by the notion that the individual themselves could only make that choice highlighted by Helen’s doomed attempts to save her husband from his sinful vices.
My only critique of this book were the male characters. I found almost all reprehensible and our main character Gilbert did not sufficiently seperate himself from the portrayal of men as only loving women as an object that could be useful for themselves. I would have much preferred the book to be in Helen’s POV entirely as my favourite parts were those that centred her internal monologue.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those wanting to read an honest and feminist portrayal of marriage in the Victorian era that still feels relevant in the 21st century.
loyaultemelie's review against another edition
4.0
Difficult to continue reading at times due to the suffering of the protagonist, the Tenant of Wildfell Hall is nevertheless a deeply compelling book. An unflinching look at domestic abuse it deserves to be as well regarded as the books of Anne Brontë’s sisters.
meakin's review against another edition
5.0
Astonishing in the way it deals with alcoholism, dissipation and marital abuse. The narrative form can be a little clunky but this is deeply underrated.
jdhobbes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? No
5.0
gabbiec's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mekowaletti's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
i'm not usually a fan of classics due to pacing but this was captivating all the way through
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and Terminal illness
Minor: Stalking
momreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is about broken people and a faith in God that is backed by actions and love. There are hard choices in this book but the ending is beautiful. Loved it.
nobutj's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Intriguing beginning, got better as the book went on, but last few chapters were a slog.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
laurabythebook's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0