I understand why many people despise this book. Catherine and Heathcliff are truly monstrous. Monstrous indeed. You simply won't like them as they are completely unlikable. They are irrational, self-centered, malicious, and possess pretty much every negative quality one can think of without self-destruction. They seek to destroy and act without any thought of the consequences. And I find it truly fascinating that Emily Bronte chose them to be her central protagonists.

When this was first published, it was met with great animosity due to how utterly repugnant these two characters were. The way they conduct themselves, caring nothing for others but only for themselves, was enough to make me shake my head in complete and total judgment, as if Catherine and Heathcliff could see me and be effectively shamed by their actions.

Wuthering Heights is, in my humble opinion, an epic. The scope of this story is monumental. Let me explain: it is a simple tale between two families that are bound in such a way that their fates are irrevocably intertwined. What affects one, affects the other. It's about Catherine and Heathcliff who fall in love and how their relationship ruins the lives of those around them. The book, all 400 pages of it, takes place almost entirely at Wuthering Heights, the estate of the Earnshaws, and at Thrushcross Grange, the estate of the Lintons, with only a couple of miles of land in between.

And yet, it is not a small story. The emotional magnitude of this book is great and far-reaching. The provoking and unapologetic nature of Bronte's writing is captivating. The process of reading this story can sometimes feel so masochistic that it's almost as if she's daring us to stop reading and throw the book away. It's like a game of personal endurance to see how much we can take and how far we can go. She pushes us, challenges us, all the while knowing that we have to keep reading because redemption awaits. It is nothing like its contemporaries.

The moors, the darkness of the moors, that curses the household of Wuthering Heights and its inhabitants, is ever-present. Nature is personified. It is its own character, lingering and simmering ever so quietly, saturating every scene with its silent threats of doom... okay, I have to stop talking like this... what am I anymore?

There is poison in this book, but let me ease your mind by saying that it is balanced with goodness as well. This isn't a perfect novel. There were still moments when I found myself in perplexion (a recently invented word). And while everything about Catherine and Heathcliff may be corrupt, there is hope in Wuthering Heights. If you can journey through the menacing forest of Emily Bronte's imagination, do it because the view is something to behold.

Ha ha ha, this review... what even is this?

4.5ish <3

This simple expression holds a certain charm. It might refer to a rating or a level of something, perhaps a product or an experience that is just a little above average, around 4.5. The "<3" at the end adds a touch of affection or endearment. It could imply that the person using this expression has a soft spot for whatever it is they are referring to.

It makes one wonder what exactly this 4.5ish thing is. Is it a book that was really good but had a few minor flaws? Or maybe a restaurant that served delicious food but had a slightly slow service. It could be anything.

In a world where everything is often rated and judged, this 4.5ish <3 stands out as a more subjective and personal assessment. It shows that there is more to our opinions and feelings than just a number or a label. It reminds us that sometimes, the things that are just a little bit above average can still bring us a lot of joy and satisfaction.

Wuthering Heights is an extraordinary tale that encompasses a plethora of emotions and themes. It is a story that delves deep into the realms of great love and intense passion, yet it also reveals the dark side of human nature with its elements of betrayal and revenge. The complex web of relationships within and between families adds another layer of depth to this captivating narrative. It showcases the lives of rebels who dare to break free from the constraints of society. Additionally, it presents a few selfish characters who are willing to go to any lengths for their own benefit.

The beauty of this novel lies in its ability to be viewed from multiple angles. Each time we read it, we discover new and embedded themes, providing us with a unique reading experience in different phases of our lives.

Emily Bronte has masterfully crafted this story in such a way that the tales of the Earnshaws, the Lintons, Heathcliff, and Catherine will etch themselves in our minds forever. If you have a penchant for classics, then Wuthering Heights is undeniably a book that you should not miss.

“If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.”

**"A Reassessment of 'Wuthering Heights'"**

Not often do I find myself compelled to edit a review and completely change my opinion of a book I initially detested. But Emily Bronte, you are a mastermind!

After learning truly horrifying things from the comments of my fellow Goodreaders, such as the inspiration Heathcliff and Catherine's story had on 'Twilight' and Heathcliff's popularity as a romantic figure, I read a comment from Teresa. She pointed out that Bronte was creating her own world, a claustrophobic one with repeating names like Hindley, Heathcliff, Hareton, and two Catherines. This led me to realize that the book is a genius take on a secluded world ruled by its own godlike creatures.

There are two Catherines in the book, both taking a journey between different names, with few options. Young Cathy, who seemed close to leaving thanks to Lockwood, ultimately remains tethered to the Earnshaw family. Heathcliff, who could have had the world, returns to rule the small universe he was adopted into. And everyone else is connected in a chain, with the little world of the novel excluding those who don't fit. Only Isabella manages to escape, but her child is sucked into the same world.

This world, free from outside influence, continues to go in its own circle, a terrifying universe. It's a mind-blowing realization that was enough to up my star rating by a full star. Emily Bronte, your mind was darker than I gave it credit for. Touché.

However, my original review was quite different. I was initially drawn to the book because of the word 'Wuthering' and its introduction through pop culture. The beginning was promising, with a surreal and creepy setting. But then the story took a turn for the worse. I was promised passion and wilderness, but instead got a cold shower of egotistical, self-absorbed, and destructive behavior. Neither Catherine nor Heathcliff truly love each other; it's just selfishness masquerading as love.

The book also had several flaws, such as out-of-character moments, a contrived happy-ish ending, constant violence, and reminders of Heathcliff's dark skin being associated with evil. The repetitive cycle of behavior and Joseph's dialect also added to my dislike. In the end, I was too exhausted with the story to care. It tried too hard to be dark and brooding and just wore me out. I gave it 2 stars and tried to dodge the negative feedback.

Wuthering Heights is a complex and controversial novel that elicits a wide range of emotions from readers. Some consider it a literary masterpiece, while others find it difficult to stomach. I went into reading this book with an open mind, but I have to admit that I didn't really love it. However, I was definitely not prepared for the wild and tumultuous journey that the story took me on.

The characters in Wuthering Heights are, for the most part, truly insufferable. With the exception of Ellen/Nelly, I found myself constantly frustrated and annoyed by their actions and decisions. Heathcliff, in particular, is a character who is difficult to sympathize with. His single-minded obsession with Catherine and his cruel treatment of those around him make him a truly despicable figure.

Despite my feelings about the characters, I have to admit that the story itself is engaging and full of twists and turns. The atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors adds a sense of mystery and foreboding to the tale, and Emily Bronte's prose is both beautiful and haunting. The themes of abuse, cycles of violence, and the power of love and obsession are explored in a deep and thought-provoking way.

Overall, while I didn't love Wuthering Heights, I do think it is a book that is worth reading. It is a classic of English literature for a reason, and it offers a unique and powerful perspective on the human condition. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and the power of literature to触动 our emotions.

  
    “People feel with their hearts, Ellen, and since he has destroyed mine, I have not power to feel for him.”
  

I've attempted reading this particular book three times already. I'm well aware that there are people who are completely obsessed with it. However, I find myself in a rather different position. I detest every single character in the book. It's to the point where I simply can't bring myself to care about a story when I truly hate the individuals within it.

Sure, I understand the common interpretation that despite how awful Heathcliff and Cathy are, it's their love that manages to redeem them. And isn't that supposed to be romantic?

But my answer is a resounding no. I just can't see the romance in a relationship filled with so much toxicity and harm. The actions and behaviors of these characters are simply too abhorrent for me to view their love in a positive light. I believe there are better examples of love and redemption in literature that don't involve such extreme and unlikable characters.

Here’s my choice for flashback Saturday at the time of another Mercury retrograde! One of my all time favorite classics: Wuthering Heights.

The readers of this unconventional, provocative masterpiece truly diverged into two sides: haters and true admirers.

I’m one of the admirers because I always like to read about an honest approach to the monsters wearing human furs in the real world. Catherine and Heathcliff are irritating, extremely selfish, destructive, illogical characters. They can be definite as threatening monsters. The claustrophobic, dark, agitating world building at Yorkshire moors: desolated, remote, freezing grassland reflects true beauty and ugliness at the same time ( like the reflection of its own habitants) combines with the dark souls of the characters and push you into a depressive, intense, bleak world of them filled with grudge, hatred, resentment.

Why does a man turn into a monster? The abuse he endured throughout the years from his family can manipulate his mind and make him think he’s not worthy enough. His bottled up anger, growing inferiority complex, sadness pushed him so far as to kill the last pieces of humanity left in his body. He turns into a violent man, beating his wife, cursing his faith, becoming more vindictive at each second, fueling himself with the pain of others just like he suffered when he witnessed his soulmate choose to marry someone else. Deep inside, he is still the humiliated Gypsy orphan boy even though now he is a rich and powerful man. But in the meantime, the man is still capable of feeling passionate love. Did his obsessive love feed his hatred and push him too far to plan his vindictive revenge?

He’s not the only villain of the story. His true love Catherine is also selfish, vicious, filled with hatred. The anger inside them darkens their souls. They slowly decay and turn into ruthless creatures who don’t carry any piece of empathy.

Catherine and Heathcliff’s story was too intimidating, destructive, unconventional for 19th century England. But as far as I can see, it’s still way too complex, heartfelt, painful for the world we’re living in, too.

The multi-POVed storytelling technique and the heartbreaking, moving, extremely disturbing, dark, traumatic and truly tragic story of two of the most argumentative characters in literature still haunt my soul. But like a moth to a flame, I cannot help myself from being drawn to this book over and over again.

Here are my favorite quotes:

“Do I want to live? . . . [W]ould you like to live with your soul in the grave?”

“Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!”

“I’m tired of being enclosed here. I’m wearying to escape into that glorious world, and to be always there: not seeing it dimly through tears, and yearning for it through the walls of an aching heart: but really with it, and in it.”

“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

“You loved me—then what right had you to leave me?”

“I’m now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself.”

“I have to remind myself to breathe—almost to remind my heart to beat!”

This story is truly remarkable. It remains as brilliant on the eleventh reading as it was on the first encounter.

It is a tale that is both brilliant and dark, filled with complexity and wonder. It has managed to capture my heart and become one of my all-time favourites.

Every time I pick it up, I am drawn into its captivating world, unable to put it down. The characters are vividly brought to life, and the plot twists and turns keep me on the edge of my seat.

I just completely adore this story. It has a charm and allure that is simply irresistible. It is a literary masterpiece that I will continue to cherish and revisit time and time again.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read, as it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It’s truly remarkable to encounter a captivating story populated by truly abhorrent characters.

When I say abhorrent, I don't mean characters we simply dislike because of their personalities or decisions. Instead, it's because, at their very essence, they are weak, cruel, or perhaps even just plain evil. So, when I opened a book that is 175 years old, armed only with the guidance of “It’s a great love story!”, Wuthering Heights turned out to be perhaps the most misleading advertisement I've ever come across, which made the reading experience all the more interesting.

To be honest, the beginning was sluggish and uninteresting. After a break from reading and having mostly consumed YA books in the past few years, this was the most technically challenging book I've read in a while. Secondly, I had no idea where the story was headed. Heathcliff may be the central figure of this tale, but he's not the one telling it. Our protagonist, Mr Lockwood, is essentially a random individual who has no real connection to the plot other than to hear the tragic story of Wuthering Heights from someone who also isn't Heathcliff (a bit like a book Inception, if you will). However, the more I delved into it and the more the page count gradually increased each day, I began to appreciate it for what it truly was. It's not exactly a love story, but rather a portrayal of the cruelty and wickedness of humanity.

In a nutshell, Heathcliff, a gypsy boy, is adopted by Earnshaw to Wuthering Heights, a house on the Moors. There he spends his childhood, in love with Earnshaw's daughter Catherine, and hated by Hindley, Earnshaw's son. As they grow up, their lives become intertwined with another family, the Lintons, and the more their paths cross, the more chaos ensues.

For a large part of the story, I wondered where things were going because from the very beginning, all of these characters remained unpredictable. Cathy is temperamental, Hindley is abusive, the Lintons are weak (though I liked them both), and Heathcliff... he's basically a sociopath, and I don't know how else to describe it. All of their children are equally frustrating (with names so similar to their parents), yet I was completely drawn into the drama of their lives. Because this book takes the risk of having irredeemable characters, it suddenly becomes so much more unique and fascinating to read. They have unhappy marriages, are abusive, and treat each other horribly, to the point where you lose hope in their humanity. And to think about how long ago this was published, I would have loved to see the outcry at the time.

How many happy books and characters do we have? How many relationships are unbreakable, honest, and flawless? This could have been a simple love story about a boy from a humble background trying to marry a girl from a privileged family. But no. Heathcliff and Cathy are callous and deceitful, marry other people, and then treat their spouses with hatred. It's remarkable that a book this old dared to challenge social norms during such a conservative time period. There is never any sympathy in this book. People hate (or love) each other so much that they dedicate their lives to getting revenge in such strange ways. And that's where the believability lies. These cruel characters with their selfish impulses and violence reflect the part of society and relationships that we don't talk about. We like happy endings and soul mates, but this book is just a portrayal of the opposite side. The qualities of the characters in this book are qualities that exist in real life, and maybe we'd like to believe they're unrealistic, but the truth is, most people fall somewhere between this and the Disney, rom-com ending. We'd just rather not see the former because we want to believe that love is a perfect thing, when this book proves that's not always the case.

In terms of characters, Nellie and Edgar were the only remotely nice people, as well as Hareton. And I just want to clarify my stance here, but there is no way Heathcliff can be considered redeemable. He's a brilliant and incredibly complex character, but for those who are convinced he's some kind of swash-buckling romantic figure, I'm just so confused. Please share your thought process with me.

I must admit, I also see the appeal of referring to this book as a romance novel due to the sheer intensity of Heathcliff and Cathy's relationship, but I feel Bronte was much more focused on the negative aspects of these characters. Yes, they may be abusers and wicked people, but they can love in their own strange ways. At the same time, they're still abusers and wicked people. Their love, as strong as it is, does not detract from the things they've done. In fact, maybe their love was the cause of the downfall of all these people anyway.

I didn't mind “It’s a story, about a guy who’s told a story” as a narrative choice, and while I actually felt I didn't get a complete picture of the Moors, I felt the spooky atmosphere was always spot on. I deducted some stars for the general slowness of the beginning and the last fifty pages took such a random turn that I put down the book to laugh at its absurdity, thinking “what is this book?” It felt like the third act twist of a B-list horror movie. But the characters and their choices remained fascinating, and the psychology of each one of them left so much for me to explore. I thought it was a bold take on what we expect from a romance story, and I'm glad I picked it up.

(I really, really hated Heathcliff's son though. I just had to write that down.)

Dark, atmospheric, disturbing and fascinating.

These are the words that perfectly describe the kind of stories I am drawn to. I have an insatiable love for reading about horrible characters, doomed romances, and the bleakness and darkness that pervade them.

For me, this particular story was a dream come true. It was filled with all the elements that make my heart race and my imagination soar.

At times, it was awfully dramatic and perhaps even bordered on the ridiculous. But that was precisely what made it so endearing to me.

I relished every moment of it, getting lost in the twisted tales and complex emotions that were unfolding on the pages.

It was a journey into the unknown, a exploration of the darker side of human nature, and I loved every single second of it.

The reason why I gave it 5 ⭐️ instead of 4 (even though that was my initial thought), is that the last 150 pages (approximately) made me add an extra star. And this is because of the character Heathcliff who annoyed me so much that I said: ok, it's a 5!

I first encountered this book during my teenage years and then revisited it in my twenties. Subsequently, my recollections of it were influenced by various video adaptations, some of which were excellent while others were rather糟糕. Due to this, I felt the urge to read the book once more, eager to discover how my memories corresponded to the actual text.

I had forgotten a significant portion of the book, yet as soon as I began reading it again, all the details came flooding back. For some inexplicable reason, I had believed it to be a tragic romance, but in reality, it is a character analysis of dysfunction. I have never been so relieved to finish a book, and I would have abandoned it had it not been a buddy read with my Goodreads friend Pat.

I am well aware that it is a classic, and who am I to criticize such a highly regarded title? However, this book could have greatly benefited from some extensive editing. I think I have been deterred from reading any more classics for a while. I'm now off to read something much more lighthearted and enjoyable.