Book Review: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights is a dramatic Gothic novel that is considered one of the earliest examples of Romantic literature in the modern era. Written by Emily Brontë, it follows the turbulent lives of the protagonists, Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, and spans multiple generations in the misty moors of Yorkshire, England.
The story unfolds through the accounts of secondary characters, primarily the housekeeper Nelly Dean and Mr. Lockwood, a tenant at Thrushcross Grange. This layered narrative structure adds to the novel’s sense of mystery, emotional distance, and the overall fogginess of the story itself.
Artistry and Craftsmanship
To be honest, I felt lukewarm about Wuthering Heights, which I’m somewhat ashamed to admit, knowing how widely it's celebrated as a Gothic masterpiece.
The narrative dragged in places. Much of the drama relies on subtle nuance and an underlying eeriness, which I usually enjoy, but here, it sometimes felt overly convoluted. The revenge arcs and obsessive behaviours came across as spontaneous rather than calculated, which made parts of the story feel poorly paced or lacking cohesion.
That said, I appreciate Brontë's effort in exploring the multi-generational consequences of obsession, pride, and betrayal. Still, some of the narrative felt unnecessarily drawn out or devoid of emotional payoff.
What sets Wuthering Heights apart is its deeply flawed, morally complex characters. Typically, in Gothic literature, characters tend to be either extremely evil or extremely noble. In this book, however, there are very few, if any, righteous characters. Aside from the housekeeper, nearly everyone is either cruel or foolish. This creates a nuanced dynamic, especially since we can't fully trust the narrators’ perspectives. Their accounts are subjective, filtered through their own biases and misunderstandings.
One thing is for certain: the "bad" characters don’t just make questionable decisions; they actively twist the lives of those around them. These choices drive the plot in unexpected ways and give the story its intensity(★★).
Themes and Messages
One aspect of the novel was its brutal take on the "star-crossed lovers" trope. Heathcliff and Catherine are not romanticized heroes; they’re genuinely toxic people whose selfish actions destroy their own lives and others. Brontë doesn’t sugarcoat the fallout of their behaviour. This raw honesty stood out to me, especially compared to modern stories that often glorify toxic relationships or rely on the "star-crossed lovers" trope as the main plot driver, portraying the lovers’ actions as innocent and misunderstood without showing the impact on the people around them. In contrast, both Heathcliff and Catherine are equally destructive, which amplifies the disturbing effect of their toxic relationship.
Brontë's portrayal of emotional damage, particularly the mental toll on characters who aren't inherently evil, adds to the novel’s pervasive sense of distress and eeriness. This isn’t horror in the supernatural sense, but rather the horror of human cruelty and unchecked obsession. In a way, the book almost satirizes human selfishness, showing how self-centeredness leads only to pain, bitterness, and ruin (★★★).
Conclusion
Overall, I thought the book was just okay, and I don’t see myself re-reading it. Nevertheless, I understand why it resonates with others. There’s a heavy, persistent eeriness that makes the story unsettling.
What I enjoyed most was the Romantic-era atmosphere: the vivid descriptions of the bleak Yorkshire moors, the crumbling cottages, and the relentless weather. For me, the setting was the most engaging aspect, and it’s what carried me to the end more than the actual plot. Overall, I would give this book 2.5 stars.
Content Disclaimers:
Death, Physical and verbal abuse, Assault, Revenge and manipulation, Alcohol abuse, Vulgar language, Themes of racism and sexism, Contempt and scheming
That's all folks! If you’ve read Wuthering Heights, I’d love to hear what you thought about it in the comments below❤❤❤
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