Feb 29, 2012 01:54 AM
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(Updated Feb 29, 2012 04:16 PM)
“We know nothing in the whole range of our fictitious literature which presents such shocking pictures of the worst forms of Humanity.” The Atlas.
“How a Human being could have attempted such a book as the present without committing suicide before he had finished a dozen chapters, is a mystery.” The Graham’s Lady magazine.
When the book was published in 1847, it was not received well. It is only later that the book has achieved a superior status in the literary world. This book was with me since last 2 year and I would like to thank @ajay_1977 for him addressing me in his review, said, “ek bar padh liya toh kabhi aap isko bhul nahin paoge.” Nothing but true.
Plot: The story revolves around two characters, Heathcliffand Catherine Earnshaw. Doomed romance and revenge are the main themes. Mystery is central. Heathcliff loves Catherine and no one else. Catherine loves herself and Heathcliff, herself more. When Catherine chooses Edgar Linton over Heathcliff to get married with, Heathcliff chooses to destroy all lives around. This combined with the agony of Hindley (Catherine’s brother) ill-treating him since childhood, he begins the Holi of revenge. In cold blood!
The story is set in Yorkshire. It happens in two farm estates “Wuthering Heights” and “Thrushcross Grange” across three generations. WH is occupied by the Earnshaws and TG by Lintons. The story forms a very complicated web between two families and its characters. I will not reveal much of the plot, I leave it for you to read. It is a very curious read, through which you will come across many mysteries:
Why Catherine Earnshaw chooses to marry Edgar Linton?
Why Heathcliff runs away from home? What’s his being when he comes back?
How Heathcliff, an orphan, brought in by senior Mr Earnshaw (Catherine’s father) comes to inherit/own WH and TG both?
Why Hareton Earnshaw, the legal heir of WH lives there like slaves & perform servants task?
What is the bond between Heathcliff & Hareton? Why?
Ms Catherine Earnshaw, Mrs Catherine Linton, Ms Catherine Linton, Mrs Catherine Heathcliff, who are they? Is there a Mrs Catherine Earnshaw too?
What’s the curious & strange character of Mr Linton Heathcliff?
Why is the book titled “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte?
How this book can make Ajmal Kasab die of shame? Find out. Indian Govt has no plans!
Apart from this the narrative is full of twists every now and then. It’s very powerful, engaging & intriguing read with surprises thrown in.
Emily Bronte. Wuthering Heights is not a work of a sound Human head. She did not get any recognition while she was alive. It was only later that people accepted it as a masterpiece like no one else. I wish she survived some more years (she was just 31 when she died), to celebrate her success. Poor thing, she was not aware how much people would love her for this devil’s account.
Narration. It’s a beautiful, beautiful narrative. It’s a unique kind of account, which seems very difficult at the beginning, but becomes very interesting as you move further. I read chapter 1. Wash out! I confess, I reread chapter 1, chapter 2 & bang on!
Ellen (Nelly) Dean is the chief narrator and is present in almost every frame of the narrative. Nelly, a servant at the Height is almost the age of Hindley. She has served at the Heights and the Grange and is loved & has always been a family to Earnshaws, Lintons & Heathcliff.
Cons.
Narration. This style may put many people off and they are unable to complete it.
There are certain scenes which are not convincing enough. Like
It is not known, why was Heathcliff brought home by Mr Earnshaw, when he was happy with his two children, a girl & a boy?
Where was Heathcliff & what he did when he run from the Heights? What did Isabella do when she ran away?
Why Frances, Hindley, Isabella, Edgar, Catherine, Linton died and only Heathcliff remained?
The Human emotions. The Human emotions depicted in the story, be it their love, passion, sorrow, hatred, rage, revenge, innocence, ignorance etc are blown out of proportion at a few places.
The Reader’s (my) emotions. This is a dark, very dark novel. For the most part of it, my spirit was disgusted, disturbed & poisonous. This is indescribable. There is hardly a “feel good” section.
The book has its own down time. At the middle, just after Catherine’s death, comes a very long and boring Isabella’s account on Heathcliff, Hindley & the Heights. But it becomes pacy again, just when Isabella leaves to London for good.
Recommended for. Most of the reviewers (book lovers) on MS would be able to sail through right. Even if you don’t seem to get it straight, you can reread a chapter like I did and you will be good. For rest, all I would say is that this is no cake walk and if you have got passion for reading (not Chetan Bhagat), go for it.
So if you possess this book & have not read, read it. If you don’t, buy, or borrow. But don’t miss out if you love classical fiction.
“It is impossible to lay it aside afterwards and say nothing about it.” The Douglas Jerrold’s weekly newspaper.
“It is not everyday that so good a novel makes its appearance.” The Britannia.
Thankyou for reading my first book review. Please rate and comment.
Take care, Always.
Anshuman Maini
