I read this book in high school back in the 70s, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I thought more highly of this book than my English teacher did.
Agreed! I love this book. Brontë’s characters utterly destroy themselves and those around them, no one is safe. It’s an expertly drawn panorama of human cruelty in a gorgeously atmospheric setting. I think people who find it disappointing are looking for the romance to end well 😂
Agreed. I am astounded that such a powerful novel was written during that time period and especially by a woman. I feel that Emily wanted to rattle societal norms with regard to women
I admit I have a history, but I can’t help but find parts of this book highly triggering. Extremes of child abuse, senseless cruelty to animals, what can only be construed as rape and sexual violence, abduction, isolation, suicide, extreme mental illness...there’s nothing romantic about any of this, especially if you’ve experienced it in real life.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 It was assigned reading for me, and the moment I finished I went online to see what everyone else’s take was. I’ve been truly shocked at how often Heathcliff is portrayed as a romantic hero. I don’t understand the veneration of a sick, abusive rapist. Makes my head spin.
My friend, the beginning of this video is awesome. The way you read that passage is so well done. It hooks you. Of course, in my humble opinion. It would be great to hear you read your favorite passages from your book collection. Just to get a taste of how amazing those books are.
I think people only know the Hollywood version of the story. Beautiful woman and handsome man standing on a cliff pledging their love. That may be why people who read the book are so turned off by what Bronte actually wrote. It is not the tender love story they were expecting. It is a great book, but not easy to get through.
I live near Haworth in England where the bronte parsonage is now a museum. Such a beautiful evocative village visited by many fans. I cycle there once or twice a year. Summer or winter the place just hits you. If you're ever over in the u.k. Michael give it a visit you will never regret it.
My copy of Wuthering Heights is a special gift I received many years ago, and I don’t want to taint it by reading it! Need to get another edition, pronto!
Great review. I think "Wuthering Heights" is the greatest novel ever written. Of course, I have not read all the novels that have ever been written, but I still strongly suspect that this one is greater than all the others. And if I could meet one person from the past my first choice would be Emily Bronte. I would love to meet the mind that conceived and executed that work.
I remember that scene! You read it so well. WH has been one of my favourite books since high school - very long ago 😉. I remember going to see Timothy Dalton in the movie and my friend and I were crying so hard we had to wait till the next showing started before we had recovered and could leave. Perfect viewing for 13 year olds?! Imagine my surprise when I read the book and discovered the movie was only the beginning of the story. EMILY IS THE QUEEN 👑. Deb
I love this books! The first ever copy I got was a free prize when I finished a summer reading challenge in 2013 when I was 12 years old. Sadly the first time I tried to read it at that age I had no idea what they were saying or what the book was about because I had no knowledge or exposure to the language of classics but I’m so glad I picked it back up in 2016 when I finally understood what they meant and how powerful and intense it was. I literally cried the first time I picked it up was able to understand it. I love it!
This has definitely makes me want to reread this. It has been well over ten years and I think it is about time to pick up again. I know I like it, but I forget the intensity that you describe here.
I can really see disliking this book as you have to spend so much time with unpleasant people! I really thought it was great though. Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
I read Jane Eyre about a year ago and had already picked this book out as my Victober read for this year. However, I had the same preconceived notions as you, thinking they would be similar. It’s been over time that I’ve become gradually aware that WH is a different beast, and now your commentary has me excited for October.
I read this book in high school back in the 70s, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I thought more highly of this book than my English teacher did.
This one is my favorite. Loved your reaction to it! Every word and emotion spot on.
Agreed! I love this book. Brontë’s characters utterly destroy themselves and those around them, no one is safe. It’s an expertly drawn panorama of human cruelty in a gorgeously atmospheric setting. I think people who find it disappointing are looking for the romance to end well 😂
Agreed. I am astounded that such a powerful novel was written during that time period and especially by a woman. I feel that Emily wanted to rattle societal norms with regard to women
I admit I have a history, but I can’t help but find parts of this book highly triggering. Extremes of child abuse, senseless cruelty to animals, what can only be construed as rape and sexual violence, abduction, isolation, suicide, extreme mental illness...there’s nothing romantic about any of this, especially if you’ve experienced it in real life.
It really is full of cruelty and abuse. No argument there.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 It was assigned reading for me, and the moment I finished I went online to see what everyone else’s take was. I’ve been truly shocked at how often Heathcliff is portrayed as a romantic hero. I don’t understand the veneration of a sick, abusive rapist. Makes my head spin.
@@rebekahbennett4989 He was a total monster! Yeah, I’ve been pretty surprised by the same thing. Makes me wonder if they only saw the old movie.
My friend, the beginning of this video is awesome. The way you read that passage is so well done. It hooks you. Of course, in my humble opinion. It would be great to hear you read your favorite passages from your book collection. Just to get a taste of how amazing those books are.
Thank you! I really appreciate you watching. I will remember to mention you in my Academy Awards acceptance speech!
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 You better!!!! LOOOL
I think people only know the Hollywood version of the story. Beautiful woman and handsome man standing on a cliff pledging their love. That may be why people who read the book are so turned off by what Bronte actually wrote. It is not the tender love story they were expecting. It is a great book, but not easy to get through.
I agree completely.
Don't forget about Anne Bronte, the bravest writer of them all.
Your right! I should have talked about Anne! But then I will be talking about her in an upcoming Sunday Penguin!
Such a great review. I want to grab the book ASAP.
I live near Haworth in England where the bronte parsonage is now a museum. Such a beautiful evocative village visited by many fans. I cycle there once or twice a year. Summer or winter the place just hits you. If you're ever over in the u.k. Michael give it a visit you will never regret it.
I would really like to one day.
My copy of Wuthering Heights is a special gift I received many years ago, and I don’t want to taint it by reading it! Need to get another edition, pronto!
Great review. I think "Wuthering Heights" is the greatest novel ever written. Of course, I have not read all the novels that have ever been written, but I still strongly suspect that this one is greater than all the others. And if I could meet one person from the past my first choice would be Emily Bronte. I would love to meet the mind that conceived and executed that work.
All of the Brontes had hard lives. Wuthering Heights should be in a sub genre of its own about obsessive romance, a very tragic novel.
I remember that scene! You read it so well. WH has been one of my favourite books since high school - very long ago 😉. I remember going to see Timothy Dalton in the movie and my friend and I were crying so hard we had to wait till the next showing started before we had recovered and could leave. Perfect viewing for 13 year olds?! Imagine my surprise when I read the book and discovered the movie was only the beginning of the story. EMILY IS THE QUEEN 👑. Deb
I missed the Timothy Dalton film! Thanks so much for your continued support!
I love this books! The first ever copy I got was a free prize when I finished a summer reading challenge in 2013 when I was 12 years old. Sadly the first time I tried to read it at that age I had no idea what they were saying or what the book was about because I had no knowledge or exposure to the language of classics but I’m so glad I picked it back up in 2016 when I finally understood what they meant and how powerful and intense it was. I literally cried the first time I picked it up was able to understand it. I love it!
This has definitely makes me want to reread this. It has been well over ten years and I think it is about time to pick up again. I know I like it, but I forget the intensity that you describe here.
I disliked Wuthering Heights so much when I read it but hearing you read that out was beautiful! You’re making me want to re-read it.
I can really see disliking this book as you have to spend so much time with unpleasant people! I really thought it was great though. Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate it!
I read Jane Eyre about a year ago and had already picked this book out as my Victober read for this year. However, I had the same preconceived notions as you, thinking they would be similar. It’s been over time that I’ve become gradually aware that WH is a different beast, and now your commentary has me excited for October.
Great! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it!
Great review! It’s one of those books I know I should read but have been slow to pick up. You make a convincing case to get to it soon.
Thanks, as always, for watching! It is a really great book!
I quite like the lodge. Less stuffy 🤣
It is a refreshing change, though I do enjoy stuffiness. Thanks for watching!
Wow. I can tell from your tone that your really serious about this one.
Michael, you forgot to say “Welcome to rustic Vaughan Lodge!” 😨😨
This was early days. I didn’t have it down yet. ThNks!