Wuthering Heights - Just read for the first time. ANyone care to discuss

[suzywong]

My laptop was in the repair shop over the weekend so I read it.

Pretty strong stuff

IMO the key issue is not the romance but the shockingly systematic chld abuse.

And how is it that no one ever mentions the cruelty to Isabella when raving about this novel? Hmmmmm ?

I am trying to get into Hardy but not sure it is me yet... reading Tess of the D'Urbervilles at the moment, any recommendations?

After reading this thread I just want to go and read Jane Eyre!

His descriptions of the landscapes in his novels are about as good as it gets. He must have so loved where he lived, because it comes out in every word.

I guess what really drew my to Jane Eyre was the way her relationship with Rochester developed, and how the depth of his very real love for her only became apparent after it came to light that he was still married.

But most of all, was how Jane stood up for herself. That immortal line, 'I care for myself.'

VERY in-depth psychologically without being sappy or goofy and light years ahead of its time.

I think Jude the Obscure is my fav (though probably his darkest too). I do find Hardy's characters more believable than say WHs. I think we know more about them somehow. Jude is a very believable character for me and that seems to matter.

Its hard to detangle the Brontes and Haworth isn't it? The whole industry around them is a bit offputting but in its raw state was probably the epitome of romatic.

when you've grown up in Dorset with two English teachers as parents and been taken to see every style and mire Hardy ever gazed upon and worked in to his works one's appetite for his literature is somewhat jaded.

If one was to have a crack at TH, what would the panel recommend as a first book?

Sarah, I didn't care for Tess or Jude.

Try Return of the Native, The Mayor of Casterbridge or Far from the Maddening Crowd.

Yes, he is a fairly dispicable person is heathcliff.

monkeytrews - did you get me email you lazy old arse??***

I'm not a great Hardy fan, he's too descriptive for my taste and I prefer books that move along more quickly. My first was The Mayor of Casterbridge and I did quite enjoy it, theres enough going on to get you through the slower parts.

Mayor of Casterbridge or Tess, suzy. Good start I think.

I loved Tess when I first read it. I also like The Woodlanders, Far from the Madding Crowd and Jude the Obscure (although it's very dark). Try some of his short stories too - there are several collections available and they're a good place to start.

Ok so I admit I havent read this thread but I think that WH is the most morbid book I have ever read considering its supposed to be such a great love story.

I prefered the screamy song by Kate Bush.

I like Persuasion by Jane Austen.

But I also like Terry Pratchett so I cant claim to be a literary snob.

LOL at preferring the screamy song.

Me too!

I've tried to read it twice and not been able to reach the end. I just do not find the protagonist very sympathetic.

I agree that Jane Eyre is better by far.

I think that WH isn't a romantic novel and shouldn't be approached as such. It is violent, dark and nightmarish in parts and the characters are not intended to be likeable - Catherine is a spiteful selfish brat and Heathcliffe is psychotic and sadistic! It is incredibly powerful and atmospheric and I love it to bits. I especially love the fact that it was written by an unmarried woman who as far as we know never had any romantic relationships.

I hated WH. It's a hideous story of two incredibly selfish people with no redeeming features.

JE is infinitely superior, although I accept it's not the best written book in the world, but Jane & Rochester have true, sincere feelings.

But now you've got me heading back to Hardy. I haven't read one of his in years. Which should I start with? Jude just reminds me of my finals - I read the 'because we were too menny' chapter the night before my finals. Bad idea...