Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Copyright: 1939 (my copy)
Publisher: Triangle Books
Genre: fiction/classic
Pages: 390
Challenges: Historical
My rating: 2/5

Seeing as how this one is a classic and most have either read this book or heard of it, I'm not going to follow my normal review format.  I'm going to refrain from giving a description of this book.

I've said it before and I'll say it agian, I'm really not much of a classics persons.  Which probably leads you to ask yourself "If you don't like classics, why did yo read this one?"  Well, here's the thing.  I don't really like any of the classics I've read, yet so many rave about classics in general that I feel like I'm missing out by not having read others.   When one of my friends said she was reading Wuthering Heights as a buddy read with another group, I decided to read it along with her.  I thought that maybe, just maybe, if we read it together and discussed it, I might actually like it.   Let me say right now that I just don't get why so many seem to like this one.  haha!  As you can see, this book did not change my opinion/view of classics.

I never really connected with any of the characters.  I felt they were mostly mean, annoying, and spoiled.  Maybe I'm not supposed to connect with them, maybe my views are exactly the views I'm supposed to have. I'm not sure, but I do know it didn't make me want to read more.  

This book really didn't do anything for me.  zip zilch nada.

I was thinking I would browse the Wuthering Heights info at sparknotes to get more of an understand of what I was supposed to pick up on while reading this one, but alas, I really don't have any desire to.

How about you, have you read Wuthering Heights?  Did you like it?  If so...inquiring minds what to know what you liked about it?  I didn't like anything..what did I miss?




This book is part of my collection and was either bought or given to me.

11 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I do like classics, but felt pretty much the same as you about this one.

Unknown said...

That's actually a bit comforting Bermudaonion. Maybe there is hope that I'll find a classic I do like.

S. Krishna said...

I love the gothic nature of this book, but you're so right, the characters are horrible! Try The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, you might like that one better.

Serena said...

I really enjoyed this book when I read it. The high drama and the out of this world charicatures...they're exaggerations of emotions...and the gothic style of the writing were engaging to me...the setting was as tumultuous as the lives of these characters.

Wuthering Heights is a tough book to love, but there is probably a classic out there you'd like. Have you tried any Mark Twain? What about To Kill a Mockinbird?

Unknown said...

S. Krishna - Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have to look it up. The characters are horrible. lol! You just love to hate them.

Serena - I've read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mocking Bird (although it's been a really long time). I didn't hate them, but can't say I loved them either. I did like them more than this one though. hahaha!

BookAddict said...

We both pretty much feel the same way about the book but I am so glad you read and discussed it with me. I think I got a lot more out of the book that way and in the end, I am glad I read it! Even if Heathcliff is a big dumb bully.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

It's been a long while since I read this one Kris, and can only recall that it was not a favorite Classic of mine :) Sorry it did not work for you.

Anna said...

I'm very picky when it comes to classics. I've owned a copy of this book since I was a kid but still haven't read it. If the characters are anything like they are in the Laurence Olivier film version, then they aren't very nice people!

Unknown said...

Bookaddict - I'm so glad we buddy read it too! The questions and discussions helped me pay more attention to it.

Bibliophile by the Sea - you know, I'm hearing from a lot of people who like classics that this isn't top on their list, makes me feel better about not loving it.

Anna - you got that right! They were not lovable characters. They seemed so mean!

Leeanna, said...

Hey Kris, I struggle with the same thing...think I should read and like the classic but don't much. Tanner and I read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer this summer together and I wasn't impressed. Tanner seemed to like it but I kept thinking, why did they think he was such a good writer!

Unknown said...

Leeanna - it's so nice to know I'm not alone! Lol! I think that same thing after I finish most classics..why is this one so popular? what's so great about the writing, etc.