tashreads2manybooks's Reviews (1.06k)

I first read this book when I was 14 and had very fond memories of it. I decided it was time for a re-read and discovered that I remembered only a fraction of it. So it felt like I was reading it for the first time. I loved it all over again. Thank you Harper Lee for a true timeless classic.

Not my favourite Dickens novel (that would be Tale of Two Cities), but I do love how 'it all comes together in the end'. Fagin and Dodger are such a memorable characters, Oliver was a bit of a drip though.

Why Heathcliff has become one of our 'great romantic characters' is beyond me. He is selfish, vindictive, abusive, moody and cruel. Now you can blame these character traits on his tortured and enduring love for Cathy, but really he is just a miserable sod.

As for Cathy, I have seldom encountered a more spoilt and mean character. The way she teases Isabella about her feelings for Heathcliff reminded me of school-girl bullying.

However, at least these two characters had a bit of fire and passion within them. The most detestable character in Wuthering Heights has to be Linton - Heathcliff's spineless, insipid excuse for a son.

I didn't really like any of the characters in this novel (Cathy Jnr and Hareton turn out ok in the end), but maybe that is the point. I respect that not all works of fiction need a 'goodie' and a 'badie', and applaud Bronte for not making these distinctions at all.

I found the majority of the book a bit of a chore to read, but admit that I was satisfied in the end. I understand why Wuthering Heights is a classic, but think I will rather side with her sister and the delectable Mr. Rochester.

Oh, and did anyone understand anything Joseph said?

Nothing earth-shattering about this series, but it's an easy, entertaining read.

An interesting and magical glimpse into circus life. I loved the ending and really enjoyed 'old Jacob'. The character of Marlena, however, I felt never truly developed. She remained, in my mind, a whimsical Marilyn Monroe figure. I also deplored the abuse of the animals (which I know was kind of the point). A good read, now, off to see the movie....

I always enjoy a good Shakespearean tragedy and in this book Wroblewski delivers Hamlet for the twenty first century.

While I enjoyed this aspect of the book, I found the beginning especially to be rather long-winded and all the descriptions of dog-training a little unnecessary.

However, being a dog-lover, I enjoyed Almondine's narrative -it was beautifully written and quite unconventional.

I really wanted to love this book, however I failed to connect with any of the characters. Probably wasn't in the right frame of mind to read this either, the relentless persecution just depressed me. I wanted something good to happen for a change.

I was about 15 when I first read this book, and I remember thinking 'wow, I want to be as strong and independent as Ayla'. I think she is generally a much better role model for young women then Bella from Twilight. But maybe I am just getting old....

Read it again just to be sure.