Reviews - The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

3.63k reviews for:

My only thought in the entire novel? "Thank god for modern divorce."

The manipulation and the abuse Helen suffers by so many around her were all too real for many women in Brontë's time, with much worse outcomes or even worse circumstances. Helen luckily ended her story happy and content, but this was not the case for so many women for hundreds of years. (At least in many Western countries.) They had no recourse or justice from law and society, just bitter judgements and ostracization. Makes my heart hurt for them, but it also makes me even more grateful for the time that I live in.

Only took off a star because WOW this narrative could drag at times.

marilynuine's review against another edition

3.0

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

arabellasbooks's review against another edition

5.0

I don’t even have the words to describe my feelings for this book. It was incredibly written with an easy to follow writing style (for someone who doesn’t read classics) and Helen Graham is an incredibly strong heroine who deserves the world after the torment she’s been dragged through. My favourite classic I’ve read so far. Also little Arthur is just adorable when he pops up.

lapupu's review against another edition

5.0

"He knows he is my sun, but when he chooses to withhold his light, he would have my sky to be all darkness; he cannot bear that I should have a moon to mitigate the deprivation."

Wow. Never have i ever written a review for any type of book but this hits too close to home. Horrifying to know that I am closely related to people with personalities like Arthurs'. This type of person sucks the soul out of you!! Arthur is one vile, egotistical man and it's eerie to watch him descend into his own madness while simultaneously blaming Helen for it! Sir, you are a middle aged man. Pls, get some help. There were parts where I was so disgusted by his behavior, i had to take a break from the book— especially painful to read Helen try to bring him back some of his -completely lack of- sanity. He's long gone!! And her character was so patient and strong.. idk, it takes some strong type of willpower to be calm in the face of such chaos and mistreatment.

Fuck you, Arthur. And i'm happy Helen got her happy ending.