lizzystone 's review for:

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

4.0

emotional mysterious sad 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: Yes

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You know the biblical verse "the meek inherit the earth", that's basically this entire book. All those who are selfish, vain and impious suffer, while those who are devout, earnest, or reflect upon their ill behavior are rewarded.  It's the weakest Bronte book but it's still pretty good albeit a little self indulgent at times. There are a couple of scenes that were too melodramatic or ill conceived that I think would have better if they were cut. (especially towards the last 70ish pages) I did find aspects of it to be relatable to contemporary audiences, like the toxic "nice guy", women who marry predatory men out of a false belief that they could change these kinds of men, and people who use religion to justify destructive behavior. Overall a fine book.