I’m taking part in a fun read-a-long of Wuthering Heights spearheaded by Jill from FizzyThoughts. I don’t generally reread books. Not because I wouldn’t like to, but because I don’t read fast enough to insert a book I’ve already read into my schedule without impacting other things. However, as part of my quest for reading deliberately, this is something I’d like to better plan into my reading routine. Jill provided me with a most excellent opportunity and I jumped on it.
Here is a list of all the other readers taking part:
- Vivienne( Serendipidy)
- Messy Karen
- Victoria
- Jenny (Take Me Away)
- Ti (Book Chatter)
- Lisa – Lit And Life
- Dar@ Peeking Between the Pages
- J.C. Montgomery (The Biblio Blogazine)
- Whitney
- JoAnn (Lakeside Musing)
- Gentle Reader (Shelf Life)
- Amy at New Century Reading
Chapters 1 through 3
Synopsis (as stolen from Jill):
In the first three chapters we are introduced to Heathcliff, the master of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff is a moody grump, although our narrator, Lockwood, at first believes he is “in dress and manner a gentleman.” Lockwood initially likes Heathcliff, and feels he is a kindred spirit. However, Lockwood is a pest, and after he invites himself over for a return visit and is forced to spend the night due to a snowstorm, he revises his opinion of Heathcliff. Lockwood also meets the other inhabitants of Wuthering Heights. There’s Catherine (who Lockwood at first assumes is Heathcliff’s wife…wrong! She’s his daughter-in-law), Hareton Earnshaw (who Lockwood at first assumes is Heathcliff’s son…wrong! He’s his nephew. The son is dead.), Zillah (the housekeeper) and Joseph, the crotchety old servant.
These names can all be quiet confusing, both to Lockwood and the reader, since there appears to have been another Catherine (Lockwood meets her in a very bad dream) and another Hareton Earnshaw (his name is above the door mantel). After a haunted night at Wuthering Heights, Lockwood returns home confused, not to mention a little put out by the rudeness and inhospitableness of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights.
Of course, Lockwood also comes across as a bit of an ass, so can we really trust him as a narrator?
My Thoughts:
Have you ever had an experience where you’ve gotten in touch with an old friend you’ve not talked to in a long time and it feels like you were never apart? Have you have had an experience where you’ve put on a pair of your favorite slippers after a long hot summer and they feel like home on your feet? That’s what re-reading the first 3 chapters of Wuthering Heights feels like to me. While I’m jealous of any of the participants who are reading this novel for the first time, there’s something to be said for knowing what’s going to happen and allowing the events to all unfold again before you anyway. Does that make sense? Those are my thoughts on becoming reacquainted with Heathcliff, Catherine, Lockwood, and the complete awsomeness of Gothic manors.
If I enjoyed week 1, I know that the remaining weeks are going to get even better.
I guess it was about a year ago I hosted a read-along on this book, AND it was my first time reading it. I was really taken aback over the whole thing. I thought the characters were just dreadful. (Little did I know it was about to get much worse!) Maybe I will re-read this someday and feel differently. I just thought they were all miserable creatures, who all loved themselves more than other human beings.
That’s very interesting, Sandy. I think this was among my first Gothic novels and I loved every bit of the broodishness. I was probably 19 the first time I read it. I wonder if that can make a difference?
I read this a while ago and just thought it was okay. I bet I would appreciate it more if I re-read it now.
This is my first time reading WH and by the end of the first page, I started feeling that things could get pretty bad here – the setting, the unfriendly characters… I’m looking forward to the next three chapters!
It’s good to have an experienced reader along on this adventure! I’m trying very hard not to read ahead, but I’m already on chapter 6, so I didn’t try that hard.
What you feel like about rereading this awesome book definitely makes sense. Wuthering Heights is in my opinion the best romance ever written (I know I’m a little twisted like that).
I’m intrigued to read the mix of “old” and “new” readers of WH, I’m on the new side and have mixed feelings but am enjoying so far. Looking forward to more, I think that like Jill I’m going to have problems not reading ahead
Oh I’m so glad you’re going through this on your blog! I’d love to re-read Wuthering Heights but just don’t seem to have the time to right now. And I love how you said Lockwood came across as an ass. I cracked up! Looking forward to the rest of your progress!
I’m loving being reacquainted with this old friend. Even though 90% of the characters are incredibly unlikeable and the love story slightly twisted, Wuthering Heights is wonderful novel.
I know what you mean, theres nothing like experiencing that favorite read for the first time and it being totally new. But its always nice to re-visit
You know its going to be good!
Tonight, I’m going to get caught up so I can join in this week. Like you, I’ve read this before, so I know what happens–but anticipate loving a re-read anyway.
I re-read this one last year and what completely surprised me was how much this novel that I loved so much as a teen bugged me sooooo much as an adult, LOL. I just wanted to slap the characters and tell them to grow up! ha! Have fun and enjoy your read.