Wuthering Heights (Bantam Classics)

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a gothic novel about passion, vengeance, and anger. It is a staple classic that has inspired various adaptations such as fawning movies. The storyline follows the lives of two generations of characters whose intertwined relationships fuel intense emotions. The narration is by Ellen Dean, a servant, who keeps the lid on the chaotic nature of the principal characters. The book addresses issues such as child abuse, abusive patriarchy, obsession, and violence. Heathcliff, the main character, is a violent control freak who abuses his wife and son, psychologically tortures his victims, and steals property from women. The author paints him as a horrifying and abusive patriarch whose obsession with his step-sister Catherine is technically incestuous. The book's violent content mirrors that of malevolent serial killers in recent times. Though a classic, the book may not be suitable for young adults looking for uplifting literature. The language is sometimes archaic, making it challenging to read. However, several readers appreciated the use of older language, and some utilized Kindle's feature to look up unfamiliar words. Overall, the book's theme of injustice and tragic love keeps readers interested.