Wuthering Heights

By: Emily Brontë

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Perhaps the most haunting and tragic love story ever written, Wuthering Heights is the tale of Heathcliff, a brooding, troubled orphan, and his doomed love for Catherine Earnshaw. His desire for her leads him to madness when Catherine is made to marry a wealthy lord, sending Heathcliff on a lifelong quest to avenge himself upon those who stole his only love and his life.

In this gripping chronicle of the never-ending conflict between the heart and the mind - and the pain and passion of true romance - Emily Brontë created an unforgettable classic saga of love, desperation, vengeance, and forgiveness. Published just one year before Brontë's death in 1848 at the age of 30, Wuthering Heights endures as one of the world's greatest love stories and a classic of English literature.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"It is as if Emily Brontë could tear up all that we know human beings by, and fill these unrecognizable transparencies with such a gust of life that they transcend reality." (Virginia Woolf)

Great classic doesn't convert well.

I'm not sure of it was the narrator or just the book itself, but though I really love this book and have read it several times, I didn't enjoy the audio that much.

Brooding and Dark

I read before as a teenager and thought Heathcliffe was misunderstood and mistreated. A dark, brooding, romantic hero. I had forgotten how horrible and cruel he becomes.

This book was a fun surprise. It is dark and gothic - the eeriness of the atmosphere and depth of characters is delicious.

Anne Flosnik's narration was wonderful.

Read again after 30 years

This was my second time reading this book in 30 years. I had forgotten so many of the characters and even forgot some sub plots. I still find it a compelling read that keeps me engaged until I have to put it down for the day.

The story isn't full of happiness and perfect moments but the writing is fluid and tells the story effortlessly (with the exception of one character's Yorkshire accent). I imagine this story could have been inspired by real people. It could certainly have happened then or even today.

Will I read it again, most likely when I am reminiscent of the story in another 30 years, God willing.

Moody, broody Heathcliff!

What made the experience of listening to Wuthering Heights the most enjoyable?

I love the overall atmosphere of this story. It's quite different from the original Laurence Olivier-Merle Oberon movie. ( I haven't seen the latest reincarnation.) Cathy Earnshaw is not in half of the book and new characters that I didn't know come to life.

What other book might you compare Wuthering Heights to and why?

I compare this to Dracula as a mood piece. Even though one is much more paranormal, this book has it's share of weird goings on.

What does Anne Flosnik bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is quite good at the accents. My only problem is her Heathcliff was a bit of a dullard, only complaint. She does a wonderful Nellie Deane and Joseph.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cry during the movie every time I see it. This book didn't make me cry so it didn't have the same impact on me. Wonderful story though.

Good for you like spinach.

The story line is the first and a classic. A soap opera for it's day. Despite this, the writing is melodramatic and the character development is over dramatic but not very deep. One can go through the abnormal psychology book and list diagnosis for the characters. The audio is fine, not great but fine. I am pleased I purchased it, in the same vain as eating my spinach. I believe I did or accomplished something good --good for me to have been exposed too.

Not what I expected

For being called a classic and a must read by many, it was not quite what I expected. At least as far as the story is concerned. I didn't feel like it was really a love story. Yes, there were some parts about love, but to me it seemed more a story of hate and revenge for being supposedly denied the love long wished for. Quite frankly I think both Heathcliff and Catharine were being petty and foolish. Heathcliff especially. He goes around blaming others for the consequences of the choices he makes. That just isn't right. I did not sympathize with him at all. Nor Catherine or any of the other characters. Maybe it's just my own taste and view of what love is. But like I said, this story is more centered around hate and revenge than it is love. At least now I can say that I have listened to one more classic.

Wowwie

I cannot believe this story for 8-17 ages.
wow read this book and annotated like crazy trying to understand the story and how it comes together.

highly recommend for middle school and high schoolers for free or prescribed reading.

Complete and utter sorrow

I loved this audio book from the very first sentence. The speaker held my attention throughout the entire novel. To feel Heathcliffe and Catherine's pain in every word. It was fantastic to see in the end how their relationship would have been in a better world through Catherine and Hinton. I think that is what eventualy made peace in Heathcliffe's heart. It was a wonderful foil to have the daughter of Catherine and the son of Heathcliffe the exact opposite of themselves. Catherine was so weak and Heathcliffe was so strong. I will listen to this audio book more than once. It was fantastic.

Wuthering Heights

What disappointed you about Wuthering Heights?

I did not enjoy the audible. The book is a great story, intense emotions, dramatic, dark. the recording was very easy to understand every word, but the emotion was lacking. also i would have preferred a man's voice tell this story, after all, it is told by a male guest at the home of Heathcliff.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wuthering Heights?

the emotional intensity between Heathcliff and Catherine--that they did not openly admit to each other when they should have. as a result there was a lot of pain and suffering.

What didn’t you like about Anne Flosnik’s performance?

the emotion was lacking. Her voice was nice. the story is not. it is dark, with hostile moments.it needs to be read with fire, and in a strong, gruff voice

Very enjoyable listening experience

What made the experience of listening to Wuthering Heights the most enjoyable?

Narrator did a first rate job on a very good story.

Have you listened to any of Anne Flosnik’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Wuthering Heights is the first book narrated by Anne Flosnik to which I have listened.