Wuthering Heights

An Audible Exclusive Performance

By: Emily Brontë, Ann Dinsdale - introduction

Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt, Rachel Atkins - introduction

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of Audible UK’s 2017 Narrator of the Year Award

In an Audible Exclusive production, Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt gives a powerhouse performance of Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë's only published novel. This edition features an exclusive introduction written by Ann Dinsdale, Chief Curator of the Brontë Museum.

About the book

The unapologetic intensity with which Emily Brontë wrote this story ensures that it will forever be considered one of the greatest works of English literature. A passionate tale of a chaotic and often violent love, Wuthering Heights transcends your average romance and, with its Gothic undertones, takes the listener on a journey through one man's lustful hunt for revenge.

Believing he has been spurned by Cathy Earnshaw, the only woman he has ever loved, Heathcliff abandons the wild moors of Wuthering Heights, fervently wishing to reestablish himself as the wealthy gentleman he believes Cathy seeks. Having been successful in his ventures, he later returns to the adoptive family who raised him and hungrily seeks to punish those who once rejected him.

In an exclusive introduction written for this edition by Ann Dinsdale, Chief Curator of the Bronte Museum, discover how critical and public opinion of Wuthering Heights has changed over time.

About the author

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Emily is said to have had the most unusual character of all the Brontë sisters. A reserved character with few close acquaintances outside her family circle, Emily's dark and passionate nature is clearly reflected in her tale. Having been the consummate lover of animals and nature, in this book she also set out to paint an unforgettable picture of the stark and imposing moors that she so enjoyed walking along.

Having developed a highly intelligent writing style, Emily ensures that the listener is emotionally involved throughout and often even a little horrified at the events that take place. A true work of art, Wuthering Heights surpasses expectation with its Gothic love scenes and desolate landscapes. Emily Brontë's only published work, it stands alone and will forever imprint itself upon the listener's memory.

About the narrator

Joanne Froggatt is an English stage, film and television actress who shot to fame after her engaging portrayal of Downton Abbey's Anna Bates. Also celebrated for her roles in Dinnerladies, A Street Cat Named Bob, Murder in the Outback and Liar, Joanne has now been acting for over 20 years and brings a wealth of expertise to her narratives. Having voiced an Alice in Wonderland series as well as Audible's 2017 Thriller of the Year, Silent Child, Joanne succeeds once more in delivering an incredibly engaging performance in this unique and exquisite adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible Ltd

Almost Peerless

I am a huge fan of Wuthering Heights. My book obsessed Mom gave it to me when I was a little boy and told me it was one of her favourite books. I mostly loved it that first time because of the ghostly romance, but also, I loved it because she wanted me to.

As the years moved on, though, other reasons made me love it more and more. A mentor of mine adored the book, and her take on it made me love Bronte's rich use of language and the way she captured her characters' voices. My own study of the book made me love Bronte's daring when it came to the unlikability of the denizens of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. And when I went on to teach the book, as I have a score of times by now (I've lost count, actually), I found myself marvelling -- and still do -- that the story really isn't about Heathcliff and Catherine and their love at all, but about the woman telling the story to Mr. Lockwood. The idea that Nelly Dean is the true star of Wuthering Heights blows my mind more than anything else Bronte did in the book (and that was quite a lot).

And I loved this book so much that I named my eldest daughter Bronte, after Emily (not Charlotte nor Anne, although I love them too).

It was a joy, then, to find such a wonderful performance of a favourite book. There could not have been a better reader for this than Joanne Froggatt. From Joseph's barely discernible vernacular to Catherine's passionate struggles with the men in her life, from Heathcliff's anguish to Lockwood's stupidity, Froggatt (marvelous as Anna in Downton Abbey) strikes the perfect note for everyone. It is, however, her performance as the narrator of the story, Nelly Dean, for which she is most suited, and the dominance of Nelly to the story means that Froggatt is able to command our attention effortlessly throughout. I have a feeling that Joanne Froggatt gets Nelly Dean. It certainly sounds like she does.

The only "audible exclusive" I've heard that has matched Froggatt's (so far) is Rosamund Pike's reading of Pride and Prejudice. As a pair, they are the two best audiobook performances I have heard. You won't regret giving this version of Wuthering Heights a listen. Trust me. And I'd be willing to bet that if you were never the biggest fan of this dark, brooding, Victorian Gothic classic but were thinking of giving it another try, that this version and Joanne Froggatt's performance will make you a fan.

Pretty Dismal Tale

I know this book is loved by many, and that it was apparently ground-breaking in its day. OK, it has value in the development of the novel in English literature. So I listened to it...all of it. During the first half I wasn't sure I was going to make it. None of the characters were in any way admirable, with the exception of the servant who related most of the history of this destructive family to the "narrator." I know that realistic characters are flawed, but most of these people were truly despicable; the reader would have to search hard to find any redeeming qualities in them.

The novel became moderately interesting in the second half, and I was actually curious to see how Bronte would end her dismal tale. Apparently this was her only book. Her writing was clear and precise, but I hope her life and the people she lived with did not resemble those of her imagination.

I did my duty and finished the book. I've read worse, but she is not an author I would seek out if she had lived to create more.

Hard to follow

The voice acting in this was hard to follow. The shifts in characters was unrecognizable at times, so it is easy to get lost.

Depressing Storyline but still as a classic novel

Wuthering Heights has been and always will be a sad book. The ending is still my favorite part.

Prefect narration

Sometimes the narration makes or breaks the experience of an audiobook - this one is pitch-perfect. Voice differences are well-done without being overacted. Truly, it was a pleasure to listen to, and I’m off to search for more with her as the narrator!

like sister like sister

So far the Bronte sister's writing has proven to break though the wonder of all minds who have had the privilege.

better than reading the book

confusing storyline, but great narration! I attempted to read the book on my own but found myself too easy distracted and was glad I could find the Audio version more bearable with the various accents used by the narrator

classic

A great telling of a great story. The narration brought it to life. A wonderful listen

Wuthering Heights

Most definitely one of my favorite books and Joanne Froggatt narated it with great perfection.

Excellent Performance

Been meaning to get through this book for some time. However, Joanne Froggett really brought this tale to life and I enjoyed it more than I imagined.