I enjoyed Wildfell Hall because it is nothing like the books that Charlotte and Emily Bronte wrote. It is rife with feminist action, and no one is saved from the scathing gendered criticism that Anne Bronte is putting forth here. The plot moves along nicely, and it has some of the most imaginative narrative devices that I've seen in writing from the period.

A must-read for any fan of feminist or 19th century writings. ( )

Tenant is part epistolary novel, part journal, part mystery, and part romance.

Set in the early 19th century English countryside, you have all the gossip and quarrels that are associated with small town life. Told in three parts, the story tells of the mysterious young woman, Mrs. Helen Graham, who moves into the long tenantless Wildfell Hall. A widow with a young son, she causes a stir when she refuses to mingle with the locals or take their advice as to the care and keeping of her child.

The novel is narrated by the tenacious Gilbert Markham, who wishes to relate to his brother-in-law the events surrounding the arrival of Helen Graham and his part in the events that followed. Evidence is presented from the lady’s diary and letters written by her.

Slowly, a tale of heart-break, betrayal, and dejection unfolds as the trials of Mrs. Graham’s former life become known.

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***spoiler warning***

It took me a while to get into this novel, but I’m glad I finished it because the story really builds when you reach Volume 2. Helen’s diary brings her character forth in a way that reveals the nuances of her personality and the difficulties that to seemingly bitter and desolate attitude that Mr. Markham so resents when they first meet.

The novel deals with the position of married women in society and the liberties allowed to their husbands. The double standards of 19th century conduct are illustrated in a very revealing manner as Helen’s plight and ultimate flight from a life made unbearable by a callous, hateful, and drunken husband comes to light.

While not as passionate as Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, there are similarities between the two. The narrative style is reminiscent of Jane, you almost hear Mr. Markham say “Reader, I married her” when he finishes his letter, and Arthur Huntingdon’s life of dissipation could probably reflect the kind of life that Mr. Rochester led before he found reason to regret it.

Gricel @ things-she-read.org ( )

Probably my second favorite book written by the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre by Charlotte was just a tad better, IMO). This dealt with a then controversial subject regarding should a wife stay with an abusive husband. It begins from the male perspective - that of the young man that falls in love with the mysterious "widow" that recently moved into Wildfell Hall. When rumors begin to circulate that perhaps the widow is a fallen woman, he quickly rises to her defense. In so doing, she reveals to him her true tale. This is done through the reading of her journal (she gives it to him to read) and therefore the story changes to her perspective for most of the remainder of the book. Although a long book, I did not find it to drag at all. Once I was able to devote time to reading, I really got wrapped up in the story and was riveted to it. Although dealing with a serious subject, I did not find it dark, dreary and depressing, like "Wuthering Heights", nor was it boring, like "Villette". I did not find that it dragged at all (and even Jane Eyre did that in places). I highly recommend this book to those that like the classics. I'm looking forward now to watching the movie! ( )

I think it is quite possible that this novel is more modern and realistic than either of the most famous works of Anne Bronte's sisters, and I speak as one who has read and been fascinated by "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights" many times. "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" has all of the emotional intensity and harrowing suspense of the other two books, while dealing with comparatively ordinary (and complex) people and situations which could be all too common in this or any other time and place. ( )

Great writing, if a little old-fashioned, a lot of back story. I'd say a good half of the book. ( )