I was not familiar with this book, until it was suggested for book club and I am so glad it made it on the list! Anne Bronte is the lesser known sister of Charlotte and Emily. She wrote The Tenant of Wildfell Hall in 1848 at age 28. The book is even more spectacular when you consider the time period, Miss Bronte's age, and the subject matter. This is about a woman trapped in an abusive marriage at a time when women had no options. Yet this woman takes charge and makes her own path. Girl Power 1848 style! I highly recommend this book.
This is an epistolary novel told in letters from our hero, Gilbert Markham, to his brother-in-law Jack Hartford and from the diary of our heroine Helen Huntingdon (masquerading as Helen Graham). Helen is a devout yet romantic young woman, who believes she can only love a man she respects. Like women throughout time, she ignores the red flags and marries a man with suspect morals, believing she can change him. Her husband Arthur Huntingdon turns out to be an alcoholic and a philanderer. A real dog, he carries on an affair in front of Helen and encourages their young son to drink and swear. Helen tries to reform her husband, but corrupting their son is the last straw. She escapes to a small village and passes herself off as the widow Helen Graham and supports herself as an artsy. Gilbert Markham falls for her and she for him, but they cannot be together. The village women, especially Gilbert's former beau Eliza begin to speculate on Mrs. Graham and spread vicious rumors. Helen explains all to Gilbert by allowing him to read her diary. She returns to her husband to nurse him during an illness and a nasty case of alcohol withdrawal. I'll stop the summary here to not spoil the ending.
Rightly described as an early feminist novel, Helen Huntingdon charts her own course and saves herself and her son while remaining true to her values. I am just amazed that this was written by a young woman in the 1840's. A woman leaving her husband, regardless of circumstances, was unheard of and illegal. At that time, women were property. A wife had no right to earn money, get a divorce, or sue for custody. She had no independent existence from her husband. Though controversial, the novel was well received in its time. The writing is mature and the plot moves along nicely. A fine example of literature from this time period.
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Top reviews from other countries
Letícia Alves Barboza
Clássico da literatura inglesa
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Virginia
I found this a really wonderful read. Layered
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2017