Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Why I read this book: My friend Geneva talked me into reading this book for reasons that shall not be mentioned.

Characters: Heathcliff: We got to see Heathcliff as a headstrong child, as a impassioned teen and as a broken, miserable and cruel man.
Cathy- Cathy was a willful child and was torn between loves as a young adult.
Ellen- This lady played a lot of roles in this book. The story was told from her point of view. I think this was brilliant. This made it possible for us to really see the true depth of the characters without it being blurred by being told from their prospective.
There are many other characters, but in my opinion these are the most important.

This was a wonderful, painful love story. I was surprised at the depth of emotion that the characters felt and the depth of emotion that I felt for them. As much as I felt that I should, I could not have bad feelings toward Heathcliff. The depth of his love for Cathy kept me from believing him to be all evil. I felt more dislike for Cathy who, knowing that she loved Heathcliff more, married Edgar. It was that choice, in my opinion, that led to all those years of pure heartache. This choice not only affected Cathy, Edgar and Heathcliff but also their children. If she would have followed her heart rather than her pocketbook two generations would have lived happily. I do not excuse Heathcliff's actions but feel a bit of an understanding of his behavior due to his upbringing and heartbreak.

I will say that I loved this book. I've heard many differing opinions but for me it was a great read. I loved how the characters were so raw and often jumped off the deep end. It was refreshing for me to read that kind of passion.

I have some favorite quotes from this book.

Cathy speaking to Ellen about Heathcliff " If all else perished and he remained, I should still continue to be; and all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger; I should not seem a part of it. "
Heathcliff speaking to Ellen about Edgar "And there you see the distinction between our feelings-had he been in my place and I in his, though I hated him with a hatred that turned my life to gall, I never would have raised a hand against him. You may look at me incredulous, if you please! I never would have banished him from her society as long as she desired his. The moment her regard ceased, I would have torn his heart out and drank his blood! But, till then-if you don't believe me, you don't know me-till then, I would have died by inches before I touched a single hair of his head!"