Chilling books

A contributor to Cherwell wonders, 'Why all this fuss about ‘Wuthering Heights’?'

Wuthering Heights has always been the subject of controversy: contemporary papers even called the novel “semi-savage”. Yet it is sadly ironic that it seems Fennell’s adaptation has side-lined one of the most truly confronting things in the novel. While I will join many others in the cinema this Valentine’s Day to watch Fennel’s adaptation, I will also reread the original, appreciating Brontë’s text as the soil upon which each adaptation has grown. While modern adaptations allow us to rediscover well-loved classics with new eyes, not every decision they make is an improvement on the original. (Rosa Moore)

We don't think that the goal of an adaptation is to improve the original.

The Michigan Daily recommends 'Chilling books to read this fall' including

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

Orphan Jane Eyre experiences mistreatment and cruelty throughout her childhood. She eventually gains independence as a governess of the ward to Mr. Rochester, moving into Thornfield Hall. But it is soon obvious that something haunts the house at odd hours, and Jane makes a horrifying discovery. 

Brontë’s most popular work serves as the perfect fall read, meant to be read on a gloomy and rainy day. Thornfield Hall is isolated and mysterious, with an unexplained mystery at the heart of it. There are dark secrets and seemingly supernatural events, complemented by romantic elements, cultivating its title of a gothic novel. “Jane Eyre” provides readers with the ambience and emotions that only a Victorian classic truly can. (Meagan Ismail)

While Times of India has put together a list of '10 British Classics everyone should read at least once' which includes

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre traces the life of a girl who is an orphan and gets employed as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester. Their relationship, which is growing, is confronted with a lot of obstacles, like secrets that can destroy their happiness. The novel deals with issues of morality, love, and class, and asserts Jane's independence and strength as she battles societal norms.

Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë

Set on the Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights is a violent and passionate tale of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw's romance. The passionate love results in ruinous circumstances, impacting generations. The novel explores themes of obsession, vengeance, and the darker side of human nature, and the ruinous impact of unresolved feelings and societal limitations.

Marina Saegerman writes on the Brussels Brontë Blog about a recent trip to Ireland.