The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Original 1848 Edition
by Anne Brontë
Read by Expatriate
When Helen Graham moves into old Wildfell Hall with her little son Arthur, the rustic neighborhood comes alive with gossip and speculation, particularly when saturnine Mr. Lawrence (who bears an uncanny resemblance to the child) begins to visit her clandestinely. Local gentleman farmer Gilbert Markham falls in love with her almost against his will, despite rumors that she supports herself by the work of her hands and can give no account of her origins. Only when her diary comes into Markham’s hands do we find out why she has so exiled herself. As the chapters of the diary unfold, explicit scenes of adultery, seduction, and debauchery show why the novel was so shocking when it was first published, easily outselling the more famous debut novels of the three Brontë sisters. Often called the first “feminist” novel, “Wildfell Hall” may have been most shocking for its depiction of a strong-willed, independent single mother, for its criticism of the marriage institution, and for its many passages crying out against the unfair advantages accorded to men over women.
Importantly, this recording is based on the original 1848 Newby edition, not on the later, badly-mutilated version that mystifyingly continues to be the basis for modern editions advertised as “unabridged.” The novel had already been suppressed after Anne’s death by her sister Charlotte but received an even more serious injustice in 1854 when publisher Thomas Hodgson excised over sixteen thousand words, dozens of “unladylike” profanities, and numerous descriptions of dissolute male behavior, turning the Hodgson edition into a pale shadow of Anne Brontë’s original, visceral work as here presented. - Summary by Expatriate
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Reviews
Linda W
Patriot has done a fantastic job reading this story. I have listened to several other books that he has read, and he never fails to deliver. I recommend listening to this original Version, as it was deemed so risqué in 1848, that future publications edited out the “risqué” parts (not so risqué today), no doubt ruining the tale. Anne Bronte details faith enduring through narcissism, addictions, emotional abuse and shame. She depicts suffering that produces perseverance that produces character that finally produces hope. The ending does not disappoint.
Enjoyable and thought provoking
Margaret Davis
There are many good lessons in this book, especially in the diary part, and I enjoyed it overall. I somehow liked the diary part more than the other parts, just because the type of writing sounds more real and Helen’s real emotions are shows. In the beginning and end, she’s so reserved and motherly most of the time it’s hard to try to read her. For some reason, the writing outside of the diary just sounds a bit strained and overdone to me, on her part by her ever calm restrained demeanor and perfect speeches, and on his part by his reckless infatuation and a certain lack of maturity. I also thought it was a little inconsistent how impetuous and immature Helen was before her first marriage, and then almost immediately after she suddenly became so mature, wise, and pious…Interestingly, I found Gilbert very unlikeable for a long time. He’s rash, arrogant at times, unkind to his family, etc but at least he somewhat improves in character throughout the book. I will also say, the things he says and the way he describes his feeling just seems too girly or something, like that would have worked it if were from Helen’s perspective, but I would expect something more manly from him. Still, it was an exciting read and some parts are really thought-provoking. The lessons I found most important is 1) being very careful who you marry, make sure he believes the same as you, don’t ignore subtle clues about fatal flaws; heed advice! 2) death is a reality, and we should be prepared for it. The part about Huntigdale’s sickness and death really left an impact on me. Don’t leave thinking about death for your deathbed, don’t deceive yourself into thinking your immortal. Also, Helen was a wonderful role model for most of the book, and the way she behaved is really helpful to observe and learn from.
a worth work of literature
Eloise Angeli
Anne ia certainly my favorite considering the Brontë sisters. o listen another of her novels, Agnes Grey, here on Librivox, and this one is as good (although I've found it a little bit repetitive). the reader is great as well, and very fit as all the text passes through the narrator.
A wonderful find!
Vanessa Egleton
Expatriate does a fabulous job in bringing this story of a beautiful soul to the modern audience. The struggles of living with a narcissist and maintaining one's humanity and integrity are as valid today as when written in 1848. Thank you.
A very pleasant surprise
Rhunter
At rhe start of this one, I thought I wasn't going to finish it. I'm glad I didn't quit. A good lesson on listening very closely to subtle clues about the one we are thinking to marry.
black cats of montford
Excellent and earnest reader. I’ve been so in love with Charlotte Bronte for Jane Eyre, that it has taken me too long to try the sisters. This novel is refreshing for its decisively opinionated heroine (especially at the start and finish), and its portrayal of selfish men behaving badly.
Excellent Reading
zakeeya kadwa
Without a doubt, my favourite Brontë novel. Expatriate does a phenomenal job of reading it well and evoking the rich imagery. Highly recommended.
wonderful!
Camille
Expatriate has a nice speaking voice—great narration. The story was very compelling too.