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Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights
The greatest tragic love story ever told – but this time, Catherine tells it herself. In Catherine, Essie Fox breathes new life into Wuthering Heights, transforming a gothic masterpiece into a haunting confession of obsession, madness and love that even death cannot end.
With a nature as wild as the moors she loves to roam, Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff, a foundling her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool. Their fierce, untamed bond deepens as they grow – until Mr Earnshaw’s death leaves Hindley, Catherine’s brutal brother, in control and Heathcliff reduced to servitude.
Desperate to protect him, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange. She believes his wealth might free Heathcliff from cruelty – but her choice is fatally misunderstood, and their lives spiral into a storm of passion, jealousy and revenge.
Now, eighteen years later, Catherine rises from her grave to tell her story – and seek redemption.
Essie Fox’s Catherine reimagines Wuthering Heights with beauty and intensity – a haunting, atmospheric retelling that brings new life to a timeless classic and lays bare the dark heart of an immortal love.
With a nature as wild as the moors she loves to roam, Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff, a foundling her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool. Their fierce, untamed bond deepens as they grow – until Mr Earnshaw’s death leaves Hindley, Catherine’s brutal brother, in control and Heathcliff reduced to servitude.
Desperate to protect him, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange. She believes his wealth might free Heathcliff from cruelty – but her choice is fatally misunderstood, and their lives spiral into a storm of passion, jealousy and revenge.
Now, eighteen years later, Catherine rises from her grave to tell her story – and seek redemption.
Essie Fox’s Catherine reimagines Wuthering Heights with beauty and intensity – a haunting, atmospheric retelling that brings new life to a timeless classic and lays bare the dark heart of an immortal love.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2026
About the author
Essie Fox
7 books382 followersMy latest novel is Catherine: A retelling of Wuthering Heights and it's been written as a ghost story. It will be published by Orenda Books on February 12, 2026.
Previous novels have been Dangerous: A Lord Byron Mystery set in the gothic city of Venice.
The Fascination is set in the world of Victorian rural fairgrounds, the glamour of the London theatres and an anatomy museum in a shop on Oxford Street - based on one that did exist! It's a book about deception, obsession, and what it is to be ''different'.
The Last Days of Leda Grey is about an Edwardian silent film actress who has lived in a crumbling cliff top house for more than half a century, until she confides her story to the journalist, Ed Peters ... who rapidly finds himself immersed inside her dark and eerie world.
I've also written three Victorian novels, the first of which - The Somnambulist - was shortlisted for the UK National Book Awards, featured on Channel 4's TV Book Club, and has been optioned for TV/film.
Elijah's Mermaid, features the hypocrisy in Victorian art and literature. It has brothels, asylums, and freak shows...not forgetting the mermaids!
The Goddess and the Thief is an 'oriental gothic', with Indian Maharajahs, Hindu gods and sacred diamonds ... including candlelit seances which are held in English drawing rooms.
My website is: www.essiefox.com
I blog as The Virtual Victorian. www.virturalvictorian.blogspot.com
Previous novels have been Dangerous: A Lord Byron Mystery set in the gothic city of Venice.
The Fascination is set in the world of Victorian rural fairgrounds, the glamour of the London theatres and an anatomy museum in a shop on Oxford Street - based on one that did exist! It's a book about deception, obsession, and what it is to be ''different'.
The Last Days of Leda Grey is about an Edwardian silent film actress who has lived in a crumbling cliff top house for more than half a century, until she confides her story to the journalist, Ed Peters ... who rapidly finds himself immersed inside her dark and eerie world.
I've also written three Victorian novels, the first of which - The Somnambulist - was shortlisted for the UK National Book Awards, featured on Channel 4's TV Book Club, and has been optioned for TV/film.
Elijah's Mermaid, features the hypocrisy in Victorian art and literature. It has brothels, asylums, and freak shows...not forgetting the mermaids!
The Goddess and the Thief is an 'oriental gothic', with Indian Maharajahs, Hindu gods and sacred diamonds ... including candlelit seances which are held in English drawing rooms.
My website is: www.essiefox.com
I blog as The Virtual Victorian. www.virturalvictorian.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 4, 2026
It is over three decades since I read Wuthering Heights and, back then, I probably didn't fully appreciate the complexities of the story. And this, the story of the Earnshaw's and the Linton's is most certainly that. I approached this book with a little trepidation, not because of the author. essie Fox is a beautiful writer whose ability to create atmosphere, intensity and utterly compelling reads is not in doubt. It is more because, from what I can recall, I just wasn't that taken with the story. There. My confession. I did not like Wuthering Heights.
So, it probably comes as a bit of a surprise that I read this book and, what's more, I really enjoyed it. Maybe it is the change of perspective, from Nelly Dean who, when all is said and done, was a witness to the story, rather than the books focus. Maybe, it is just the skill of storytelling that is inherent in all that Essie Fox creates, but something in this book struck me from the start and held me captivated until the end. Considering the gap between reads, Essie Fox has managed to capture and recreate the heart and soul of the original story, triggering in me memories of the original that I had all but forgotten. But in moving the perspective to that of Catherine Linton né Earnshaw, she has given the tale a whole new lease of life, if that is not too strange a thing to say of a book which is oft told from the point of view of a ghost.
This is a pure gothic delight, and I think that fans of the original book will find much to love here. The intensity of the bond between Catherine and Heathcliff is so carefully, but explicitly portrayed, that it is impossible not to be moved. Every scene evokes a clear vision of time and place, and the author's wonderfully lyrical writing lends itself perfectly to the story. As much as Catherine's decisions and actions could often irk me, understanding her thoughts, what caused that steady descent into madness, adds very different context to the story. I felt strangely sympathetic towards Catherine but I also felt like I understood her, far better than I perhaps had before. Her narrative voice is authentic, melancholic even, and delivered with such heartwrenching passion and anguish at times, and unparalleled joy at others, that it works perfectly here.
This is a story of obsession and revenge. A gothic romance uttered as a memory of a spectre who is able to move between time and space to key points in Catherine's life that drew her and Heathcliff to their inevitable tragic ending. A hauntingly incestuous ghost story that, whilst staying true to the original, feels new and vital. Yes, there are a few minor changes and tweaks - that is only right. But, for me, I found this far easier to read, to connect with, and the author's portrayal of Nelly Dean in this book perhaps helps to explain why. If you love historical fiction, a tragedy or romance with wonderfully evocative writing, get this on your TBR double quick. You won't regret it.
So, it probably comes as a bit of a surprise that I read this book and, what's more, I really enjoyed it. Maybe it is the change of perspective, from Nelly Dean who, when all is said and done, was a witness to the story, rather than the books focus. Maybe, it is just the skill of storytelling that is inherent in all that Essie Fox creates, but something in this book struck me from the start and held me captivated until the end. Considering the gap between reads, Essie Fox has managed to capture and recreate the heart and soul of the original story, triggering in me memories of the original that I had all but forgotten. But in moving the perspective to that of Catherine Linton né Earnshaw, she has given the tale a whole new lease of life, if that is not too strange a thing to say of a book which is oft told from the point of view of a ghost.
This is a pure gothic delight, and I think that fans of the original book will find much to love here. The intensity of the bond between Catherine and Heathcliff is so carefully, but explicitly portrayed, that it is impossible not to be moved. Every scene evokes a clear vision of time and place, and the author's wonderfully lyrical writing lends itself perfectly to the story. As much as Catherine's decisions and actions could often irk me, understanding her thoughts, what caused that steady descent into madness, adds very different context to the story. I felt strangely sympathetic towards Catherine but I also felt like I understood her, far better than I perhaps had before. Her narrative voice is authentic, melancholic even, and delivered with such heartwrenching passion and anguish at times, and unparalleled joy at others, that it works perfectly here.
This is a story of obsession and revenge. A gothic romance uttered as a memory of a spectre who is able to move between time and space to key points in Catherine's life that drew her and Heathcliff to their inevitable tragic ending. A hauntingly incestuous ghost story that, whilst staying true to the original, feels new and vital. Yes, there are a few minor changes and tweaks - that is only right. But, for me, I found this far easier to read, to connect with, and the author's portrayal of Nelly Dean in this book perhaps helps to explain why. If you love historical fiction, a tragedy or romance with wonderfully evocative writing, get this on your TBR double quick. You won't regret it.
March 2, 2026
Achingly beautiful, I was swept in from the first sentence.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
Thanks to Anne at Random Things Book Tours for the copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Hmmmm a retelling of Wuthering Heights...one of the most loved stories with the most loved characters in it. This could spell disaster. But surely in Essie's hands, it can't be anything but magical, right?
There's 47 chapters which makes it roughly 6 pages a chapter, which is good as I like a quick chapter, it helps add to the frenzied pace.
The writing is so lyrical and poetic. It has the same feel of a classical novel, which fits the story, but it's easier to read (as enjoyable as they are, we all admit that classics can be harder to read than more contemporary stories).
You think you know these characters, and their heart is still there, but Essie has given them a new lease of life, without completely stomping over what makes them them.
Some of it is uncomfortable reading, particularly regarding Heathcliff's skin colour, but you do have to accept that this story is of its time and that was the norm then, and Essie has handled it very sensitively.
It's been a long time since I last read Wuthering Heights - we're talking 15+ years - an I thought I had forgotten a lot of it, but something was clearly still there because I kept recognising bits which was lovely to see.
I read this one January evening when it was dark and freezing and it was absolutely hammering it down outside, and it was just the perfect time to get lost in this delightfully dark story.
There were a few bits that were perhaps more drawn out than I personally felt they needed to be but that is the tiniest little thing. Not really a complaint, more of an observation.
I'm not sure there is an historical figure or topic Essie can't write about.
I've read three of Essie's books now and this is hands down her best one.
Thanks to Anne at Random Things Book Tours for the copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Hmmmm a retelling of Wuthering Heights...one of the most loved stories with the most loved characters in it. This could spell disaster. But surely in Essie's hands, it can't be anything but magical, right?
There's 47 chapters which makes it roughly 6 pages a chapter, which is good as I like a quick chapter, it helps add to the frenzied pace.
The writing is so lyrical and poetic. It has the same feel of a classical novel, which fits the story, but it's easier to read (as enjoyable as they are, we all admit that classics can be harder to read than more contemporary stories).
You think you know these characters, and their heart is still there, but Essie has given them a new lease of life, without completely stomping over what makes them them.
Some of it is uncomfortable reading, particularly regarding Heathcliff's skin colour, but you do have to accept that this story is of its time and that was the norm then, and Essie has handled it very sensitively.
It's been a long time since I last read Wuthering Heights - we're talking 15+ years - an I thought I had forgotten a lot of it, but something was clearly still there because I kept recognising bits which was lovely to see.
I read this one January evening when it was dark and freezing and it was absolutely hammering it down outside, and it was just the perfect time to get lost in this delightfully dark story.
There were a few bits that were perhaps more drawn out than I personally felt they needed to be but that is the tiniest little thing. Not really a complaint, more of an observation.
I'm not sure there is an historical figure or topic Essie can't write about.
I've read three of Essie's books now and this is hands down her best one.
May 27, 2026
The original Wuthering Heights story is related by the maid Nelly Dean, and to a lesser degree, Thrushcross Grange tenant Mr Lockwood, this retelling is narrated by the wild and unpredictable Catherine.
I was dubious about this at first but ended up absolutely loving it. Beautifully written, it adds some interesting extra details yet still manages to remain faithful to, and in keeping with the original story. I will be checking out more of Essie Fox's work for sure. Also worth mentioning is the cover and decoration of the closed pages of this copy, a thing of beauty indeed.
5 stars.
I was dubious about this at first but ended up absolutely loving it. Beautifully written, it adds some interesting extra details yet still manages to remain faithful to, and in keeping with the original story. I will be checking out more of Essie Fox's work for sure. Also worth mentioning is the cover and decoration of the closed pages of this copy, a thing of beauty indeed.
5 stars.
February 26, 2026
Though it is depicted from the beginning as a retelling I had the feeling that quickly this book was much closer to plagiarism than retelling/hommage....
The actual new additions from the POV of Catherine are scarce and did not bring enough new insights nor background related to Wuthering heights in the whole.
I absolutely loved the Emily Brontë's masterpiece and as it is absolutely perfect "Catherine" here can't be bad as I said earlier it is still really close to "Wuthering heights" and I really enjoyed some parts. And I mean the love of the author for the Emily Brontë's original is quite obvious and genuine.
Yet, I would have enjoyed more depth and originality and not reading again exactly the same words as in the original one in various pages "haunt me then, drive me mad".... It was rather lazy 🥱🤨
Finally , the development regarding Heathcliff's background and origin story were quite disappointing and did not please me hence ⭐⭐⭐ stars.
The actual new additions from the POV of Catherine are scarce and did not bring enough new insights nor background related to Wuthering heights in the whole.
I absolutely loved the Emily Brontë's masterpiece and as it is absolutely perfect "Catherine" here can't be bad as I said earlier it is still really close to "Wuthering heights" and I really enjoyed some parts. And I mean the love of the author for the Emily Brontë's original is quite obvious and genuine.
Yet, I would have enjoyed more depth and originality and not reading again exactly the same words as in the original one in various pages "haunt me then, drive me mad".... It was rather lazy 🥱🤨
Finally , the development regarding Heathcliff's background and origin story were quite disappointing and did not please me hence ⭐⭐⭐ stars.
February 27, 2026
Essie Fox is, without a doubt, one of the best gothic historical writers at work today, as her last book Dangerous , a reimagining of Byron’s time in Venice, and now this retelling of Wuthering Heights amply demonstrate. Before embarking on Catherine, I attempted a re-read of Wuthering Heights, having not read since I was a teenager, and lord, it was heavy going second time around. Perhaps this, more than anything else, makes me urge you to pick up this one instead, and here��s why…
At the close of Wuthering Heights, Lockwood is surveying the burial place of Cathy, Heathcliff and Linton and this provides a beautiful segue into Fox’s own homage to this classic work,
“I lingered among them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells; listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.”
Quite evidently, Fox richly imagines unquiet slumbers, particularly in the case of Cathy as Catherine opens with her rising from the grave some eighteen years after her death to observe the lives of those she has left in her wake, and the continuing misery, apathy and general sadness that permeates the protagonists. As we have already encountered the unreliable narration of the servant Nelly Dean in the original book, Fox uses Cathy as the omniscient narrator which inveigles the reader more closely into the lives of her loves, her family and more importantly the magnetism of her conflicted and tempestuous relationship with the brooding and capricious Heathcliff.
However, what sets this book apart further from the original which oozes unrelenting misery, and quite unlikeable protagonists, is Fox’s altogether more emotive and richly realised portrayal of Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. Generally, Wuthering Heights is framed as a gothic romance which I’ve always found slightly disingenuous, whereas the depth and intensity of their relationship in this book, is much more engaging to the reader, particularly the recounting of their formative years, and the intrinsic role that the moorland and brooding landscape plays in reflecting the mercurial turbulence in this relationship over the years. Fox very effectively introduces a psycho-geographical intensity to the novel, with the backdrop of the moors, Cathy and Heathcliff’s constant wandering and exploration of this raw and rugged landscape, and what the author imagines happens between them in this setting. There is a much stronger physicality to their entanglement, which definitely imbues the reader with a greater sense of this being a gothic romance, all underpinned by the recurring themes of envy, greed and violence that permeate this book as much as the original text. Within this the reader also gets a more heightened sense of their impassioned pleas in the case of Cathy that, “I am Heathcliff. He is more myself than I am.“, and his declaration, “And I pray one prayer—I repeat it till my tongue stiffens—Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you—haunt me, then!” which is very much the role Fox’s Catherine plays, as she does indeed haunt the narrative.
Fox perfectly captures the emotional isolation of these characters in their rural backwater, and how this isolation escalates for the younger protagonists as Heathcliff completely dominates every aspect of their lives wreaking his personal vengeance. Throughout the book there is generally a real sense of faithful authenticity and adherence to the characterisation of the classic, with the feel that character traits, more often than not the more positive and humane ones, more fleetingly addressed by Emily Brontë are enhanced and amplified by Fox. To this end, overall I felt infinitely more engaged with, and with a heightened sense of empathy for the main players, than I did after emerging from a reading of the original. Obviously, characters such as Joseph, the curmudgeonly servant, and Cathy’s brother Hindley are as intensely garrulous or cruel respectively for example, but I found satisfying slivers of humanity peppered within the book, particularly in relation to some of Heathcliff’s interactions, despite his general abhorrent behaviour.
Equally I enjoyed the way that Fox drew on the more salacious elements of the original, stemming from Heathcliff’s origin story, and the darker implications of this on his and Cathy’s relationship, that Brontë merely alludes to and does not expound upon in any significant detail. These more imagined elements are in no way detrimental, or feel incongruous to Fox’s retelling, and in fact bring a more heightened sense of recognition to the struggle experienced by female writers of Brontë’s era to convey the darker aspects of life that the decorum of the age prevented them from exposing completely.
As Wuthering Heights experiences a resurgence of readers at the moment due to, in my very humble opinion, the terrible white-washed movie version, some readers are struggling to engage with the original text when picking up the book for the first time. In the light of this, I have been mentioning Catherine a lot, as I think it will resonate more strongly with a contemporary audience, not just for the heightened emotional gravitas of this one, but also Fox’s willingness to expound on the less savoury implications of the original. This book feels much more like a gothic romance than Wuthering Heights is purported to be, but is also a beautifully realised companion read to the original classic. Essie Fox refers to this book as a passion project, and her dedication to, and love of Emily Brontë’s original is clearly in evidence throughout with the intermittent stanzas of Brontë’s poetry, and the haunting echoes of Wuthering Heights itself. Highly recommended.
At the close of Wuthering Heights, Lockwood is surveying the burial place of Cathy, Heathcliff and Linton and this provides a beautiful segue into Fox’s own homage to this classic work,
“I lingered among them, under that benign sky: watched the moths fluttering among the heath and harebells; listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.”
Quite evidently, Fox richly imagines unquiet slumbers, particularly in the case of Cathy as Catherine opens with her rising from the grave some eighteen years after her death to observe the lives of those she has left in her wake, and the continuing misery, apathy and general sadness that permeates the protagonists. As we have already encountered the unreliable narration of the servant Nelly Dean in the original book, Fox uses Cathy as the omniscient narrator which inveigles the reader more closely into the lives of her loves, her family and more importantly the magnetism of her conflicted and tempestuous relationship with the brooding and capricious Heathcliff.
However, what sets this book apart further from the original which oozes unrelenting misery, and quite unlikeable protagonists, is Fox’s altogether more emotive and richly realised portrayal of Cathy and Heathcliff’s relationship. Generally, Wuthering Heights is framed as a gothic romance which I’ve always found slightly disingenuous, whereas the depth and intensity of their relationship in this book, is much more engaging to the reader, particularly the recounting of their formative years, and the intrinsic role that the moorland and brooding landscape plays in reflecting the mercurial turbulence in this relationship over the years. Fox very effectively introduces a psycho-geographical intensity to the novel, with the backdrop of the moors, Cathy and Heathcliff’s constant wandering and exploration of this raw and rugged landscape, and what the author imagines happens between them in this setting. There is a much stronger physicality to their entanglement, which definitely imbues the reader with a greater sense of this being a gothic romance, all underpinned by the recurring themes of envy, greed and violence that permeate this book as much as the original text. Within this the reader also gets a more heightened sense of their impassioned pleas in the case of Cathy that, “I am Heathcliff. He is more myself than I am.“, and his declaration, “And I pray one prayer—I repeat it till my tongue stiffens—Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you—haunt me, then!” which is very much the role Fox’s Catherine plays, as she does indeed haunt the narrative.
Fox perfectly captures the emotional isolation of these characters in their rural backwater, and how this isolation escalates for the younger protagonists as Heathcliff completely dominates every aspect of their lives wreaking his personal vengeance. Throughout the book there is generally a real sense of faithful authenticity and adherence to the characterisation of the classic, with the feel that character traits, more often than not the more positive and humane ones, more fleetingly addressed by Emily Brontë are enhanced and amplified by Fox. To this end, overall I felt infinitely more engaged with, and with a heightened sense of empathy for the main players, than I did after emerging from a reading of the original. Obviously, characters such as Joseph, the curmudgeonly servant, and Cathy’s brother Hindley are as intensely garrulous or cruel respectively for example, but I found satisfying slivers of humanity peppered within the book, particularly in relation to some of Heathcliff’s interactions, despite his general abhorrent behaviour.
Equally I enjoyed the way that Fox drew on the more salacious elements of the original, stemming from Heathcliff’s origin story, and the darker implications of this on his and Cathy’s relationship, that Brontë merely alludes to and does not expound upon in any significant detail. These more imagined elements are in no way detrimental, or feel incongruous to Fox’s retelling, and in fact bring a more heightened sense of recognition to the struggle experienced by female writers of Brontë’s era to convey the darker aspects of life that the decorum of the age prevented them from exposing completely.
As Wuthering Heights experiences a resurgence of readers at the moment due to, in my very humble opinion, the terrible white-washed movie version, some readers are struggling to engage with the original text when picking up the book for the first time. In the light of this, I have been mentioning Catherine a lot, as I think it will resonate more strongly with a contemporary audience, not just for the heightened emotional gravitas of this one, but also Fox’s willingness to expound on the less savoury implications of the original. This book feels much more like a gothic romance than Wuthering Heights is purported to be, but is also a beautifully realised companion read to the original classic. Essie Fox refers to this book as a passion project, and her dedication to, and love of Emily Brontë’s original is clearly in evidence throughout with the intermittent stanzas of Brontë’s poetry, and the haunting echoes of Wuthering Heights itself. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff who her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool and they have an unbreakable bond. Catherine’s older brother Hindley is a brute, he is angry and resentful of the love their father pours onto Heathcliff. When Mr Earnshaw dies, it leaves Hindley in control, and he forces Heathcliff into manual labour to earn his keep and to exact his revenge.
To escape, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange, believing that his wealth will help not only her, but also Heathcliff. Having grown close to the Linton children Edgar and Isabella after an incident, and after Edgar’s parents die, Edgar and Catherine marry. However, she still yearns for Heathcliff and the love they share is unmatched.
This is a story told from Catherine’s perspective.
I’ve not read Wuthering Heights, it’s not a genre that I typically enjoy, but after seeing some fabulous reviews, I was inspired to give this one a try.
It’s a devastating story, full of obsession, revenge, resentment and madness. Catherine is wild, she will not be tamed, she is impulsive and destructive, and does not apologise for being so.
It’s beautiful written by the author, I can’t compare it to the original having never read it, but I thought it did a wonderful job of portraying a tragic story.
I did however find the first three quarters of this book slightly boring, I also disliked the majority of the characters. I find it a struggle to read a book when I dislike the MC and because of this I’m not fully engaged in the story or the outcome. The last part of the book did pick up a little for me though. Overall I’m glad I read the book, but tragic romanticism (is that a genre?!) is definitely not for me!
Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff who her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool and they have an unbreakable bond. Catherine’s older brother Hindley is a brute, he is angry and resentful of the love their father pours onto Heathcliff. When Mr Earnshaw dies, it leaves Hindley in control, and he forces Heathcliff into manual labour to earn his keep and to exact his revenge.
To escape, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange, believing that his wealth will help not only her, but also Heathcliff. Having grown close to the Linton children Edgar and Isabella after an incident, and after Edgar’s parents die, Edgar and Catherine marry. However, she still yearns for Heathcliff and the love they share is unmatched.
This is a story told from Catherine’s perspective.
I’ve not read Wuthering Heights, it’s not a genre that I typically enjoy, but after seeing some fabulous reviews, I was inspired to give this one a try.
It’s a devastating story, full of obsession, revenge, resentment and madness. Catherine is wild, she will not be tamed, she is impulsive and destructive, and does not apologise for being so.
It’s beautiful written by the author, I can’t compare it to the original having never read it, but I thought it did a wonderful job of portraying a tragic story.
I did however find the first three quarters of this book slightly boring, I also disliked the majority of the characters. I find it a struggle to read a book when I dislike the MC and because of this I’m not fully engaged in the story or the outcome. The last part of the book did pick up a little for me though. Overall I’m glad I read the book, but tragic romanticism (is that a genre?!) is definitely not for me!
April 8, 2026
As the title suggests, Catherine is a retelling of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and perfectly in line with my current obsession with this story, I devoured this book in a single day.
Essie Fox stays very faithful to the original narrative, but makes it far more accessible to modern readers through a more contemporary style of language. That’s also the main reason why my rating ended up being higher than for the original—though that does feel a little sacrilegious to admit. Another key aspect is the shift in perspective: this time, we experience the story firsthand through Catherine Earnshaw. Fox effectively fills in the “spaces between the lines,” shaping the story in a way that closely mirrors how it has always played out in my own imagination. As I already mentioned in my review of the original, the source material itself is incredibly compelling, and Fox succeeds in capturing many of Brontë’s thematic nuances and weaving them into her own narrative.
That said, there were a few things that bothered me while reading. Even if you’re already familiar with the story, there is a lot of very explicit foreshadowing, which ended up disrupting the sense of tension rather than enhancing it—it felt somewhat unnecessary. Additionally, in the original, one character disappears for several years, and we are never told what happens during that time. Fox chooses to fill this gap, drawing on some well-known theories, but certain explanations don’t quite fit into the narrative, feel underdeveloped, and are given more weight than they perhaps deserve—there was definitely more potential there.
And on a very subjective note, something I found quite disappointing: although Fox occasionally incorporates (slightly altered) original quotes, the iconic line "You said I killed you—haunt me, then! […]" is unfortunately completely butchered and deserved so much more.
Still, a fitting addition to my current Wuthering Heights obsession.
Essie Fox stays very faithful to the original narrative, but makes it far more accessible to modern readers through a more contemporary style of language. That’s also the main reason why my rating ended up being higher than for the original—though that does feel a little sacrilegious to admit. Another key aspect is the shift in perspective: this time, we experience the story firsthand through Catherine Earnshaw. Fox effectively fills in the “spaces between the lines,” shaping the story in a way that closely mirrors how it has always played out in my own imagination. As I already mentioned in my review of the original, the source material itself is incredibly compelling, and Fox succeeds in capturing many of Brontë’s thematic nuances and weaving them into her own narrative.
That said, there were a few things that bothered me while reading. Even if you’re already familiar with the story, there is a lot of very explicit foreshadowing, which ended up disrupting the sense of tension rather than enhancing it—it felt somewhat unnecessary. Additionally, in the original, one character disappears for several years, and we are never told what happens during that time. Fox chooses to fill this gap, drawing on some well-known theories, but certain explanations don’t quite fit into the narrative, feel underdeveloped, and are given more weight than they perhaps deserve—there was definitely more potential there.
And on a very subjective note, something I found quite disappointing: although Fox occasionally incorporates (slightly altered) original quotes, the iconic line "You said I killed you—haunt me, then! […]" is unfortunately completely butchered and deserved so much more.
Still, a fitting addition to my current Wuthering Heights obsession.
February 15, 2026
A near perfect retelling of Wuthering Heights from the POV of Cathy as a child, Cathy as teenage girl, Cathy as a woman (though brief) and eventually Cathy as a ghost. It fills the gaps in the storyline, the gaps that Nelly left because all this time we are limited by her POV alone, only what she has witnessed in front of her eyes and more importantly without the nosy presence of Mr.Lockwood. Through Nelly’s eyes we get to know Cathy as a child with a wicked, volatile, a headstrong and passionate nature whereas through her own eyes in this book, she’s actually a thoughtful one, and more gentle than we have led to believe all this time.
Her and Heathcliff’s deep and intense bond that almost spiritual when they are children grows into a passionate romance, the author elaborates their relationship away from Nelly’s prying eyes and i loved it so much. We get to know also Heathcliff’s origin and what he discovers in his 3 years absence is actually not as shocking as it would’ve been since the author used a well-known favorite theory that makes his relationship with Cathy consequently an incest. *pretends to be shocked*
And i did say it’s a near perfect retelling because there are a few things that was nagging in my mind while i read it. Mainly because the story that unfolds from the time Heathcliff comes back into Cathy’s life sometimes veers too close with the newest movie adaptation (ugh) though not to the extent of adultery. And at some points i also felt that Cathy’s portrayal in this book is a bit sanitized maybe? almost out of character from Cathy that we know of from the original. But then again we are so used to Nelly’s (and her’s only) perception of Cathy all this time so maybe that’s what makes it a little bit jarring for me. Moreover the author did say that her retelling is a story of redemption of the doomed lovers.
Her and Heathcliff’s deep and intense bond that almost spiritual when they are children grows into a passionate romance, the author elaborates their relationship away from Nelly’s prying eyes and i loved it so much. We get to know also Heathcliff’s origin and what he discovers in his 3 years absence is actually not as shocking as it would’ve been since the author used a well-known favorite theory that makes his relationship with Cathy consequently an incest. *pretends to be shocked*
And i did say it’s a near perfect retelling because there are a few things that was nagging in my mind while i read it. Mainly because the story that unfolds from the time Heathcliff comes back into Cathy’s life sometimes veers too close with the newest movie adaptation (ugh) though not to the extent of adultery. And at some points i also felt that Cathy’s portrayal in this book is a bit sanitized maybe? almost out of character from Cathy that we know of from the original. But then again we are so used to Nelly’s (and her’s only) perception of Cathy all this time so maybe that’s what makes it a little bit jarring for me. Moreover the author did say that her retelling is a story of redemption of the doomed lovers.
June 1, 2026
Loved!! Finished Wuthering Heights but I wasn’t ready to be done with the story. Enter: Catherine by Essie Fox. Really enjoyed her retelling and new POV
June 18, 2026
Wuthering Heights has always been one of my favourite books. I read it so many times as a teen, and over the years have read it many times, watched it on stage and film, and every time I feel like I find something new, or feel something differently towards the characters.
Catherine was not one I ever really focussed on, I suppose because she is not so likeable in the book and then is not in the majority of it. So when the "Wuthering Heights" movie was released focusing on Catherine and Heathcliff ; and now this book focusing on Catherine's POV, I wonder if there is still more to this story I have yet to discover!!
Fox stays close to the original, with the exception of a few large/obvious components (e.g. explaining Heathcliff's 3-year absence and parentage) , and it was interesting seeing it from Catherine's perspective. She is still very unlikeable, but I was able to empathise more with her character - especially as she watches Heathcliff torment Cathy from her grave.
Recommended for Wuthering Heights fans. I'm not sure of the appeal if you aren't 😂
Catherine was not one I ever really focussed on, I suppose because she is not so likeable in the book and then is not in the majority of it. So when the "Wuthering Heights" movie was released focusing on Catherine and Heathcliff ; and now this book focusing on Catherine's POV, I wonder if there is still more to this story I have yet to discover!!
Fox stays close to the original, with the exception of a few large/obvious components (e.g. explaining Heathcliff's 3-year absence and parentage) , and it was interesting seeing it from Catherine's perspective. She is still very unlikeable, but I was able to empathise more with her character - especially as she watches Heathcliff torment Cathy from her grave.
Recommended for Wuthering Heights fans. I'm not sure of the appeal if you aren't 😂
June 8, 2026
Firstly this is a stunningly beautiful edition and a book to be treasured. It is a clever retelling of Wuthering Heights from Catherine's point of view. At the start, Catherine's ghost escapes and retells the events of her youth and the arrival of Heathcliff from her view. It also allows characters like her mother to come to life more than in the original text. Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite novels and the poem, No Coward Soul is mine which threads through the text, one of my favourite poems by Emily Brontë. Essie Fox has achieved a new interpretation of the novel without losing any of the beauty or cruelty of the original.
March 11, 2026
I have never read anything of Essie Fox is, but I will definitely look out for more of her books - I very much like the look of Dangerous! I thought this was a very accomplished re-imagining of Wuthering Heights. I was worried that this might be an unrealistic gothic romance not caputuring the heart of the original book. It was far from that - Heathcliff's relationship with Cathy is very engaging and his decline after her death into cruelty was brilliantly portrayed. Added to this Essie Fox brilliantly portrayed the brooding landscape adding to the turbulence of the story.
March 28, 2026
⭐️ 3.75 - I’ve never actually read wuthering heights, so I was a little thrown by how dark and twisty this book got. The concept of revenge is taken to a whole new level here. The two main characters have few redeeming qualities and honestly, I felt bad for all the side characters who got caught up in and had to deal with their crap! Honestly I should’ve read this in the fall. The dark, foggy setting of the moors created a very spooky atmospheric setting for the book, not to mention the ghosts of course. Definitely an interesting read.
May 23, 2026
This was everything I hoped it would be , everything that was missing from the original story
This is the quote that had me hooked-
“The blackest eyes you could imagine, in which I glimpsed my own reflection. And, it was the queerest thing, but I knew with every fibre of my being it was true: Here is the other half of me”
This is the quote that had me hooked-
“The blackest eyes you could imagine, in which I glimpsed my own reflection. And, it was the queerest thing, but I knew with every fibre of my being it was true: Here is the other half of me”
April 16, 2026
Oh my!!! Thank you so much Essie for this absolutely captivating and beautiful retelling of Wuthering Heights.
Wuthering Heights is my all time favourite book, so I was both excited and nervous to read “Catherine.” However, Essie Fox tells Catherine’s story so beautifully and I LOVE that it is told from her perspective, it’s like she has FINALLY been given a voice and I’m somewhat emotional about it.
It is so apparent that the author also loves and cherishes Catherine and Heathcliff’s story, as this is also highlighted in the authors Afterword.
The ending is spellbinding and I can only say thank you!! Thank you Essie Fox for writing this absolutely wonderful book…..my heart is so full. 🩷
A must read if you enjoy the original story!!
Wuthering Heights is my all time favourite book, so I was both excited and nervous to read “Catherine.” However, Essie Fox tells Catherine’s story so beautifully and I LOVE that it is told from her perspective, it’s like she has FINALLY been given a voice and I’m somewhat emotional about it.
It is so apparent that the author also loves and cherishes Catherine and Heathcliff’s story, as this is also highlighted in the authors Afterword.
The ending is spellbinding and I can only say thank you!! Thank you Essie Fox for writing this absolutely wonderful book…..my heart is so full. 🩷
A must read if you enjoy the original story!!
February 16, 2026
“ Catherine is my own mirror to reflect the characters who have haunted my dreams for more than half a century. I believe they always will”
This is Essie Fox’s reimagining of Wuthering Heights from Cathy’s perspective and opens when Heathcliffe disturbs her grave and lets out her ghost.
Cathy and Heathcliffe meet as children when Cathy’s father brings a foundling to live at their home of Wuthering Heights and names him after his dead son-Heathcliffe. They grow up wild and free roaming the moors and loving each other fiercely whilst Cathy’s brother Hindley grows up angry and resentful at the cuckoo who’s stolen his father’s affections.
To protect her beloved Heathcliffe from her brother’s brutality, Cathy turns to the wealthy Linton family but her choices are misunderstood which sets off a series of tragic, revengeful events that affect them all and the next generation.
What this novel does well is capture the beauty and devastation of the classic whilst filling in the gaps of Nelly Dean’s account. It gives us insight into Cathy’s motivations and makes bold choices about the hinted at mysteries in the book (where did Heathcliffe go for 3 years?! Who were his parents? Were they really lovers?). Atmospheric, intense and full of jealousy and dark gothic tones. I loved the descriptions of the moors and felt that the author struck a good balance between keeping faithful to the classic and putting a spin on this dark story. The changing of perspective allowed me to feel a lot more pity for all the characters.
I attended the launch of this book and the author really loves this book and the Brontes and the story really conveys this.
Inherited trauma (so much trauma), obsession and a story that will make you rage and cry. This is an accessible faithful version of the story if you’ve never been able to read it and a wonderful retelling if you loved the original. Well done Essie. Emily would be happy (or would she be darkly intensely jealous like her characters).
This is Essie Fox’s reimagining of Wuthering Heights from Cathy’s perspective and opens when Heathcliffe disturbs her grave and lets out her ghost.
Cathy and Heathcliffe meet as children when Cathy’s father brings a foundling to live at their home of Wuthering Heights and names him after his dead son-Heathcliffe. They grow up wild and free roaming the moors and loving each other fiercely whilst Cathy’s brother Hindley grows up angry and resentful at the cuckoo who’s stolen his father’s affections.
To protect her beloved Heathcliffe from her brother’s brutality, Cathy turns to the wealthy Linton family but her choices are misunderstood which sets off a series of tragic, revengeful events that affect them all and the next generation.
What this novel does well is capture the beauty and devastation of the classic whilst filling in the gaps of Nelly Dean’s account. It gives us insight into Cathy’s motivations and makes bold choices about the hinted at mysteries in the book (where did Heathcliffe go for 3 years?! Who were his parents? Were they really lovers?). Atmospheric, intense and full of jealousy and dark gothic tones. I loved the descriptions of the moors and felt that the author struck a good balance between keeping faithful to the classic and putting a spin on this dark story. The changing of perspective allowed me to feel a lot more pity for all the characters.
I attended the launch of this book and the author really loves this book and the Brontes and the story really conveys this.
Inherited trauma (so much trauma), obsession and a story that will make you rage and cry. This is an accessible faithful version of the story if you’ve never been able to read it and a wonderful retelling if you loved the original. Well done Essie. Emily would be happy (or would she be darkly intensely jealous like her characters).
April 10, 2026
I first read Wuthering Heights as a teen and then again in my 30’s.
I love historical fiction inspired by a classic, so this book was extremely appealing.
Catherine Earnshaw is born and raised on the wild moors of West Yorkshire with Heathcliff, a foundling her father brought home with him from a trip to Liverpool.
Catherine and Heathcliff grow up together forming this wild and incredibly close bond, which is ferociously intense, where the two of them will literally do anything for one another.
Upon Mr Earnshaw’s death, Catherine’s cruel older brother punishes Heathcliff severely and Catherine decides that by marrying Edgar Linton, a young rich neighbour it will set Heathcliff free.
But this decision spectacularly backfires on Catherine and jealousy, retribution and revenge prevails.
Nearly 20 years after her death, Catherine moves out of the shadows to return to tell her story and seek atonement.
This atmospheric, dark and powerful tale held me in its thrall. Featuring all the well known characters from Emily Bronte’s classic novel, this was a brilliant take on such a famous story and it cleverly and expertly filled in the parts of Catherine’s story that were never explored in the original.
Told from the perspective of Catherine, we follow the story through her eyes rather than through the servant Nelly Dean who was the narrator in WH which made this book both refreshing and interesting.
The writing style felt authentic and sympathetic to the original text and I enjoyed being swept back to those wild and windy moors once more. My feelings towards Catherine and Heathcliff fluctuated as the story unfolded and the revelations were particularly shocking.
A stirring, emotional and seductive retelling and you definitely don’t need to have read Wuthering Heights to enjoy this brilliant book.
Thank you so much to @orendabooks for sending me this gorgeous, hardback signed copy - it’s an absolute stunner!
I love historical fiction inspired by a classic, so this book was extremely appealing.
Catherine Earnshaw is born and raised on the wild moors of West Yorkshire with Heathcliff, a foundling her father brought home with him from a trip to Liverpool.
Catherine and Heathcliff grow up together forming this wild and incredibly close bond, which is ferociously intense, where the two of them will literally do anything for one another.
Upon Mr Earnshaw’s death, Catherine’s cruel older brother punishes Heathcliff severely and Catherine decides that by marrying Edgar Linton, a young rich neighbour it will set Heathcliff free.
But this decision spectacularly backfires on Catherine and jealousy, retribution and revenge prevails.
Nearly 20 years after her death, Catherine moves out of the shadows to return to tell her story and seek atonement.
This atmospheric, dark and powerful tale held me in its thrall. Featuring all the well known characters from Emily Bronte’s classic novel, this was a brilliant take on such a famous story and it cleverly and expertly filled in the parts of Catherine’s story that were never explored in the original.
Told from the perspective of Catherine, we follow the story through her eyes rather than through the servant Nelly Dean who was the narrator in WH which made this book both refreshing and interesting.
The writing style felt authentic and sympathetic to the original text and I enjoyed being swept back to those wild and windy moors once more. My feelings towards Catherine and Heathcliff fluctuated as the story unfolded and the revelations were particularly shocking.
A stirring, emotional and seductive retelling and you definitely don’t need to have read Wuthering Heights to enjoy this brilliant book.
Thank you so much to @orendabooks for sending me this gorgeous, hardback signed copy - it’s an absolute stunner!
March 2, 2026
Reading this book is very out of character for me and not what you would expect to find on the blog. But Wuthering Heights is a classic I shared with my daughters, and when I was invited to participate in the blog tour, I could not resist. I was very curious to read this retelling. I will say upfront, I loved it.
Catherine is a beautifully atmospheric and emotionally rich retelling of Wuthering Heights that offers a fresh and intimate perspective on one of literature’s most iconic tragic heroines. Telling the story through Catherine’s own voice — quite literally from beyond the grave — gives the novel a haunting, confessional tone that feels original and in keeping with the source material.
What I loved most about this book was how vividly Fox captures Catherine’s wildness and inner turmoil. Catherine Earnshaw is not softened or romanticised; she is impulsive, obsessive, passionate, and often self-destructive. That complexity makes her compelling to read, and seeing her motivations and regrets from her own perspective adds new emotional depth to familiar events. Her bond with Heathcliff remains intense and consuming, and the novel leans fully into the darker, more destructive elements of their relationship rather than trying to make it conventionally romantic.
The gothic atmosphere is wonderfully done. The moors feel alive, the sense of doom hangs heavily over the narrative, and the supernatural framing enhances the emotional stakes rather than distracting from them. Fox’s writing is lush and evocative without becoming overly dense, which makes the book immersive and easy to sink into.
If I had any minor reservations, it’s that readers very familiar with Wuthering Heights may not find huge plot surprises, since the core story remains largely faithful to the original. However, the emotional reinterpretation and character insight more than compensate for that. This is less about changing the story and more about deepening it.
This is a thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally deep retelling that honours the original while giving Catherine a powerful voice of her own.
https://featzreviews.com/catherine-bo...
Catherine is a beautifully atmospheric and emotionally rich retelling of Wuthering Heights that offers a fresh and intimate perspective on one of literature’s most iconic tragic heroines. Telling the story through Catherine’s own voice — quite literally from beyond the grave — gives the novel a haunting, confessional tone that feels original and in keeping with the source material.
What I loved most about this book was how vividly Fox captures Catherine’s wildness and inner turmoil. Catherine Earnshaw is not softened or romanticised; she is impulsive, obsessive, passionate, and often self-destructive. That complexity makes her compelling to read, and seeing her motivations and regrets from her own perspective adds new emotional depth to familiar events. Her bond with Heathcliff remains intense and consuming, and the novel leans fully into the darker, more destructive elements of their relationship rather than trying to make it conventionally romantic.
The gothic atmosphere is wonderfully done. The moors feel alive, the sense of doom hangs heavily over the narrative, and the supernatural framing enhances the emotional stakes rather than distracting from them. Fox’s writing is lush and evocative without becoming overly dense, which makes the book immersive and easy to sink into.
If I had any minor reservations, it’s that readers very familiar with Wuthering Heights may not find huge plot surprises, since the core story remains largely faithful to the original. However, the emotional reinterpretation and character insight more than compensate for that. This is less about changing the story and more about deepening it.
This is a thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally deep retelling that honours the original while giving Catherine a powerful voice of her own.
https://featzreviews.com/catherine-bo...
February 17, 2026
3.5
The writing in this book was without a doubt my favourite thing about it, it was beautifully descriptive and poetic. The atmosphere was dark and gothic, themes of which I imagine it carries over from the original Wuthering Heights novel well.
Catherine is a love story, but it is a tragic and haunting one. Cathy and Heathcliff share feelings so intensely, but life is never on their side. It's frustrating for the reader to see the events and mistakes that repeatedly made such lasting impacts on their lives.
To be honest, I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable. But the character study was a harrowing reminder of the reality of humanity.
The letdown of this book fell upon me in the last 25% where I think I just wasn't as interested in the characters at the centre of the book at that point, but the ghostly perspective was interesting.
Thank you Orenda for the proof copy of this book.
The writing in this book was without a doubt my favourite thing about it, it was beautifully descriptive and poetic. The atmosphere was dark and gothic, themes of which I imagine it carries over from the original Wuthering Heights novel well.
Catherine is a love story, but it is a tragic and haunting one. Cathy and Heathcliff share feelings so intensely, but life is never on their side. It's frustrating for the reader to see the events and mistakes that repeatedly made such lasting impacts on their lives.
To be honest, I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable. But the character study was a harrowing reminder of the reality of humanity.
The letdown of this book fell upon me in the last 25% where I think I just wasn't as interested in the characters at the centre of the book at that point, but the ghostly perspective was interesting.
Thank you Orenda for the proof copy of this book.
March 6, 2026
Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights, is exactly that. This is the retelling of the classic by Emily Brontë, told from the POV of Cathy, from beyond the grave. 🪦
Essie Fox weaves a hauntingly beautiful, tragic story of obsession and revenge. Make no mistake, this is not a love story, this a story of hatred and violence and abuse. There are no happy-ever-afters for most of the characters. 🪦
As to the characters themselves, scarce few of them have any redeeming qualities. 🪦
As brutal and disturbing as the story is, it is Fox's writing that makes it palatable. That gothic atmosphere that she does so well, and the descriptive prose, bring the story alive. I felt as though I was running across the moors with Heathcliff and Cathy. I flinched each time Hindley beat Heathcliff. I wanted to cover my ears when Joseph began one of his religious rants. 🪦
I've never thought of Wuthering Heights as a romantic tale. This retelling has cemented that view. 🪦
Essie Fox weaves a hauntingly beautiful, tragic story of obsession and revenge. Make no mistake, this is not a love story, this a story of hatred and violence and abuse. There are no happy-ever-afters for most of the characters. 🪦
As to the characters themselves, scarce few of them have any redeeming qualities. 🪦
As brutal and disturbing as the story is, it is Fox's writing that makes it palatable. That gothic atmosphere that she does so well, and the descriptive prose, bring the story alive. I felt as though I was running across the moors with Heathcliff and Cathy. I flinched each time Hindley beat Heathcliff. I wanted to cover my ears when Joseph began one of his religious rants. 🪦
I've never thought of Wuthering Heights as a romantic tale. This retelling has cemented that view. 🪦
March 18, 2026
If you haven't heard of Wuthering Heights, Cathy and Heathcliff where have you been. Adaptations of the book have literally been done to death and there are a lot of them.
Essie Fox has done a wonderful job with this retelling of the classic. It's told from the pov of the ghost of Cathy rather than Nelly Dean. She goes to the beginning and beyond where she dies which is normally where the adaptations end.
The story is very close to the original book but does add a few liberties. There is an explanation of where Heathcliff went in the three years he was away and what he finds out.
I love Wuthering Heights and alongside Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is one of my favourites. The classics are not always easy to read so this adaptation is so close it would make an easier read. I loved it and have my own copy to keep and read again.
Essie Fox has done a wonderful job with this retelling of the classic. It's told from the pov of the ghost of Cathy rather than Nelly Dean. She goes to the beginning and beyond where she dies which is normally where the adaptations end.
The story is very close to the original book but does add a few liberties. There is an explanation of where Heathcliff went in the three years he was away and what he finds out.
I love Wuthering Heights and alongside Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is one of my favourites. The classics are not always easy to read so this adaptation is so close it would make an easier read. I loved it and have my own copy to keep and read again.
May 16, 2026
This was great! A different sort of look into the story of wuthering heights told from Catherine’s POV. I always wondered how much did Nelly did right and this totally solidifies how much of a biased narrator Nelly was… Nelly didn’t know everything and see everything and this gives you a whole different (still similar) perspective of the story. It made me cry at the same points and made me feel all the love I feel with Wuthering heights. This was great and I loved this little take on the other part of the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
'What wakes me from my dreams?'
This was STUNNING. Cathy's opened grave allows her ghost to walk the earth and witness what has happened in the 18 years since her death. She wrangles pain and confusion as the man she loved destroys everyone around him, eventually himself, until she finally takes his hand and they run across the moors once again.
It was beautiful and broken in the way Wuthering Heights was intended to be. I'll happily put this on my book case next to Emily Brontë.
This was STUNNING. Cathy's opened grave allows her ghost to walk the earth and witness what has happened in the 18 years since her death. She wrangles pain and confusion as the man she loved destroys everyone around him, eventually himself, until she finally takes his hand and they run across the moors once again.
It was beautiful and broken in the way Wuthering Heights was intended to be. I'll happily put this on my book case next to Emily Brontë.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
My first read from this Author ..
Really enjoyed this retelling .. thought it was very enthralling & kept me turning the page.
I read the original Wuthering Heights in my teens so it's been on my re-read list for some time .. Maybe not this week, but getting into the moody moors of Heathcliffe & Cathy has certainly brought WH up the pile .. Can't wait to compare
Really enjoyed this retelling .. thought it was very enthralling & kept me turning the page.
I read the original Wuthering Heights in my teens so it's been on my re-read list for some time .. Maybe not this week, but getting into the moody moors of Heathcliffe & Cathy has certainly brought WH up the pile .. Can't wait to compare
April 9, 2026
Beautifully written, I loved it. Compliments the original classic wonderfully
April 23, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up 🤩
April 17, 2026
"But when the wind begins to wuther (...) around the house". Really, Essie? Seriously??
Complete and utter waste of paper, the MOST unnecessary book ever written. This was literally Wuthering Heights from start to finish, dumbed-down language wise and stripped of any innuendo, implication or anything that leaves Cahterine's and Heathcliff's story up to interpretation. You cannot even accuse it of plagiarism, because it's the exact same story, so oversimplified it's borderline offensive.
The only reason this got two stars is because Lauren Roberts is still somewhere out there, writing and publishing one star books.
Complete and utter waste of paper, the MOST unnecessary book ever written. This was literally Wuthering Heights from start to finish, dumbed-down language wise and stripped of any innuendo, implication or anything that leaves Cahterine's and Heathcliff's story up to interpretation. You cannot even accuse it of plagiarism, because it's the exact same story, so oversimplified it's borderline offensive.
The only reason this got two stars is because Lauren Roberts is still somewhere out there, writing and publishing one star books.
June 5, 2026
❝ℌ𝔬𝔴 𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣𝔦𝔰𝔥 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢, 𝔱𝔬 𝔠𝔩𝔞𝔦𝔪 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔪𝔢 𝔩𝔦𝔳𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔥.❞ -𝔈𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔢 𝔉𝔬𝔵
🥀
Oh, I enjoyed this.
Essie Fox’s Catherine is a novel of atmosphere as much as narrative, where the author elegantly thickens grief into something tangible and the past presses insistently against the present.
This is a novel steeped in grief and longing, both for the characters, here excavated by an elegant hand, and the reader, still mourning a tale 179 years old.
I enjoyed returning to the moors, where time moves differently, fog-thick, suspended in a loop, its inhabitants doomed to repeat the fractures of their past, and I with them.
But linger too long and the pages begin to rot at the edges. The air turns accusatory and sharp. The moor is no longer a setting but a witness. Nothing here stays buried. Not love. Not violence. Not the dead.
And Catherine still calls out to her Heathcliff, though whether in love or in fury remains for you, dear reader, to discern.
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