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Wuthering Heights: A Retelling
The night that Heathcliff, an unkempt orphan, arrives at the Heights, Cathy’s life will change for ever … but theirs will not be a happy love story. From a harsh childhood to a foolish marriage, a troubled path of pain and punishment lies ahead. Yet no matter how they suffer, they cannot stay apart – for whatever souls are made of, Cathy’s and Heathcliff’s are the same. After all these years, will Cathy’s ghost find the peace that life denied her?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Landman
83 books91 followersCarnegie Medal winning Tanya Landman is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 27, 2020
‘We were then. Are now. And ever shall be. Catherine. Heathcliff.’
A retelling of ‘Wuthering Heights’? I picked this book up not quite knowing what to expect. I am wary of interpretations of the classics, especially of ‘Wuthering Heights’, which is my favourite novel.
I was pleasantly surprised. In this retelling, Ms Landman does not stray from the original story, but presents it entirely from Cathy’s point of view.
‘We both looked so deep that somehow – don’t ask me how – our souls seemed to tumble headlong into each other.’
‘Wuthering Heights’ can never be a happy love story. In my head, in my own personal retelling, it could be, but Cathy’s choices set off a chain of events which guarantee both Cathy and Heathcliff a personal form of hell on earth.
If you have never read ‘Wuthering Heights’, this book may give a perspective which might entice you to read the original. If you have read ‘Wuthering Heights’, and would like a satisfying ending, one in which Cathy’s ghost is at peace, then this retelling may appeal.
I liked it more than I expected to.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
A retelling of ‘Wuthering Heights’? I picked this book up not quite knowing what to expect. I am wary of interpretations of the classics, especially of ‘Wuthering Heights’, which is my favourite novel.
I was pleasantly surprised. In this retelling, Ms Landman does not stray from the original story, but presents it entirely from Cathy’s point of view.
‘We both looked so deep that somehow – don’t ask me how – our souls seemed to tumble headlong into each other.’
‘Wuthering Heights’ can never be a happy love story. In my head, in my own personal retelling, it could be, but Cathy’s choices set off a chain of events which guarantee both Cathy and Heathcliff a personal form of hell on earth.
If you have never read ‘Wuthering Heights’, this book may give a perspective which might entice you to read the original. If you have read ‘Wuthering Heights’, and would like a satisfying ending, one in which Cathy’s ghost is at peace, then this retelling may appeal.
I liked it more than I expected to.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 27, 2022
I chose to read this retelling for two reasons:
1. This book is dyslexia-friendly. The font, the spacing and even the colour of the page has been made to make it easier to read. Chapters are short and the pace is fast to give a feel of success. I was curious to see how a book could be dyslexia-friendly. I used to tutor one in English, but of course I can't say for sure if it will be easier to read. I have although heard great things about the publisher. I am however disappointed that it doesn't say anywhere on the cover that this is 'easy-to-read'. That is just a bad marketing-strategy in my opinion.
2. I read the original Wuthering Heights years ago, and I enjoyed Cathy and Heathcliff's story, but was surprised that it was only about 40% of the actual book and the rest was about a nosey neighbor and the next generation. That part bored me.
I hoped this retelling would only focus on Cathy and Heathcliff - and it did.
It felt like a 'my first classic' to children, which I suppose it sort of is, so fair enough. But it does also make everything feel superficial. Especially Heathcliff felt like an empthy shell.
I don't know if I liked Landman changed the POV from Nelly, the servant, to Cathy herself. It forced some interpretation from Landman, that I don't know I agree with (it's also hard when you don't remember exactly the original).
So overall I am not the targeted audience and I knew that. But it also didn't feel like a waste of time. I am mostly just glad that this exist for young people who has trouble learning to read, but who still wishes to know the classics.
1. This book is dyslexia-friendly. The font, the spacing and even the colour of the page has been made to make it easier to read. Chapters are short and the pace is fast to give a feel of success. I was curious to see how a book could be dyslexia-friendly. I used to tutor one in English, but of course I can't say for sure if it will be easier to read. I have although heard great things about the publisher. I am however disappointed that it doesn't say anywhere on the cover that this is 'easy-to-read'. That is just a bad marketing-strategy in my opinion.
2. I read the original Wuthering Heights years ago, and I enjoyed Cathy and Heathcliff's story, but was surprised that it was only about 40% of the actual book and the rest was about a nosey neighbor and the next generation. That part bored me.
I hoped this retelling would only focus on Cathy and Heathcliff - and it did.
It felt like a 'my first classic' to children, which I suppose it sort of is, so fair enough. But it does also make everything feel superficial. Especially Heathcliff felt like an empthy shell.
I don't know if I liked Landman changed the POV from Nelly, the servant, to Cathy herself. It forced some interpretation from Landman, that I don't know I agree with (it's also hard when you don't remember exactly the original).
So overall I am not the targeted audience and I knew that. But it also didn't feel like a waste of time. I am mostly just glad that this exist for young people who has trouble learning to read, but who still wishes to know the classics.
November 5, 2020
Shortened, tightened, crux of the story remains.
I'm afraid I'm not a Wuthering Heights fan, but I am always interested in adaptations of classics, and have a great respect for both Barrington Stoke and Tanya Landman as a writer.
The story of obsessive love, revenge and passion retains the main thrust of the plot, with Cathy and Heathcliff's childhoods given the majority of the 96 pages. Much of the second half of the novel is given only lip service, the narrator is different (from memory - it's been a while since I read the Brontë original), and the long agonising sections that made it rather hard for me as a reader are no longer there.
It tells the story of the foundling child who grows up with a girl on the moors, hating the elder brother who torments him, the girl who has to choose between her heart and her head, the obsessions that drive him to decades-long revenge. The wailing and tearing of hair is still here but the condensed version makes it more palatable.
I'm sorry, but it's a story I never enjoyed, the protestations of love always so overblown. But as a Barrington Stoke read, teenagers and those who need to access literature in a more approachable format have a well-constructed and easy to follow version here.
It flowed nicely, it was quite tight and the main points, speeches and plot points are all contained in less than a hundred pages. And there is even enough of the characters retained to get a good feel for more than just the lead pair. It's a story teenagers will be able to identify with, even though much shortened.
With thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing a sample reading copy.
I'm afraid I'm not a Wuthering Heights fan, but I am always interested in adaptations of classics, and have a great respect for both Barrington Stoke and Tanya Landman as a writer.
The story of obsessive love, revenge and passion retains the main thrust of the plot, with Cathy and Heathcliff's childhoods given the majority of the 96 pages. Much of the second half of the novel is given only lip service, the narrator is different (from memory - it's been a while since I read the Brontë original), and the long agonising sections that made it rather hard for me as a reader are no longer there.
It tells the story of the foundling child who grows up with a girl on the moors, hating the elder brother who torments him, the girl who has to choose between her heart and her head, the obsessions that drive him to decades-long revenge. The wailing and tearing of hair is still here but the condensed version makes it more palatable.
I'm sorry, but it's a story I never enjoyed, the protestations of love always so overblown. But as a Barrington Stoke read, teenagers and those who need to access literature in a more approachable format have a well-constructed and easy to follow version here.
It flowed nicely, it was quite tight and the main points, speeches and plot points are all contained in less than a hundred pages. And there is even enough of the characters retained to get a good feel for more than just the lead pair. It's a story teenagers will be able to identify with, even though much shortened.
With thanks to Barrington Stoke for providing a sample reading copy.
February 2, 2023
This was a very good take on Cathy’s perspective, the book didn’t stray from the original book which I really liked.
It’s interesting to see how different Cathy’s personality can come across to different people because the way Cathy’s personality was interpreted in this book was vastly different from how I perceived her reading the original.
This is a great book to read if you want to get into classics but can’t grasp or get into the original.
It’s interesting to see how different Cathy’s personality can come across to different people because the way Cathy’s personality was interpreted in this book was vastly different from how I perceived her reading the original.
This is a great book to read if you want to get into classics but can’t grasp or get into the original.
June 27, 2024
4 stars
a very accessible and succinct retelling, albeit of a book that i actually haven't read yet
a very accessible and succinct retelling, albeit of a book that i actually haven't read yet
January 20, 2022
WUTHERING HEIGHTS is a classic I've never attempted. It's never interested me. A gothic kids with toxic relationships who grow up into adults with toxic relationships? Not for me. I also have this MASSIVE mental block on classics after the way they were taught at school. I just lock up at the thought of having to read them because it was AWFUL.
However, for good or bad, "the classics" are referenced all over the place, so when I found out about the Barrington Stoke Classics Retold series, I though they might be a good way to understand the story while getting around the block (aka, reading a highly accessible version that doesn't gloss over the stuff, the way many "kids retellings" do) It's a publisher specialising in books for reluctant and dyslexia readers.
I have to say, getting to the end of it, I'm rather glad that I've never bothered to read it as all the characters are basically awful - cruel or selfish or ignorant. I would have struggled to get through hundreds of pages of characters who I immensely disliked.
This book is told from Cathy's perspective (and the fact that the blurb makes a point of this suggests to me that the original has a much less straightforward narrative structure, a la the mess that is Frankenstein's constant POVs within POVs.) With her as narrator, Heathcliff is hardly around, and when he is, he's broody (which is not my favourite type of man.)
Those, though, are issues with the original book that make it not for me. I really appreciated something so accessible. It gives the overview of the story in a way that feels like it's taken the scenes and condensed them down into something straight forward (and stripped of long, internal, tortured monologues, which is something I really hated at school.)
It's such a good way of making classics accessible, making it about the story - rather than the "prestige" and "properness" of reading the originals.
However, for good or bad, "the classics" are referenced all over the place, so when I found out about the Barrington Stoke Classics Retold series, I though they might be a good way to understand the story while getting around the block (aka, reading a highly accessible version that doesn't gloss over the stuff, the way many "kids retellings" do) It's a publisher specialising in books for reluctant and dyslexia readers.
I have to say, getting to the end of it, I'm rather glad that I've never bothered to read it as all the characters are basically awful - cruel or selfish or ignorant. I would have struggled to get through hundreds of pages of characters who I immensely disliked.
This book is told from Cathy's perspective (and the fact that the blurb makes a point of this suggests to me that the original has a much less straightforward narrative structure, a la the mess that is Frankenstein's constant POVs within POVs.) With her as narrator, Heathcliff is hardly around, and when he is, he's broody (which is not my favourite type of man.)
Those, though, are issues with the original book that make it not for me. I really appreciated something so accessible. It gives the overview of the story in a way that feels like it's taken the scenes and condensed them down into something straight forward (and stripped of long, internal, tortured monologues, which is something I really hated at school.)
It's such a good way of making classics accessible, making it about the story - rather than the "prestige" and "properness" of reading the originals.
July 15, 2024
Read this in an afternoon. it was an easy read and I found it interesting to read from Cathy's perspective. I wanted to give this 4 stars but didn't just because it's a rewrite not an original idea and the end felt very rushed
October 1, 2025
As someone who has struggled to get into reading, this book was such a joy. I devoured it in one sitting, and the feeling of finally finishing a book like that was incredible. For the first time, I wasn’t dragging myself through pages or counting down how many were left in a chapter. Instead, I was fully immersed. When I turned the last page, I was genuinely shocked. I blinked and it was over.
I’m so grateful I picked this up. At first, I felt a little embarrassed, reading an adapted version at my big age because I’ve never managed the original. I also worried it would be so watered down that I’d lose what made Wuthering Heights so iconic. And yes, there were moments I knew I was missing deeper layers. But despite that, I loved this version completely. In fact, it’s left me feeling inspired and motivated to finally tackle the original.
I’ve tried many romances before, but so often they feel…hollow…like fast fashion quick, cheap, and forgettable. This was different. This lit a spark in me that had been gone for a long time. It felt like just the tip of the iceberg, and I can only imagine what the full classic will bring.
I’ve always loved the richness of classics, but I often struggle with the dense descriptions and unfamiliar words. I get lost in paragraphs, reread pages, and constantly flip to a dictionary, which breaks the flow. That’s why I’d almost given up hope of ever becoming “a reader.” But this book changed that (hopefully). It gave me the experience I’ve been yearning for, a story I could love without getting lost in the language.
For that reason, even if this isn’t considered the “best” version, it was perfect for me. It gave me hope, reignited my love for stories, and made me believe that reading can be for me after all. A wholehearted 5/5.
I’m so grateful I picked this up. At first, I felt a little embarrassed, reading an adapted version at my big age because I’ve never managed the original. I also worried it would be so watered down that I’d lose what made Wuthering Heights so iconic. And yes, there were moments I knew I was missing deeper layers. But despite that, I loved this version completely. In fact, it’s left me feeling inspired and motivated to finally tackle the original.
I’ve tried many romances before, but so often they feel…hollow…like fast fashion quick, cheap, and forgettable. This was different. This lit a spark in me that had been gone for a long time. It felt like just the tip of the iceberg, and I can only imagine what the full classic will bring.
I’ve always loved the richness of classics, but I often struggle with the dense descriptions and unfamiliar words. I get lost in paragraphs, reread pages, and constantly flip to a dictionary, which breaks the flow. That’s why I’d almost given up hope of ever becoming “a reader.” But this book changed that (hopefully). It gave me the experience I’ve been yearning for, a story I could love without getting lost in the language.
For that reason, even if this isn’t considered the “best” version, it was perfect for me. It gave me hope, reignited my love for stories, and made me believe that reading can be for me after all. A wholehearted 5/5.
December 8, 2021
To begin with, I have never read the original version. From what I can gather, this retelling of the original is told from a different perspective; Catherine's. It is, I believe more concise, summarized, and simplified. Thus making it a great quick read, especially for those looking to have a grasp on the iconic book without having to spend the time to read the meticulously written original.
That being said, this retelling got me more interested in the original. The simplified 19th century English was new and interesting to me. The turn of events in the plot, and the tragic lives of the majority of the characters made it very captivating. I also enjoyed the themes that it explores; love, passion, power, class, revenge, and obsession. However, I do find it rather dramatic.
To sum it up, I think Tanya did a fabulous job at writing the retelling. I would give her a 5 star for her efforts. It is simple enough for a teenager to read, and intriguing enough for an adult as well.
That being said, this retelling got me more interested in the original. The simplified 19th century English was new and interesting to me. The turn of events in the plot, and the tragic lives of the majority of the characters made it very captivating. I also enjoyed the themes that it explores; love, passion, power, class, revenge, and obsession. However, I do find it rather dramatic.
To sum it up, I think Tanya did a fabulous job at writing the retelling. I would give her a 5 star for her efforts. It is simple enough for a teenager to read, and intriguing enough for an adult as well.
October 6, 2021
I was to read Wuthering Heights for one of my Book Clubs, I tried, then found I was struggling, it was the edition by Ellis Bell (the pseudonym for Emily Bronte) and there is a subsequent version edited by Charlotte Bronte, which is apparently more readable. Anyway, I found this retelling in the library at school and zipped through it. Lets hope I know enough to bluff my way through book club.
My problem is I find none of the characters likeable. Gothic fiction is not my thing. Love the Kate Bush song :)
My problem is I find none of the characters likeable. Gothic fiction is not my thing. Love the Kate Bush song :)
October 1, 2022
This was okay, it was told from Cathy's perspective so there was more focus on the romance, but it was also a little odd in that respect too, because
The one good thing about this version was the lack of Joseph, and the lack of him speaking in dialect, which I couldn't understand at all.
The one good thing about this version was the lack of Joseph, and the lack of him speaking in dialect, which I couldn't understand at all.
February 8, 2024
Wuthering Heights, Tanya Landman
This is an excellent rendition, juicy narrative from the spectral POV of catherine. Cleverly done. ****
“My own monstrous stupidity rose like a vampire and sucked the sanity from me.” (p83)
“You have killed me, Heathcliff,’ I said. ‘You and Edgar have broken my heart between you.’” (p85)
Catherine Earnshaw – the girl I was born.
Catherine Linton – the wife I became.
Catherine Heathcliff – who I am in my heart. (p96)
This is an excellent rendition, juicy narrative from the spectral POV of catherine. Cleverly done. ****
“My own monstrous stupidity rose like a vampire and sucked the sanity from me.” (p83)
“You have killed me, Heathcliff,’ I said. ‘You and Edgar have broken my heart between you.’” (p85)
Catherine Earnshaw – the girl I was born.
Catherine Linton – the wife I became.
Catherine Heathcliff – who I am in my heart. (p96)
November 7, 2020
This was a quick read but an absolutely fantastic one. I loved this retelling so much. It was perfect! Highly recommend if you’re looking to get into classics but aren’t really thrilled about how dense they usually are (like I am!). This is perfect for all ages, but intended mostly for Young Adult and Middle Grade.
May 25, 2023
Absolutely a m a z i n g! I've never read the original books so I don't know the difference between both plots but I love it how Tanya Landman portrayed Cathy as a strong character that knows what she wants and is fully capable of reaching for it like she deserves it. Plus, the descriptions. They are just stunning and full of emotions creating unique atmosphere in the book
January 23, 2025
This dyslexic friendly version of the classic gave me a really good introduction into the story. I hope to someday re-read this and read the regular version in order to get all the details and appreciate the story in its entirety.
I was frustrated at some of their arguments, but happy that in the end, they got to live on as ghost wandering the moors.
I was frustrated at some of their arguments, but happy that in the end, they got to live on as ghost wandering the moors.
October 21, 2020
Really enjoyed this, it helped understand the original better too.
April 15, 2021
Ok. So I studied Wuthering Heights at Alevel and hated it. This version may have cured my hatred of the story. Now do I re-read the original?
July 26, 2021
A wonderful retelling of one of my favourite novels. Tanya Landman really captures these dysfunctional families and characters and the love and thirst for revenge that ties them together.
February 3, 2022
I absolutely loved this retelling told from Cathy's point of view. Absolutely beautiful ❤️
April 26, 2022
Okay as far as it went, and a reasonable go for the audience. Not really aimed at me after all.
May 10, 2022
Nothing beats the original but it was worth exploring.
February 6, 2024
A good summary of the original, this book is a worthy introduction to the classic. I look forward to delving deeper in Brontë's work.
October 13, 2024
This kinda made me hate Catherine and I did feel for her in the original.
October 28, 2024
I indeed loved this book! This retelling made the book appropriate for my age group and when I’m older i’m hoping to steal the original from my dad’s bookshelves! 😆
June 27, 2025
That was an emotional rollercoaster 😭
August 10, 2020
Barrington Stoke specialises in books for dyslexic readers. Everything from the content, to the font and the paper is all taken into consideration. Everybody should be able to read if they wish to. 💜
This retelling of Wuthering Heights is so well written that I couldn’t put it down.
When Heathcliff arrives on Cathy’s doorstep, it is clear of their chemistry. Despite everything, they can never be together.
This story is full of sorrow, violence and lost loves.
I haven’t read this story before and it has intrigued me enough to read the original.
Really good.
This retelling of Wuthering Heights is so well written that I couldn’t put it down.
When Heathcliff arrives on Cathy’s doorstep, it is clear of their chemistry. Despite everything, they can never be together.
This story is full of sorrow, violence and lost loves.
I haven’t read this story before and it has intrigued me enough to read the original.
Really good.
December 15, 2020
4 Stars because Wuthering Heights is that one classic that I have just never connected with. I read it in my early twenties, tried adaptations and I just don’t understand why it’s so loved.
However, because this adaptation was from Tanya Landman I really wanted to read it. Even if it was
Wuthering Heights and I didn’t dislike it. I would even say I liked it. Given the source material I still can’t bring myself to love this, but considering how much I actively dislike original, the other versions I’ve encountered, the whole story, I am actually quite shocked.
However, because this adaptation was from Tanya Landman I really wanted to read it. Even if it was
Wuthering Heights and I didn’t dislike it. I would even say I liked it. Given the source material I still can’t bring myself to love this, but considering how much I actively dislike original, the other versions I’ve encountered, the whole story, I am actually quite shocked.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews