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Heathcliff: The Missing Years
“It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now…”
Cathy’s immortal words from Wuthering Heights change Heathcliff’s life. At just seventeen years of age, heartbroken and penniless, he runs away to face an unknown future.
Three years later, he returns – much improved in manners, appearance and prosperity.
But what happened during those years? How could he have made his fortune, from nothing? Who might his parents have been? And what fate turned him into literature’s most famous anti-hero?
For almost two centuries, these questions have remained unanswered. Until now…
Cathy’s immortal words from Wuthering Heights change Heathcliff’s life. At just seventeen years of age, heartbroken and penniless, he runs away to face an unknown future.
Three years later, he returns – much improved in manners, appearance and prosperity.
But what happened during those years? How could he have made his fortune, from nothing? Who might his parents have been? And what fate turned him into literature’s most famous anti-hero?
For almost two centuries, these questions have remained unanswered. Until now…
- GenresFiction
167 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2018
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 16, 2018
Review 4.4 stars
I always enjoy Sue Barnard's novels so was looking forward to this one – and I wasn’t disappointed.
Although I read some long summaries of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, to familiarise myself, I regretted that I had never read the book – my excuse being that it was not a set book at school, unlike Jane Austen’s and Joseph Conrad’s works. (An omission that I intend to rectify). However, a prior knowledge isn’t required as many of the incidents are recounted, albeit with the missing three years at their heart.
The style of narration adopted seems to echo that used by Emily Bronte, but with Sue Barnard’s style woven in to make this a re-telling. Each scene is told from alternating perspectives, with the narrator’s name before each one.
For those three years of Heathcliff’s life that Emily Bronte left unexplained, Sue Barnard has done some interesting research and come up with plausible reasons, not only for his wealth and prosperity but also for his appearances and mannerisms. But I won’t let on about that time, just believe me when I say that the explanation works – as does some fascinating revelations at the end of the novel. Hidden secrets and devious research make for key threads.
Barnard makes good use of the historical setting for her re-telling, creating some new and memorable characters to fill those unexplained years. And the existing characters might be Bronte’s but they are fleshed out, although I didn’t understand some of their oddities. Heathcliff became clearer and darker than I had envisaged him – no thanks to Hollywood. He comes over as both tragic as he spirals out of control and depressing in his failure to see reason. But isn’t that the way with anti-heroes?
So, this wasn’t a smooth read, nor my favourite Barnard book, but I still recommend this novel.
Story – four stars
Setting/World-building – four stars
Authenticity – five stars
Characters – four stars
Structure – four stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
I always enjoy Sue Barnard's novels so was looking forward to this one – and I wasn’t disappointed.
Although I read some long summaries of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, to familiarise myself, I regretted that I had never read the book – my excuse being that it was not a set book at school, unlike Jane Austen’s and Joseph Conrad’s works. (An omission that I intend to rectify). However, a prior knowledge isn’t required as many of the incidents are recounted, albeit with the missing three years at their heart.
The style of narration adopted seems to echo that used by Emily Bronte, but with Sue Barnard’s style woven in to make this a re-telling. Each scene is told from alternating perspectives, with the narrator’s name before each one.
For those three years of Heathcliff’s life that Emily Bronte left unexplained, Sue Barnard has done some interesting research and come up with plausible reasons, not only for his wealth and prosperity but also for his appearances and mannerisms. But I won’t let on about that time, just believe me when I say that the explanation works – as does some fascinating revelations at the end of the novel. Hidden secrets and devious research make for key threads.
Barnard makes good use of the historical setting for her re-telling, creating some new and memorable characters to fill those unexplained years. And the existing characters might be Bronte’s but they are fleshed out, although I didn’t understand some of their oddities. Heathcliff became clearer and darker than I had envisaged him – no thanks to Hollywood. He comes over as both tragic as he spirals out of control and depressing in his failure to see reason. But isn’t that the way with anti-heroes?
So, this wasn’t a smooth read, nor my favourite Barnard book, but I still recommend this novel.
Story – four stars
Setting/World-building – four stars
Authenticity – five stars
Characters – four stars
Structure – four stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
July 9, 2018
I had always wondered what happened to Heathcliff during those three years he was absent from the action of 'Wuthering Heights'. What would change him from a passionate, unruly youth into a polished gentleman? And who were his parents?
Sue Barnard answers these questions (and more) in a way that makes total sense, as well as making a really exciting story in its own right. Painting vivid pictures of the culture of the time, Barnard shows us Heathcliff as he changes - and why. I loved the fact that her plot and his development made sense psychologically as well as culturally, while fitting in seamlessly with the text of WH. I love WH so much that I would have worried about any additions, had not Barnard proved herself to be a safe pair of hands in her earlier books. Being a Cathy myself, I've always wanted more of Heathcliff - and I couldn't have got him in a better form!
Sue Barnard answers these questions (and more) in a way that makes total sense, as well as making a really exciting story in its own right. Painting vivid pictures of the culture of the time, Barnard shows us Heathcliff as he changes - and why. I loved the fact that her plot and his development made sense psychologically as well as culturally, while fitting in seamlessly with the text of WH. I love WH so much that I would have worried about any additions, had not Barnard proved herself to be a safe pair of hands in her earlier books. Being a Cathy myself, I've always wanted more of Heathcliff - and I couldn't have got him in a better form!
September 5, 2018
I remember liking Heathcliffe rather a lot when I read Wuthering Heights all those years ago. I was ever a romantic and his story appealed to me and I have never forgotten him.
This was one of the reasons I bought this book, as I too had wondered about the rest of his story.
It couldn’t have been easy to fill in the blanks, so to speak, but Sue Barnard is to be praised for adhering to the original complicated storyline, and I found her account to be the most likely truth behind Heathcliffe’s missing years. It not only sounded right but rang true to his character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could have said so much more, but not sure if even small spoilers would be acceptable. I mean, everyone knows what happened at the end of the original story. It’s just a shame the author couldn’t have rewritten that too...
This was one of the reasons I bought this book, as I too had wondered about the rest of his story.
It couldn’t have been easy to fill in the blanks, so to speak, but Sue Barnard is to be praised for adhering to the original complicated storyline, and I found her account to be the most likely truth behind Heathcliffe’s missing years. It not only sounded right but rang true to his character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could have said so much more, but not sure if even small spoilers would be acceptable. I mean, everyone knows what happened at the end of the original story. It’s just a shame the author couldn’t have rewritten that too...
July 30, 2018
I have to start with a confession: I haven't read Wuthering Heights. Fortunately, I didn't need to have read it to thoroughly enjoy this account of the missing three years in Heathcliff's life.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story was told, with each of the main characters taking a turn at narrating. These short narratives, along with writing that just flowed, made the book a quick read. Everything fitted into place perfectly and provided a completely plausible explanation of Heathcliff's transition from victim to villain.
As I read, without noticing it, I learned a lot of history. But I can't say what I learned without giving the plot away. Highly recommended.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story was told, with each of the main characters taking a turn at narrating. These short narratives, along with writing that just flowed, made the book a quick read. Everything fitted into place perfectly and provided a completely plausible explanation of Heathcliff's transition from victim to villain.
As I read, without noticing it, I learned a lot of history. But I can't say what I learned without giving the plot away. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2018
This dark romantic drama sets out to educate us on those missing years in Heathcliff's life.
Like most young girls exposed to the tale, I was impressed or obsessed with Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff's dark, brooding manner and the mystery surrounding him.
Told from various viewpoints, this tale offers a plausible explanation for the missing years, the differences in Heathcliff's personality, and overall is, by itself, a dark, dramatic adventure.
At first I thought those various viewpoints were an interesting way to tell a story. However, when the points of view increased and we reread the same moment in time over and over, I felt as if the author didn't feel I had understood it the first two or even three times. It was overkill.
I appreciated the author's speculative story and how well she told it, in a difficult format.
My impression of Heathcliff as a tragic yet romantic figure changed, and not for the better.
I no longer viewed him as a strong, unfairly treated, brooding romantic figure.
Perhaps if the story had ended with his return and understanding that Cathy has, indeed, married I would have been more satisfied. However, I am not the author and this is not my story to tell.
Like most young girls exposed to the tale, I was impressed or obsessed with Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff's dark, brooding manner and the mystery surrounding him.
Told from various viewpoints, this tale offers a plausible explanation for the missing years, the differences in Heathcliff's personality, and overall is, by itself, a dark, dramatic adventure.
At first I thought those various viewpoints were an interesting way to tell a story. However, when the points of view increased and we reread the same moment in time over and over, I felt as if the author didn't feel I had understood it the first two or even three times. It was overkill.
I appreciated the author's speculative story and how well she told it, in a difficult format.
My impression of Heathcliff as a tragic yet romantic figure changed, and not for the better.
I no longer viewed him as a strong, unfairly treated, brooding romantic figure.
Perhaps if the story had ended with his return and understanding that Cathy has, indeed, married I would have been more satisfied. However, I am not the author and this is not my story to tell.
July 30, 2019
It’s a very long time since I last read Wuthering Heights, so I did dig out my dog-eared copy to take another look at both the writing style and that pivotal scene where Cathy’s shocking statement triggered the young Heathcliff’s disappearance. The author has done an excellent job of this totally plausible account of his missing years – true to the original with its overlaps at the beginning and end, and a superb recreation of Emily Bronte’s prose.
But while some knowledge of the context might add to your enjoyment as a reader – and your appreciation of what this book achieves – it’s by no means a pre-requisite. The historical setting is wonderfully created, the world which Heathcliff finds himself part of exceptionally vivid and real. It would be wrong of me to reveal the story, but it does have the ring of truth about it, well-researched and providing some explanation of the way his character is shaped by his experience. The characters – some new, some drawn from the original – are three-dimensional and strongly drawn, adding depth and colour to the story, as does the vivid detail of its settings.
The story is told from different perspectives, and the narrative sometimes circles an event viewing it from all angles: there’s no confusion in that, as the speaker is always clearly identified, but I will admit I found it a little dizzying at first. But then I stopped noticing, and just enjoyed the excellent story-telling and the author’s remarkable powers of invention.
Although this is a companion piece, it’s entirely readable on its own merits – a very clever piece of work, and I very much enjoyed it.
But while some knowledge of the context might add to your enjoyment as a reader – and your appreciation of what this book achieves – it’s by no means a pre-requisite. The historical setting is wonderfully created, the world which Heathcliff finds himself part of exceptionally vivid and real. It would be wrong of me to reveal the story, but it does have the ring of truth about it, well-researched and providing some explanation of the way his character is shaped by his experience. The characters – some new, some drawn from the original – are three-dimensional and strongly drawn, adding depth and colour to the story, as does the vivid detail of its settings.
The story is told from different perspectives, and the narrative sometimes circles an event viewing it from all angles: there’s no confusion in that, as the speaker is always clearly identified, but I will admit I found it a little dizzying at first. But then I stopped noticing, and just enjoyed the excellent story-telling and the author’s remarkable powers of invention.
Although this is a companion piece, it’s entirely readable on its own merits – a very clever piece of work, and I very much enjoyed it.
March 16, 2019
As a massive fan of Wuthering Heights, my favorite book of all time, I approach retellings or reimaginings with caution. But I wasn’t disappointed because this story felt authentic and was well written. I’d always wondered about what Heathcliff did when he was away for those three years and this story fills in the blank as a reasonable explanation.
I’m definitely going to be reading more by Sue Barnard.
I’m definitely going to be reading more by Sue Barnard.
August 14, 2018
When I first read this book, before publication, I wrote that it was “exciting, unpredictable and impeccably told”. I’ve re-read it now and can confidently say that the novel is all that and more.
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights has always been an enigma: was the handsome, brooding young man a victim of his abused past, or was he a diabolical person from birth? No-one really knows. But author Sue Barnard takes these questions into account as she portrays him in the most believable way in her novel which recounts what happened to him in the three years he was missing from the story.
Her prose fits seamlessly into that of the original Wuthering Heights. Attention to detail regarding life at the time is fascinating, and my knowledge of history has gone up a notch.
Watching Heathcliff transform from a boy into a man, and following his adventures has shed some light onto unanswered questions. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone – fans and non-fans of Wuthering Heights, literary historians and aficionados of historical fiction, or just lovers of well-written books.
Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights has always been an enigma: was the handsome, brooding young man a victim of his abused past, or was he a diabolical person from birth? No-one really knows. But author Sue Barnard takes these questions into account as she portrays him in the most believable way in her novel which recounts what happened to him in the three years he was missing from the story.
Her prose fits seamlessly into that of the original Wuthering Heights. Attention to detail regarding life at the time is fascinating, and my knowledge of history has gone up a notch.
Watching Heathcliff transform from a boy into a man, and following his adventures has shed some light onto unanswered questions. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone – fans and non-fans of Wuthering Heights, literary historians and aficionados of historical fiction, or just lovers of well-written books.
October 11, 2018
First a confession: I have a thing about Bronte’s Heathcliff. As a teen reader, I was obsessed by this character. And so I was delighted that Sue Barnard took on the challenge to "discover" what might have happened in those years he disappeared. After all, there was such a dramatic change in Heathcliff from the sensitive and naive orphan to the ruthless and vengeful lout. Using several POVs that were easy to follow, Sue skillfully creates a novel about those three years that I did not expect. I won’t spoil the story for you. You have to read it yourself. But her version of what happened not only makes sense, it is a worthy companion to Wuthering Heights. Looking forward to her next book.
July 30, 2019
Wow! Just wow!
I have to admit it was a long time ago when I read Wuthering Heights so I had to do a recap on the main events throughout the story. Although reading the original novel first would give you a much greater insight, I think with a little background knowledge it wouldn't be too difficult to read this as a stand alone novella and really enjoy it.
I loved all aspects of this brilliant insight into Heathcliff's time away from The Heights but I have to say that the personal journey of Heathcliff from naive and heartbroken young man into someone unrecognisable is at the heart of this story. I went through so many emotions and opinions as I accompanied him every step of the way. This in't simply a case of falling in love with a character as I so often do, but more of a chance to peek inside a character's mind and fully experience everything they go through. I wouldn't say Heathcliff is my favourite of characters but he is by far one of the the most intriguing, complex and unpredictable characters I have ever come across.
The majority of this novella is set away from the Yorkshire Moors and takes the reader to some very far flung places. I'm reluctant to give away the journeys and adventures that Heathcliff found himself participating in during those missing three years but the every sentence written assaulted every one of my senses as I read. The detail of one of the journeys is so chilling and haunting that I'm struggling to shake it off. It's obvious Ms Barnard has spent a lot of time researching the horrifying historical accuracy and of these journeys and the brutal reality oozes from every sentence.
I know that traditionally Wuthering Heights is known as a Gothic romance but for me personally, being able to bridge those missing years of Heathcliff's story has confirmed my opinion that this is a tragic tale of obsessions, class and revenge.
Sue Barnard has done an amazing job of filling in the gaps of Heathcliff's story and I lack the words to do it full justice but what I do know is that this novel is simply stunning, chilling and heartbreaking at the same time. It left me breathless and wanting more.
I have to admit it was a long time ago when I read Wuthering Heights so I had to do a recap on the main events throughout the story. Although reading the original novel first would give you a much greater insight, I think with a little background knowledge it wouldn't be too difficult to read this as a stand alone novella and really enjoy it.
I loved all aspects of this brilliant insight into Heathcliff's time away from The Heights but I have to say that the personal journey of Heathcliff from naive and heartbroken young man into someone unrecognisable is at the heart of this story. I went through so many emotions and opinions as I accompanied him every step of the way. This in't simply a case of falling in love with a character as I so often do, but more of a chance to peek inside a character's mind and fully experience everything they go through. I wouldn't say Heathcliff is my favourite of characters but he is by far one of the the most intriguing, complex and unpredictable characters I have ever come across.
The majority of this novella is set away from the Yorkshire Moors and takes the reader to some very far flung places. I'm reluctant to give away the journeys and adventures that Heathcliff found himself participating in during those missing three years but the every sentence written assaulted every one of my senses as I read. The detail of one of the journeys is so chilling and haunting that I'm struggling to shake it off. It's obvious Ms Barnard has spent a lot of time researching the horrifying historical accuracy and of these journeys and the brutal reality oozes from every sentence.
I know that traditionally Wuthering Heights is known as a Gothic romance but for me personally, being able to bridge those missing years of Heathcliff's story has confirmed my opinion that this is a tragic tale of obsessions, class and revenge.
Sue Barnard has done an amazing job of filling in the gaps of Heathcliff's story and I lack the words to do it full justice but what I do know is that this novel is simply stunning, chilling and heartbreaking at the same time. It left me breathless and wanting more.
January 7, 2019
I am an absolute die hard Wuthering Heights fan so when I had the opportunity to read this book I almost fell over myself to get my hands on a copy. But, like every book that puts a different spin on the classics, there is always that fear that justice will not be done to the original. However, I didn't have to worry too much here because Sue Barnard has taken great care with one of my favourite books and given it that little bit something extra that enhances the story of Wuthering Heights and gives us a window to Heathcliff's life after he left The Heights.
Broken and disillusioned after hearing those heartbreaking words, “It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now…”, Heathcliff runs away, leaving Cathy behind and finds himself in Liverpool and caught up in the world of smuggling to make his fortune. The book follows the 3 years he was away making this fortune by whatever means he can. The story is told from the perspectives of a variety of characters as well as Heathcliff himself. While the book was nicely paced and intrigued me, I did wonder what it would have been like told with fewer perspectives or perhaps just told by Heathcliff himself but totally understand why Sue Barnard told the story this way in trying to keep with the original story told by the servant Nelly Dean.
As usual, Sue Barnard' writing is amazing as she tells this engrossing story of one of literature's most loved / hated chararacters. Everyone has their own opinion about Heathcliff but I've always viewed him as someone who is broken and I've always loved him. This book has made me want to go back and read Wuthering Heights and Sue Barnard has done a wonderful job bringing the characters back to life and giving them a voice and helping us understand them a bit more. Wuthering Heights left us wondering what happened during Heathcliff's missing years and Sue Barnard has provided the answers to the questions lovers of the book had. Bravo to the author for an amazing story. Loved it!
Broken and disillusioned after hearing those heartbreaking words, “It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now…”, Heathcliff runs away, leaving Cathy behind and finds himself in Liverpool and caught up in the world of smuggling to make his fortune. The book follows the 3 years he was away making this fortune by whatever means he can. The story is told from the perspectives of a variety of characters as well as Heathcliff himself. While the book was nicely paced and intrigued me, I did wonder what it would have been like told with fewer perspectives or perhaps just told by Heathcliff himself but totally understand why Sue Barnard told the story this way in trying to keep with the original story told by the servant Nelly Dean.
As usual, Sue Barnard' writing is amazing as she tells this engrossing story of one of literature's most loved / hated chararacters. Everyone has their own opinion about Heathcliff but I've always viewed him as someone who is broken and I've always loved him. This book has made me want to go back and read Wuthering Heights and Sue Barnard has done a wonderful job bringing the characters back to life and giving them a voice and helping us understand them a bit more. Wuthering Heights left us wondering what happened during Heathcliff's missing years and Sue Barnard has provided the answers to the questions lovers of the book had. Bravo to the author for an amazing story. Loved it!
July 30, 2019
So…I admit, I never did read Wuthering Heights, but luckily I didn’t need to, because Sue Barnard made this story easy to follow and I wasn’t confused at all.
I think this was a really unique undertaking on Sue Barnard’s part. She took a three year gap in Heathcliff’s life, that Emily Bronte, the author of Wuthering Heights, left unexplained, and created a plausible story about it. I love the research and knowledge shown here. There is some awesome hidden secrets and devious doings that tie up in a really awesome conclusion.
I love the characters in this novel. They are very fleshed out, with some interesting mannerisms and ways about them. I really enjoyed Heathcliff. A really uniquely written character that was brought to life once more in this novel.
I really enjoyed Heathcliff! Definitely recommend checking out!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
I think this was a really unique undertaking on Sue Barnard’s part. She took a three year gap in Heathcliff’s life, that Emily Bronte, the author of Wuthering Heights, left unexplained, and created a plausible story about it. I love the research and knowledge shown here. There is some awesome hidden secrets and devious doings that tie up in a really awesome conclusion.
I love the characters in this novel. They are very fleshed out, with some interesting mannerisms and ways about them. I really enjoyed Heathcliff. A really uniquely written character that was brought to life once more in this novel.
I really enjoyed Heathcliff! Definitely recommend checking out!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
July 29, 2019
Heathcliff
By Sue Barnard
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
When I first read the blurb for this book I was really intrigued, Wuthering Heights was the first classic that I read when I was younger and I remember being completely captivated by the characters and the storyline so this book really sounded like something I would enjoy – and I was right! It was a really good read and I think one of the things that stood out for me the most with the book is the way in which the author wrote it. She really tried to make the story feel authentic, she managed to fill in blanks that probably I never even thought about when I first read the book but now looking back I can see them. I was really impressed with the book as a whole.
I am pretty sure that all fans of Wuthering Heights (and possible readers who haven’t read it) would enjoy this book, it was a great read and one that I thoroughly recommend!
By Sue Barnard
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
When I first read the blurb for this book I was really intrigued, Wuthering Heights was the first classic that I read when I was younger and I remember being completely captivated by the characters and the storyline so this book really sounded like something I would enjoy – and I was right! It was a really good read and I think one of the things that stood out for me the most with the book is the way in which the author wrote it. She really tried to make the story feel authentic, she managed to fill in blanks that probably I never even thought about when I first read the book but now looking back I can see them. I was really impressed with the book as a whole.
I am pretty sure that all fans of Wuthering Heights (and possible readers who haven’t read it) would enjoy this book, it was a great read and one that I thoroughly recommend!
August 2, 2019
Can I just say, “Wow!” I’m a huge fan of Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff, so I am always nervous when an author takes on a classic. However, Sue Barnard did an EXCELLENT job! She gives readers insight into what happened to Heathcliff after leaving Wuthering Heights!
Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights heartbroken after hearing Cathy’s harsh words. He runs away, but he has no clue what his future holds. What an adventure it is! He gets to see the world, but there are also parts that harden his heart. When he returns, his coldness turns into a viciousness, and any part of the caring boy is replaced by a man cruel man bent on revenge!!!
Barnard illustrates what a complicated character he really is, and she takes nothing away from the original story itself. There are some twists that she includes that I definitely wasn’t expecting!!! It makes the book addictive, and I couldn’t put it down! Excellent read!!!!
Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights heartbroken after hearing Cathy’s harsh words. He runs away, but he has no clue what his future holds. What an adventure it is! He gets to see the world, but there are also parts that harden his heart. When he returns, his coldness turns into a viciousness, and any part of the caring boy is replaced by a man cruel man bent on revenge!!!
Barnard illustrates what a complicated character he really is, and she takes nothing away from the original story itself. There are some twists that she includes that I definitely wasn’t expecting!!! It makes the book addictive, and I couldn’t put it down! Excellent read!!!!
September 17, 2019
I was really happy to review this book after reading the author’s previous book The Ghostly Father which concentrated on the story of Romeo and Juliet, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book concentrates on Wuthering Heights published by Emily Bronte in 1847, the main characters being Cathy and Heathcliff. I always think it is brave to tackle such a well known book and put your spin on it, but Sue Barnard does this extremely well. It is not a rewriting of the book, none of the elements change. This book looks at Heathcliff in the three year break in Wuthering Heights.
The book is written from various points of view which I found really good as you get everyone’s perspective which, for me, adds something.
Even if you haven’t read Wuthering Heights, this is well worth a read, you get the gist of the story . This is a re imagining of a classic that changes nothing of the original but adds elements to it.
This book concentrates on Wuthering Heights published by Emily Bronte in 1847, the main characters being Cathy and Heathcliff. I always think it is brave to tackle such a well known book and put your spin on it, but Sue Barnard does this extremely well. It is not a rewriting of the book, none of the elements change. This book looks at Heathcliff in the three year break in Wuthering Heights.
The book is written from various points of view which I found really good as you get everyone’s perspective which, for me, adds something.
Even if you haven’t read Wuthering Heights, this is well worth a read, you get the gist of the story . This is a re imagining of a classic that changes nothing of the original but adds elements to it.
January 18, 2019
Writing a spin-off novel about a character that appears in a classic novel isn’t a simple thing to do. I find that reading this kind of novel isn’t simple either, because I feel that my perceptions of that character will always be tinged by what the original author wrote. I was pleasantly surprised, and delighted, to find that I managed to compartmentalise the Heathcliff that Sue Barnard had created. What did he get up to during his absence in Wuthering Heights? Knowing a little of the historical setting, I find that what the author of this new Heathcliff decided on, is very plausible. It’s because the writing is sharp and the characterisation so good that I was able to imagine a different Heathcliff.
July 30, 2019
Being a HUGE fan of Wuthering Heights, I jumped at the chance to read this book. It is an imagined telling of the years Heathcliff was away from The Heights and The Grange.
The story is told from a variety of viewpoints, both people we know from the original book and newly introduced characters. They combine to tell a dark, dramatic adventure and offer a believable tale of Heathcliff and his changing circumstances and personality.
After reading this book, I no longer look at Heathcliff as a sympathetic, romantic figure. He is twisted, manipulative and evil.
The author does a great job of keeping the Bronte feel in her telling of this story. This is my first exposure to her writing, but it will definitely not be my last.
The story is told from a variety of viewpoints, both people we know from the original book and newly introduced characters. They combine to tell a dark, dramatic adventure and offer a believable tale of Heathcliff and his changing circumstances and personality.
After reading this book, I no longer look at Heathcliff as a sympathetic, romantic figure. He is twisted, manipulative and evil.
The author does a great job of keeping the Bronte feel in her telling of this story. This is my first exposure to her writing, but it will definitely not be my last.
January 8, 2019
I couldn't resist getting this. Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books and I have my own theories about how Heathcliff earned his fortune. While Sue Barnard is not a Bronte she has managed to write an intriguing and enjoyable book. I would have preferred a more intense psychological experience but it was certainly worth reading.
October 11, 2024
This story follows the missing years of Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights and was a fascinating read. Absolutely loved it. Although I couldn't remember back to Wuthering Heights, which I read about 50 years ago, this was a wonderful story. Quite heart breaking in places.
I was lucky enough to read this as a free copy and leave this review of my own free will.
I was lucky enough to read this as a free copy and leave this review of my own free will.
July 30, 2019
Yes, I am not ashamed admitting I’ve read Wuthering Heights several times. Each time I was reading it, I wondered what Heathcliff did the years after he left Catherine.
I guess nobody will ever really know and we can only use our own imagination.
And that’s exactly what Sue Barnard did.
She thought what could have happened and created her own story.
And after reading her story, it makes all perfectly sense.
As said before, we can only imagine what adventures Heathcliff took part in, but this story fills in all the blanks.
It stays also true to the writing style of Emily Brönte, keeping you in the same atmosphere.
It’s also a nice touch that you read from different point of views, making sure you gather the whole story, all the thoughts and feelings.
Everybody who read Wuthering Heights knows how the story ends for Heathcliff, and honestly, he wasn’t the nicest person in the world.
This book made him look more human, less unlikeable.
You get to learn him, see what caused the hardness in his demeanor and you sympathise with him.
So my initial fear of having one of my all time favourite books being torn into shreds, was totally misplaced.
This was a great story to read and enlighted me, made me enjoy it to the full!
October 5, 2024
I loved this!
It was an easy read and all flowed well and made sense.
If you love the original you HAVE to read this
It was an easy read and all flowed well and made sense.
If you love the original you HAVE to read this
October 24, 2021
Inspired Historical Fiction
Despised by his beloved Catherine, uneducated Heathcliff goes to Liverpool. There he finds his way to riches and achieves knowledge of the world.
In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is an almost diabolical enigma. No doubt, he is a tempting subject to analyse in literary form. No doubt, Sue Barnard has built a believable universe for him to develop in. Her writing is impeccable, even if she may not quite match Emily Brontë’s passion. Still, the book left me wondering if it is better to leave the enigma and concentrate on creating other characters.
For my part, and this is a minor element, it occurred to me that the different cast members, who tell their stories and views on the action, all speak in the same voice. Still, Heathcliff remains the proverbial anti-hero, and his descent into perdition comes alive.
Certainly, this was a novel to make you think. About ghosts and what they mean, seen with modern eyes. About the psychology of abused and or abusing persons. About the differences between the seventeenth, nineteenth, and twenty-first centuries. Isn’t that exactly what historical fiction should do – at its best?
Despised by his beloved Catherine, uneducated Heathcliff goes to Liverpool. There he finds his way to riches and achieves knowledge of the world.
In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff is an almost diabolical enigma. No doubt, he is a tempting subject to analyse in literary form. No doubt, Sue Barnard has built a believable universe for him to develop in. Her writing is impeccable, even if she may not quite match Emily Brontë’s passion. Still, the book left me wondering if it is better to leave the enigma and concentrate on creating other characters.
For my part, and this is a minor element, it occurred to me that the different cast members, who tell their stories and views on the action, all speak in the same voice. Still, Heathcliff remains the proverbial anti-hero, and his descent into perdition comes alive.
Certainly, this was a novel to make you think. About ghosts and what they mean, seen with modern eyes. About the psychology of abused and or abusing persons. About the differences between the seventeenth, nineteenth, and twenty-first centuries. Isn’t that exactly what historical fiction should do – at its best?
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