Author: Emily Bronte
Pages: 322
Total approximate words: 115900
To try and write the synopsis of a story that has survived two centuries is a bit of a dare. Its never-ending fame intrigued me, and that was the only reason that I picked it up from a book store in Dubai some four years ago. A regular job was standing on my way at that time for me to be able to read as much as I would like to. Thankfully, because of the pandemic, some of my wishes came true, and I finally picked up the book for the second time.
SYNOPSIS
Set in the nineteenth century, it’s an unconventional generational love story between two lovers who never get to be together, and die in anguish, spite and loneliness. There are many unexpected and disdainful circumstances that the story unfolds into. The plot revolves around its more than one protagonist, and takes the reader through a chain of distasteful events through the years that eventually ends into death, and a scandalous burial of the protagonists.
The writing style is expectedly Victorian. It is not even remotely anything like the writings from the past 30-40 years. The pace is slow, narration is extremely detailed, and the characterization has more physical descriptions than psychological ones. A plethora of characters, weaving their lives and stories over two generations, makes it too extensive a read.
A modern comparison of similar extensive storyline writing, could be Arundhati Roy’s Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Also, looking back, Rabindranath Tagore’s Gora.
Did I like the Classic novel?
Not as much. The pace of the story did not really keep me glued to the book. The plot was extremely unconventional, and so I enjoyed the idea that went into forming the entire characters, and storyline, and encouraged me as a writer to be bolder when imagining my own characters, but other than that, it was a slow ride!
Would I read another Classic?
I most certainly would!
I would rate it a 6.5 out of 10.
Happy Reading!
