Memory Monday: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Bronte

Anne Bronte, the lesser known of the Bronte sisters, has published a number of books that are just as well written as Charlotte and Emily. The difference is a more satirical look at life and a tendency to write things as they truly are without padding. Fortunately she still provides the happy ending we all crave - unlike Emily - and we like her all the better for it in the end. I still think of all the books published by the Bronte sisters, that Jane Eyre is the best, but Anne's books are a very close second, in particular Agnes Grey, a sweet and shorter work of hers.
Today I'm reviewing an old favorite:

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Bronte
Adult, 1848

Told from the letters of one George Markham, but sometimes quoting the diary of a Mrs. Helen Graham, the story is of a mysterious widow that comes to reside in a crumbled down mansion in his small village. Because of her obvious distaste for company and her odd ways of raising her only child, a son, she soon is the brunt of malicious gossip. However, Mr. Markham finds himself intrigued by her mysterious ways and curious about her odd opinions. Forming a friendship he eventually comes into possession of her diary, explaining the life she has run away from. By the time he finishes reading it, however, she has returned to her previous life, one he is afraid she'll never return from.
Anne's book is a complexity of morals and ideals of the time and a woman caught in between what she knows is right and what society believes is right. It seems to be a world ruled by men and suffered by women - but one woman flies in the face of it all in order to save her child and herself from it. A sweet love story, you breathe a sigh of relief when the ending finally resolves itself. I must confess to liking the ending of the movie better - it seemed much more cut and dried, but on the other hand I believe this ending to be much more realistic to the times. A particularly interesting read if you are married, have children, etc.
Graded an A-.



The movie (1996) has the unforgettable Toby Stephens as Mr. Markham (on the left) and Tara Fitzgerald (Woman in White) playing Mrs. Graham. Her wretched husband is on the right. I enjoyed the movie, but on the other hand don't watch it too often since it is mostly bittersweet, and you spend most of it watching her husband be a total, well, rear-end. It's a bit heavy for teens.
Graded a B+.