Why 6 Authors Embrace ‘Wuthering Heights,’ Heathcliff’s Allure and Warnings

The enduring appeal of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” continues to captivate readers and inspire authors. This classic novel’s themes of obsessive love and tumultuous relationships resonate deeply, making it a recurring subject of discussion among contemporary writers.

Exploring ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Its Impact on Romance Literature

Three weeks before Valentine’s Day, Skylight Books in Los Angeles was completely sold out of “Wuthering Heights.” The Los Angeles Public Library reported 146 individuals waiting for the latest Penguin Classics edition. This surge in interest coincided with the upcoming release of director Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation.

Brontë’s story of doomed love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff remains relevant. Its exploration of obsession, revenge, and social class are frequently studied in high school literature classes. As readers mature, they may find new meaning in Brontë’s words, understanding love in ways that resonate with their own experiences.

Authors Reflect on Their Relationships with ‘Wuthering Heights’

In the wake of the novel’s renewed popularity, six authors share their unique connections to “Wuthering Heights” and its lasting influence on romance novels:

• Allie Rowbottom (author of “Lovers XXX”): She remembers reading the book with her husband during their PhD studies. Rowbottom emphasizes the novel’s complex take on love in a culture increasingly favoring simplistic narratives.
• Melissa Broder (author of “Death Valley”): First encountering the novel in eighth grade, Broder now appreciates Heathcliff’s characterization and contrasts it with Catherine’s more traditional role.
• Upasna Barath (author of “Comedic Timing”): She engaged with “Wuthering Heights” during AP literature classes and acknowledges its foundational role in shaping romance tropes, such as forbidden love.
• Erin La Rosa (author of “Not You Again”): Reading the novel at a young age, La Rosa found the toxic relationship compelling and notes the enduring intrigue of obsessive love depicted in Brontë’s work.
• Sophia Benoit (author of “The Very Definition of Love”): Initially disliking the story, Benoit grew to appreciate its commentary on gothic romance and complex characters like Heathcliff.
• Maurene Goo (author of “One & Only”): Exploring “Wuthering Heights” during her high school years, Goo was struck by its dark, subversive qualities compared to other literature of the time.

The Timeless Relevance of Obsessive Love

The concept of obsessive love remains a significant draw for readers. Authors emphasize that while such love may often be fleeting, it is a universal human experience. The contradictions presented in “Wuthering Heights,” such as the coexistence of beauty and tragedy in love, resonate across generations. Readers are drawn to exploring these intense emotions, finding solace and familiarity in Brontë’s powerful narrative.

As “Wuthering Heights” continues to soar in popularity, it serves as a reminder of literature’s profound ability to connect individual experiences to the vast terrain of human emotions. The novel’s complex characters and themes ensure that it will remain a poignant reference point in discussions of love for years to come.