Wuthering Heights

Almost Peerless

I am a huge fan of Wuthering Heights. My book obsessed Mom gave it to me when I was a little boy and told me it was one of her favourite books. I mostly loved it that first time because of the ghostly romance, but also, I loved it because she wanted me to.

As the years moved on, though, other reasons made me love it more and more. A mentor of mine adored the book, and her take on it made me love Bronte's rich use of language and the way she captured her characters' voices. My own study of the book made me love Bronte's daring when it came to the unlikability of the denizens of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. And when I went on to teach the book, as I have a score of times by now (I've lost count, actually), I found myself marvelling -- and still do -- that the story really isn't about Heathcliff and Catherine and their love at all, but about the woman telling the story to Mr. Lockwood. The idea that Nelly Dean is the true star of Wuthering Heights blows my mind more than anything else Bronte did in the book (and that was quite a lot).

And I loved this book so much that I named my eldest daughter Bronte, after Emily (not Charlotte nor Anne, although I love them too).

It was a joy, then, to find such a wonderful performance of a favourite book. There could not have been a better reader for this than Joanne Froggatt. From Joseph's barely discernible vernacular to Catherine's passionate struggles with the men in her life, from Heathcliff's anguish to Lockwood's stupidity, Froggatt (marvelous as Anna in Downton Abbey) strikes the perfect note for everyone. It is, however, her performance as the narrator of the story, Nelly Dean, for which she is most suited, and the dominance of Nelly to the story means that Froggatt is able to command our attention effortlessly throughout. I have a feeling that Joanne Froggatt gets Nelly Dean. It certainly sounds like she does.

The only "audible exclusive" I've heard that has matched Froggatt's (so far) is Rosamund Pike's reading of Pride and Prejudice. As a pair, they are the two best audiobook performances I have heard. You won't regret giving this version of Wuthering Heights a listen. Trust me. And I'd be willing to bet that if you were never the biggest fan of this dark, brooding, Victorian Gothic classic but were thinking of giving it another try, that this version and Joanne Froggatt's performance will make you a fan.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

Terrible

Requires constant volume adjustments. About the time you believe you found a good volume level, you stumble upon soft speach you must strain yourself to hear, or you are struck with ear rattling yelling.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent narrator for a classic book!

I found the narrator to being very engaged in the story and she brought the characters to life while keeping the story feeling very Gothic. I recall reading this book when I was 12yrs, but never really enjoyed it. After listening to this version of the story it was much more enjoyed and each chapter drove me deeper in to the story. Highly recommend this if you are a fan of the Bronte Sisters work. Jane Eyre will always my favorite classic novel, but this made for an enjoyable read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent narration

Joanne Froggatt performs each character exceedingly well. Each has its own distinct voice conveying the personality.

The early 1800’s language took some getting used to, but it is a captivating story and well worth the listen.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Awesome update on a classic

I never read Wuthering Heights and I came across this version narrarated by Joanne Froggatt of Downton Abbey fame . She is utterly amazing breathing life into this dark classic .

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

like sister like sister

So far the Bronte sister's writing has proven to break though the wonder of all minds who have had the privilege.

Not what I had expected.

I was surprised that this was rated so highly. I did not find the story very interesting as the summary stated. I kept waiting for something big to happen, but no. Same old same old. I guess just not my type of book since many others have rated it very highly.

Best Wuthering Heights audio book available!

The narrator was incredible. A perfect performance of a classic novel dear to my heart.

Timeless Love Story

Beautifully and Captivatingly depicted by Joanne Frogatt. Everytime I revisit this story I am spellbound again. It is so timeless.

Amazing performance

If you love Wuthering Heights you must listen to this performance by Joanne Froggatt. With unique voices for each character she brings them all to life. She deserves an award for this performance.