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Wuthering Heights  By  cover art

Wuthering Heights

By: Emily Brontë, Ann Dinsdale - introduction
Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt, Rachel Atkins - introduction
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Editorial review


By Mysia Haight, Audible Editor

WUTHERING HEIGHTS WILL HAUNT US FOREVER—AND HERE'S WHY

As a feminist with a passion for novels about complicated women written by brilliant women, I have always been fascinated by the Brontë sisters. Now universally acknowledged as literary geniuses, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne grew up in poverty and isolation in a parsonage in rural England, suffered the tragic early losses of their mother and two older sisters, struggled with their volatile alcoholic (and possibly opium-addicted) brother, and, sadly, died of illness young (Anne at 29, Emily at 30, and Charlotte at 38). What’s more, to get their writing taken seriously in the mid-1800s, these gifted women had to publish their novels under pseudonyms—Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell—so that critics and readers would assume they were the work of men.

Ever since my first encounter in high school, I have been a fan of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. But I only recently read Emily Brontë’s masterwork, and only published novel, Wuthering Heights. From a young age, I knew the story (or, at least, part of it) from seeing the 1939 film. As a 'tween way back in the pre-streaming days, I often scoured late-night TV listings for classic movies, and once stumbled upon Wuthering Heights. This acclaimed adaptation stars Merle Oberon—a rare beauty and remarkable actress—as Catherine Earnshaw, and she’s wonderful in the role. What kept me enthralled, however, is the character of Heathcliff, played by a young, hunky, and brooding Laurence Olivier. (Yes, the same actor who, decades later, played the sadistic Nazi torturer in Marathon Man.)

A few years ago, I revisited my beloved Jane Eyre through an audiobook, impeccably performed by Thandiwe Newton, and discovered deeper layers and strikingly relevant themes. Afterwards, I started thinking it was time to finally dive into Wuthering Heights. The audiobook is narrated by Joanne Froggatt, widely known as Downtown Abbey’s Anna Bates, which made reading with my ears the most appealing option.

While people tend to think of Wuthering Heights as a romance, it defies the genre’s defining expectation—a happily-ever-after ending. Yes, it features a thrilling love story between Heathcliff and Catherine, but that’s only the first half of the book (which many film adaptations, including the 1939 classic, present as the whole story). The second half of the book is about what happens after (spoiler alert!) Catherine’s death. In terms of its intense mood, its atmospheric setting (two grand estates, both situated on the wild, desolate moors of Yorkshire), and its supernatural elements, Wuthering Heights is pure gothic. And its primary focus isn’t forbidden passion or unrequited love—it’s Heathcliff’s quest for revenge.

Continue reading Mysia's review >

Publisher's summary

Winner of Audible UK’s 2017 Narrator of the Year Award

In an Audible Exclusive production, Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt gives a powerhouse performance of Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë's only published novel. This edition features an exclusive introduction written by Ann Dinsdale, Chief Curator of the Brontë Museum.

About the book

The unapologetic intensity with which Emily Brontë wrote this story ensures that it will forever be considered one of the greatest works of English literature. A passionate tale of a chaotic and often violent love, Wuthering Heights transcends your average romance and, with its Gothic undertones, takes the listener on a journey through one man's lustful hunt for revenge.

Believing he has been spurned by Cathy Earnshaw, the only woman he has ever loved, Heathcliff abandons the wild moors of Wuthering Heights, fervently wishing to reestablish himself as the wealthy gentleman he believes Cathy seeks. Having been successful in his ventures, he later returns to the adoptive family who raised him and hungrily seeks to punish those who once rejected him.

In an exclusive introduction written for this edition by Ann Dinsdale, Chief Curator of the Bronte Museum, discover how critical and public opinion of Wuthering Heights has changed over time.

About the author

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Emily is said to have had the most unusual character of all the Brontë sisters. A reserved character with few close acquaintances outside her family circle, Emily's dark and passionate nature is clearly reflected in her tale. Having been the consummate lover of animals and nature, in this book she also set out to paint an unforgettable picture of the stark and imposing moors that she so enjoyed walking along.

Having developed a highly intelligent writing style, Emily ensures that the listener is emotionally involved throughout and often even a little horrified at the events that take place. A true work of art, Wuthering Heights surpasses expectation with its Gothic love scenes and desolate landscapes. Emily Brontë's only published work, it stands alone and will forever imprint itself upon the listener's memory.

About the narrator

Joanne Froggatt is an English stage, film and television actress who shot to fame after her engaging portrayal of Downton Abbey's Anna Bates. Also celebrated for her roles in Dinnerladies, A Street Cat Named Bob, Murder in the Outback and Liar, Joanne has now been acting for over 20 years and brings a wealth of expertise to her narratives. Having voiced an Alice in Wonderland series as well as Audible's 2017 Thriller of the Year, Silent Child, Joanne succeeds once more in delivering an incredibly engaging performance in this unique and exquisite adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible Ltd

Featured Article: The Best Cozy Mysteries to Keep You Warm This Holiday Season


We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best cozy mystery audiobooks to help brighten up your winter listening. Here you'll find contemporary and historical cozies, classic whodunits and ingenious heist stories. While varying in tone, plot, and setting, these picks all share an irresistible holiday atmosphere. You'll find snowstorms galore, bakeries full of tasty holiday treats, glittering get-togethers, and picturesque English villages decked out in their holiday finest.

What listeners say about Wuthering Heights

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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.

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205 people found this helpful

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Wonderful reader, terrible story

I read this book as a teen and hated it, but struggled through just to get to the end. I thought I would give it another try from the perspective of a couple decades later and my original opinion of it as a story of terrible people treating each other terribly for generations still stands. Where exactly other people find romance in all of this I guess I will never understand! However, I did gain a new appreciation for the author’s talent in creating her (terrible) characters and their world, and the reader was so impressive that I would gladly seek out other things she performs.

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Once again it’s a case of read the book don’t watch the movie !

The 1939 movie version, a favorite of mine since I was 14 yrs old, was definitely an adaption ! The book is much darker but still a classic! The narration was fantastic!!

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16 people found this helpful

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Perfect narrator

Although I have read this book several times, this experience has by far been my favorite. Recommended.

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Best Wuthering Heights audio book available!

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

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Joanne Froggatt is wonderful!

This book is hard at first because none of the characters are very likeable! But once you understand that that is the point, you will see that the story is really interesting and well done. Joanne Froggart is a great narrator.

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Joanne does a fantastic job as narrator

Such a delightful voice and what a dark and rich story. I could not stop listening.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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