The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

By: Anne Bronte

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson, Nadia May

Like her sisters Emily and Charlotte, Anne Brontë published under a male pseudonym, yet still this novel was scorned by many for its exposure of the abusive male chauvinism that was concealed, like all things sexual, during the Victorian Era.

Just as Anne had to use a male pseudonym in order to publish, Helen Graham, the novel's protagonist and a battered wife, must assume an alias in order to gain freedom from her suffering. With her young child, Helen takes up residence at Wildfell Hall, shrouding her past in secrecy, yet earning the attentions of a young, unmarried country gentlemen. Anne Brontë employs the atmosphere of the bleak Yorkshire moors and the cold, rugged gloom of the fictional mansion to set the stage for a tragedy that reveals the secret violence in a society considered well-mannered.

(P)1998 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frederick Davidson and Nadia May take the roles of the storytellers, and they do an excellent job of portraying both the male and female voices....The choice to use both male and female narrators was a good one, enlivening the story and underlining the differences between the sexes in Victorian England." ( AudioFile)

Depressing

Listening to this brought a pall over me -combined with admiration for Helen. Thankfulness that I do not live in that era where women were something to be owned. Despite the depressing negative conversations between Helen and Arthur, the light of her strength and determination was so eloquently expressed it made the story magnetic.

A 19th Century Tina Turner

This novel was way ahead of its time. To our modern sensibilities, we may wonder why the lead character put up with her husband so long. But put it in 19th Century context, and we're struck by how remarkable was her streak of independence. Readers of the time were shocked the themes, and the novel was not considered appropriate reading for ladies. It deals with "modern" themes -- alcohol abuse, infidelity, and codependence.

Some have drawn similarities between the husband character and Mr. Darcy in Jane Eyre. But I think it's the female lead in this story that is similar to Mr. Darcy. Like Darcy, she's a mysterious character, haunted by her past. I'll say no more about that to avoid a spoiler!

Entertaining

Where does The Tenant of Wildfell Hall rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Yes, this was a good book.

What did you like best about this story?

I like how there ending is wrapped up, and that you get a sense of what happens after the book.

What does Frederick Davidson and Nadia May bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents are very good, and read well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The resolution toward the end puts my mind as ease.

Any additional comments?

If you like classics, you will like this book.

My favorite Bronte novel.

This is my favorite of all the Bronte novels. I loved that the heroine was a strong feminist character.

A delight

A delightfully told tail with strong moral force well told. A classic.
Too bad there are few such books written today.