The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Five reasons why I would recommendThe Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte 

1. It's less talked about, dramatised and studied than Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by Anne's sisters Charlotte and Emily respectively. This means that the story can be read without preconceived expectations which for me, made it more exciting to read. In my opinion, the story is more unpredictable and fast pasted than both Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights and I enjoyed it more.

Where's Anne? The Tenant of WIldfell Hall definitely deserves more recognition.

2. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a Victorian Novel but it's easy to forget that when you read it today; it's themes are still relevant today. Bronte explores difficulties with domestic life which are still very much relevant today: domestic violence, alcoholism, separation, adultery and female oppression in the home.

3. The characters are especially intriguing; nobody is perfect. Helen, the protagonist, foolishly falls in love with a man who she knows, deep down, will be bad for her. Refreshingly however, she is a strong female character who stands up to and out-smarts her husband. 

4. Like Wuthering Heights, the structure of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is particularly interesting; the novel starts in the future, and the reader is quickly introduced to the mysterious character of Helen who is living in the run down Wildfell Hall with her son. The reader's curiosity is satisfied when the text changes form to Helen's diaries. 

5. If you are a student, then this is an excellent text to write on. I chose to write on how The Tenant of Wildfell Hall challenges the Victorian's expectations regarding domesticity and found that there was lots to say. This would also be a good book to look at if you're writing on   femininity, masculinity, gender relations or marriage.