Margot Robbie takes on the iconic role of Catherine Earnshaw in director Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated film adaptation of Emily Brontë's literary masterpiece, Wuthering Heights. This cinematic interpretation, set for a Valentine's Day release, has already generated significant controversy following test screenings, with some viewers labelling it "aggressively provocative." The film joins a long lineage of adaptations that have historically divided Brontë purists, much like Andrea Arnold's gritty 2011 version which faced criticism for its bleak aesthetic.
A Return to the Original Source Material
Amidst the buzz surrounding Fennell's bold cinematic vision, there is a renewed interest in experiencing Brontë's original narrative. For those seeking an authentic immersion into the story, the audiobook format presents a compelling alternative. Numerous notable actors have previously lent their voices to audio recordings of the novel, including Michael Kitchener, Daniel Massey, and Juliet Stevenson. However, a standout version narrated by Aimee Lou Wood, acclaimed for her roles in Sex Education and The White Lotus, has been gaining particular acclaim since its 2020 release by Penguin Audio.
The Enduring Power of Brontë's Narrative
Emily Brontë's tempestuous novel, set against the harsh Yorkshire moors, begins with Mr. Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, visiting his brooding landlord, Heathcliff, at the remote Wuthering Heights farmhouse. After becoming snowed in, Lockwood discovers the diaries of the deceased Catherine Earnshaw, which poignantly detail her profound and tumultuous love for Heathcliff, an orphan adopted by her father. The story takes a supernatural turn when Lockwood experiences a haunting nightmare where Catherine's ghost pleads to enter through the window, a scene famously immortalised in Kate Bush's musical tribute.
Upon returning to Thrushcross Grange, Lockwood persuades the housekeeper, Nellie Dean, to recount the full, dark history of the Earnshaw and Linton families. Nellie's tale unfolds as a complex saga of childhood bond, cruel separation, emotional abuse, bitter vengeance, and ultimately, doomed romance, with consequences that tragically echo through subsequent generations.
Aimee Lou Wood's Captivating Narration
Wood's narration, spanning nearly fourteen hours, is praised for injecting fresh vitality into this classic. She skillfully captures Nellie's gossipy, conversational tone while also conveying the initial wild passion and freedom shared by the young Catherine and Heathcliff. As the narrative progresses and circumstances forcibly tear the inseparable pair apart, Wood adeptly modulates her performance to reflect the characters' descent into desolation, resentment, and generational discord. Her interpretation serves as a powerful reminder of the novel's enduring brilliance and emotional depth.
Additional Audiobook Recommendations
Simply More by Cynthia Erivo
Macmillan, 3 hours 43 minutes
The multi-talented singer and actor, soon to star in Wicked, narrates this hybrid memoir and empowerment guide. Erivo shares her personal journey to stardom and offers practical advice on maintaining focus and achieving personal goals.
The Fathers by John Niven
Canongate, 11 hours 16 minutes
From the author of Kill Your Friends, this satirical novel follows two new fathers, Jada and Dan, who meet in a maternity ward. Each resolves to transform his life for the better upon the arrival of his infant son. The audiobook is read by actor Angus King.
