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“The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” by Anne Brontë

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I often like to read other readers’ reviews before writing my own. Amazon is a good source, simply because of sheer amount of reviews and the function of sorting the best to the top. In reading reviews of The Tenenant of Wildfell Hall there are several common themes. One is surprise that Anne Brontë is as good or an even better writer than her sisters. Another is admiration for her gutsy depiction of alcoholism and marital strife from a female perspective.

There is no doubt that this book is powerful. It inspires even more admiration for portraying taboo and uncomfortable subjects. Brontë begins the book as a letter by a prosperous farmer, Gilbert Markham, to a friend. He relates the beginnings of his friendship with Helen Graham and her son, the new tenants Wildfell Hall. The first part of the narrative passes quickly, and just as it comes to a climax we pass to the second part: Helen’s diary of her life before moving to Wildfell Hall. I found this part of the story most engrossing. Helen describes her courtship and marriage to Arthur Huntingdon. We see their first meetings, their mutual attraction, her Aunt’s portentous warnings, their marriage, and the birth of their son. Then things get interesting. Brontë apparently had the opportunity for first-hand observations of alcoholism and abuse.

The story within a story narration works wonderfully. Helen’s narrative ends precisely where the first part of the story picked up. The last part is also told through letters, both Helen’s and Gilbert’s, and brings the story to a close. If the ending seems almost too happily wrapped up, she more than makes of for it in the middle section.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a story that will stay with you, perhaps requiring subsequent readings. Another common theme among reviewers was astonishment that such an accurate portrayal of marital strife should come from a young woman who never married. Be sure you read Brontë’s excellent preface, as she makes several important remarks on how the book was received upon publication and the defense of her chosen subject matter .