Name: Wuthering Hearts
Author: Kay Woodward
Publisher: Andersen Press
Date published:
Pages: 216
Source: Gifted
Rating: 3 teacups
A modern spin on a much-loved classic.
When Robert arrives in town with his film-star looks and mysterious background, he sends Emily's heart a-flutter. It's almost enough to take her mind off this year's school play... miserable old Wuthering Heights. Urgh. But Robert wastes no time in stamping all over Emily's dreams. Is there no escape from his spectacular mean 'n' moodiness? While Emily is trying to make up her mind what she really thinks of the new boy, no one else stands a chance.
It was never this tricky for Cathy and Heathcliff.
I'm glad I finally got round to reading Wuthering Hearts: it certainly lightened my day! It's aimed at a younger audience but I did like reading it, however I didn't love it mainly because it's a bit too childish for me. I'm sure I would've enjoyed and appreciated much more if I had read it when I was younger.
I liked how Wuthering Heights is entwined throughout the novel and it certainly is a clever way to introduce younger kids to classics. The book starts off with Emily complaining about having to do Wuthering Heights for the Christmas play and I'm sure most of you will be able to relate to her reluctance. I haven't read Wuthering Heights but I've tried many times to read other classics like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice but I just can't get into them. Anyway, I'm digressing.
Eventually, Emily realises that she can't change things so she tries her best to get the lead role. I really admired her for this because she ploughs on with life even when she doesn't particularly want to. She's a typical 14-year-old girl but she's also kind and feisty and has the sort of qualities you'd want in a friend! And then Robert comes along... dark, brooding Robert. He is incredibly frustrating and I personally kind of hated him for treating poor Emily so horribly even when she offered him her kindness. I wanted to grab Emily and shake her by the shoulders: 'Why do you fancy this guy?! You're too good for him!' But I think Kay Woodward has portrayed first crushes really well: I mean, who hasn't ever fallen for the wrong boy?
The book gets more interesting as it goes on and I laughed at Emily's attempts to impress and please Robert. I was thinking: 'This boy is so not worth it!' but it reminded me of when I was 13 two years ago and how you're just entering your teens and the world is so scary and big and there's always a boy mixed in to make things even more complicated.
One of the disappointing things about this book was the climax where Robert's 'identity' is revealed. It only covered one page which made it feel more like an anti-climax and it could have been explored much further. It felt a bit too rushed so it didn't really sink in unfortunately.
Overall, a sweet, up-lifting book full of laughs - perfect for little sisters or when you're in need of a light book to read! Thanks to Luisa for sending me my copy :)
I liked how Wuthering Heights is entwined throughout the novel and it certainly is a clever way to introduce younger kids to classics. The book starts off with Emily complaining about having to do Wuthering Heights for the Christmas play and I'm sure most of you will be able to relate to her reluctance. I haven't read Wuthering Heights but I've tried many times to read other classics like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice but I just can't get into them. Anyway, I'm digressing.
Eventually, Emily realises that she can't change things so she tries her best to get the lead role. I really admired her for this because she ploughs on with life even when she doesn't particularly want to. She's a typical 14-year-old girl but she's also kind and feisty and has the sort of qualities you'd want in a friend! And then Robert comes along... dark, brooding Robert. He is incredibly frustrating and I personally kind of hated him for treating poor Emily so horribly even when she offered him her kindness. I wanted to grab Emily and shake her by the shoulders: 'Why do you fancy this guy?! You're too good for him!' But I think Kay Woodward has portrayed first crushes really well: I mean, who hasn't ever fallen for the wrong boy?
The book gets more interesting as it goes on and I laughed at Emily's attempts to impress and please Robert. I was thinking: 'This boy is so not worth it!' but it reminded me of when I was 13 two years ago and how you're just entering your teens and the world is so scary and big and there's always a boy mixed in to make things even more complicated.
One of the disappointing things about this book was the climax where Robert's 'identity' is revealed. It only covered one page which made it feel more like an anti-climax and it could have been explored much further. It felt a bit too rushed so it didn't really sink in unfortunately.
Overall, a sweet, up-lifting book full of laughs - perfect for little sisters or when you're in need of a light book to read! Thanks to Luisa for sending me my copy :)
3 teacups for Wuthering Hearts!
Beverley x
Posts
I just love it when a book is connected with a classic like this! I don't think I'd ever seen this before (I would have remembered), but I'm definitely curious about it now.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that it's easy to exaggerate when you're just thirteen and do far more than necessary to impress a boy, but it's understandable and it makes me even more curious about the story.
Lovel review!
Awesome review, Beverley!! I wish that I'd had read this before reading the actual classic to kind of warm me up for it because the first time I read Wuthering Heights I found it really confusing and hard to understand, which was a shame because it's actually such a heartbreakingly beautiful classic. But the second time I read it I was older and I LOVED it!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you didn't love this one that much, but yeah I can imagine how you felt!! I guess it should have been a little deeper for such an amazing classic. Amazing review!! <3
This books sounds like so much fun! I really want to read books with modern twists on classics but I'm always worried that I won't enjoy it! But it's good to know you had some fun with this! Fab review Beverley! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this before but it sounds like a great children's book. Even though I'm not the intended audience, I think this will be fun to read. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant review! I always favour the dark, moody boy characters in stories - especially when a love triangle's involved!
ReplyDeleteI love your new rating system! :D