The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (BBC Classic Collection)
by Anne Bronte (read by Joseph O'Conor & Miranda Pleasence) | Audiobooks | This book has not been rated.
ISBN: 0563381809 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 0563381809 Global Overview for this book
2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 16, 2008
'Heavily criticised when it was first published for its frank treatment of alcoholism and the abuse of women in marriage, Anne Bronte's classic tale is both a powerful drama and a devastating indictment of Victorian society.
Living alone with her son in the decaying Wildfell Hall, Helen Graham is a young woman and talented painter whose independant way of life creates gossip and unease in the rural society around her. Told through Helen's diaries and those of her suitor, Markham, the compelling story of her unhappy marriage and escape to the moors is gradually revealed. But other secrets must be brought to light and many adversities endured before Helen can find the peace and freedom for which she has struggled for so long.
This outstanding reading by Joseph O'Conor and Miranda Pleasence, who star in the BBC Television dramatisation, brings to life all the passion, wit and irony of Anne Bronte's celebrated masterpiece.
Running time: 3 hours.
BBC Worldwide Ltd 1996.
Abridged and directed by Sue Dawson.'
I read the book years ago, when my mum had a copy, and recently sat down to watch the BBC adaption this tape refers to. Its not easy going, indeed, you could willingly slap a few of the women and shoot a couple of the men, but I can understand how shocking this book was upon it's original release. Drunken abuse of their wives was more or less accepted as a normal marriage then, and sadly, it still is to women today. Helen has fled the drunken tyranny of her husband and is hiding out in Wildfell Hall. She lives remotely and quietly, attending church services, painting to support herself and her son and one loyal servant, desperately longing to remain under her distant husband's radar. But her luminescent beauty and talent have caught the attentions of a local gentleman farmer called Markham and he starts to try and woo her - without any idea of her true identity or social standing. She tries not to return his ardour, but just when she feels ready to trust him with the truth, she is discovered by her husband and dragged 'home'.
I'll leave it there, because I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone this tape meets in the future.
Needless to say - another 40p bargain from the local library table! Box slightly damaged.
Living alone with her son in the decaying Wildfell Hall, Helen Graham is a young woman and talented painter whose independant way of life creates gossip and unease in the rural society around her. Told through Helen's diaries and those of her suitor, Markham, the compelling story of her unhappy marriage and escape to the moors is gradually revealed. But other secrets must be brought to light and many adversities endured before Helen can find the peace and freedom for which she has struggled for so long.
This outstanding reading by Joseph O'Conor and Miranda Pleasence, who star in the BBC Television dramatisation, brings to life all the passion, wit and irony of Anne Bronte's celebrated masterpiece.
Running time: 3 hours.
BBC Worldwide Ltd 1996.
Abridged and directed by Sue Dawson.'
I read the book years ago, when my mum had a copy, and recently sat down to watch the BBC adaption this tape refers to. Its not easy going, indeed, you could willingly slap a few of the women and shoot a couple of the men, but I can understand how shocking this book was upon it's original release. Drunken abuse of their wives was more or less accepted as a normal marriage then, and sadly, it still is to women today. Helen has fled the drunken tyranny of her husband and is hiding out in Wildfell Hall. She lives remotely and quietly, attending church services, painting to support herself and her son and one loyal servant, desperately longing to remain under her distant husband's radar. But her luminescent beauty and talent have caught the attentions of a local gentleman farmer called Markham and he starts to try and woo her - without any idea of her true identity or social standing. She tries not to return his ardour, but just when she feels ready to trust him with the truth, she is discovered by her husband and dragged 'home'.
I'll leave it there, because I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone this tape meets in the future.
Needless to say - another 40p bargain from the local library table! Box slightly damaged.
Picked this up at the book buffet table at the London convention, look forward to reading it!
AB, 2 Cassettes
AB, 2 Cassettes
