The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Original 1848 Edition)
Anne Brontë
Read by Expatriate
When Helen Graham moves into old Wildfell Hall with her little son Arthur, the rustic neighborhood comes alive with gossip and speculation, particularly when saturnine Mr. Lawrence (who bears an uncanny resemblance to the child) begins to visit her clandestinely. Local gentleman farmer Gilbert Markham falls in love with her almost against his will, despite rumors that she supports herself by the work of her hands and can give no account of her origins. Only when her diary comes into Markham’s hands do we find out why she has so exiled herself. As the chapters of the diary unfold, explicit scenes of adultery, seduction, and debauchery show why the novel was so shocking when it was first published, easily outselling the more famous debut novels of the three Brontë sisters. Often called the first “feminist” novel, “Wildfell Hall” may have been most shocking for its depiction of a strong-willed, independent single mother, for its criticism of the marriage institution, and for its many passages crying out against the unfair advantages accorded to men over women.
Importantly, this recording is based on the original 1848 Newby edition, not on the later, badly-mutilated version that mystifyingly continues to be the basis for modern editions advertised as “unabridged.” The novel had already been suppressed after Anne’s death by her sister Charlotte but received an even more serious injustice in 1854 when publisher Thomas Hodgson excised over sixteen thousand words, dozens of “unladylike” profanities, and numerous descriptions of dissolute male behavior, turning the Hodgson edition into a pale shadow of Anne Brontë’s original, visceral work as here presented. - Summary by Expatriate (17 hr 4 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Linda W
Patriot has done a fantastic job reading this story. I have listened to several other books that he has read, and he never fails to deliver. I recommend listening to this original Version, as it was deemed so risqué in 1848, that future publications edited out the “risqué” parts (not so risqué today), no doubt ruining the tale. Anne Bronte details faith enduring through narcissism, addictions, emotional abuse and shame. She depicts suffering that produces perseverance that produces character that finally produces hope. The ending does not disappoint.
a worth work of literature
H Angeli アンジェリ
Anne ia certainly my favorite considering the Brontë sisters. o listen another of her novels, Agnes Grey, here on Librivox, and this one is as good (although I've found it a little bit repetitive). the reader is great as well, and very fit as all the text passes through the narrator.
A wonderful find!
Vanessa Egleton
Expatriate does a fabulous job in bringing this story of a beautiful soul to the modern audience. The struggles of living with a narcissist and maintaining one's humanity and integrity are as valid today as when written in 1848. Thank you.
A very pleasant surprise
Rhunter
At rhe start of this one, I thought I wasn't going to finish it. I'm glad I didn't quit. A good lesson on listening very closely to subtle clues about the one we are thinking to marry.
Thank-you, Expatriate.
psichick
Your literary knowledge is most admirable and extensive. Having 'Expatriate' attached to any book on LibriVox equivalent to knowing said books are not to be ignored. - south of the border in Vermont
Excellent Reading
zakeeya kadwa
Without a doubt, my favourite Brontë novel. Expatriate does a phenomenal job of reading it well and evoking the rich imagery. Highly recommended.
wonderful!
Camille
Expatriate has a nice speaking voice—great narration. The story was very compelling too.
A LibriVox Listener
A beautiful and thrilling book beautifully read by Expatriate of Bangor Maine. Thank you.