Wuthering Heights

A Classic Brought To Life...

When one reads Wuthering Heights it is almost impossible not to be immersed in its dark, Gothic atmosphere. The setting is heavy, heavy with the emotional turmoil of its characters. A Victorian love story which went against the mores of Victorian society with its depiction of women, violence, and abuse. And yet...it remains a classic. A classic we go back and re-read again, if only for the beauty of its despair.

Once again the players of the Online Stage have managed to bring this classic to life. Their portrayals breathe life into Brontë’s characters. This reader was engrossed in the characters’ emotions. From Catherine’s manipulative nature to Heathcliff’s desire for revenge to the supernatural suspense of their ghostly figures on the moor; and the others whose world’s are so affected by the tragic nature of Catherine and Heathcliff’s love, this listener’s anger rose and heart broke, so effectively were they played.

The cohesiveness of this audio book is held together, as is the novel, by the character of Ellen “Nellie” Dean, the housekeeper of Thrushcross Grange and the servant to both of the Catherines. She is the witness/participant to the events she narrates. Kudos to Lillian Rachel who plays this role so brilliantly, and kept this listener spellbound.

Kudos also to Rob Goll as Heathcliff (and who also nailed Joseph’s quirky manner and accent as well). His performance as one of the most tragically dark characters in literature lingered in this listener’s heart even after I was done listening.

Each of the Online Stage performers shone the brilliance of their talent into this brooding novel.
I highly recommend this audio book. Spend a bit of time on the Yorkshire moors, listen for the sound of Kathy and Heathcliff’s voices as they call to each other on its winds. The voices of the Online Stage players will haunt you for a long time.