roonee As a keen reader, I’m always on the hunt for books that really capture my imagination. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of diving into The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods — a novel that cleverly intertwines with the classic Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Here are my thoughts on both books:
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Lost Bookshop is a charming, beautifully written novel that immediately drew me in. The story flows effortlessly, with a narrative that balances intrigue, warmth, and a love for literature. What I enjoyed most about this book is how it weaves together past and present, pulling threads from literary classics like Wuthering Heights and tying them into a modern tale with a touch of magic. Woods has a knack for creating characters that feel real and stories that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
The connection to Wuthering Heights is one of the novel’s strongest points for me. It prompted me to revisit a story I’ve known about since childhood but had never fully explored myself. The way Woods pays homage to Brontë’s work is subtle yet impactful, making The Lost Bookshop a perfect read for fans of classic literature and contemporary fiction alike.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights is a book that needs little introduction—Emily Brontë’s only novel is widely regarded as a gothic masterpiece. Despite its status, I had never actually read it, though I was familiar with the story thanks to my mum, who I remember listening to the audiobook when I was little. Inspired by The Lost Bookshop, I decided it was finally time to give Wuthering Heights a try, opting for the audiobook format.
From the moment I started listening, I was captivated by Brontë’s really beautiful writing. Her ability to craft vivid, atmospheric scenes and deeply complex characters is remarkable. It’s no wonder literary experts hold her in such high regard. The language is rich, the emotions raw, and the depiction of the English moorlands utterly haunting.
However, the story itself left me with mixed feelings. Wuthering Heights is, in many ways, a relentless exploration of despair, madness, and the darker sides of human nature. The characters’ lives are marked by misery and tumult, making the novel an incredibly heavy read. There were a couple of times when I found myself needing to take significant breaks just to process the intensity of the narrative. While I can appreciate why the book is considered a gothic classic, it’s not a story I see myself revisiting anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
Reading The Lost Bookshop and finally listening to Wuthering Heights turned out to be a literary journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. While Evie Woods’ novel is a lighter, more uplifting read that nods to Brontë’s work, Wuthering Heights offers a deep dive into the complexities of human emotion and the gothic tradition. If you’re a fan of classic literature or looking for a contemporary novel with strong ties to the past, I highly recommend giving both of these books a try.
