Nelly Dean: A Return to Wuthering Heights - Softcover

Case, Alison

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1681773392 ISBN 13: 9781681773391

Publisher: Pegasus Books, 2017

Synopsis

A riveting and heartbreaking novel that re-imagines life at Wuthering Heights through the eyes of the Earnshaws’ loyal servant, Nelly Dean.

Young Nelly Dean has been Hindley’s closest companion for as long as she can remember, living freely at the great house, Wuthering Heights. But when the benevolence of the master brings a wild child into the house, Nelly learns she must follow in her mother’s footsteps, be called "servant" and give herself over completely to the demands of the Earnshaw family.

But Nelly is not the only one who finds her life disrupted by this strange newcomer. As death, illness, and passion sweep through the house, Nelly suffers heartache and betrayals at the hands of those she cherishes most, tempting her to leave it all behind. But when a new heir is born, a reign of violence begins that will test even Nelly’s formidable spirit as she finds out what it is to know true sacrifice.

Nelly Dean is a wonderment of storytelling and an inspired accompaniment to Emily Bronte’s adored work. It is the story of a woman who is fated to bear the pain of a family she is unable to leave, and unable to save.

About this title

About the Author

Alison Case received her B.A. from Oberlin College and her Ph.D. in English Literature from Cornell University.  Case is a professor at Williams College and is the author of two books and several articles on Nineteenth-century British fiction and poetry. She lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  This is her first novel.

Review

“A masterly reimagining of Emily Brontė’s Wuthering Heights. Brontė fans and readers who delight in literary fiction fashioned as 19th-century novels will eagerly snap up this book―and may be tempted to reread Wuthering Heights just for the pleasure of comparing the two novels.”
- Library Journal, starred review

“As she recasts her story, Nelly fills gaps in the original and draws a portrait of her own life of caretaking and sacrifice.”
- The New York Times Book Review

“Alison Case has cracked open Wuthering Heights and inserted into the gaps her own richly imagined story. In doing so she manages to pay homage to Emily Brönte without copying her. I never thought I needed more Wuthering Heights. Now I wonder how I could have been satisfied with only the original telling.”
- Tracy Chevalier, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING

“The inhabitants of Wuthering Heights are reborn in this new view of the Brontė classic. Instead of the gothic drama and passion of Brontė, Case’s first novel provides an emotionally balanced account, filling in some gaps and featuring strong, smart Nelly, who is her own woman despite living by the mores of her time. A fast-moving pleasure, this novel is a likely draw for book clubs and a must for Brontė fans.”
- Booklist (starred review)

“Both an interesting critique of Wuthering Heights and an absorbing, convincing, and historically sensitive novel.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“Case knows her Brontės. This audacious novel talks to all three sisters’ books. But there’s nothing mustily lit-critical about it. It’s a page-turner, about the things we do to people we love and the secrets and lies that corrode us, told in sinewy, visceral prose. It also has the makings of a feminist classic.”
- The Independent

“Case’s talents and imagination are well on display in her homage to the gothic classic. Compelling, exciting, and satisfying.”
- Bust

“This engrossing story of loyalty, love and sacrifice is so good it deserves to be a classic in its own right”
- Good Housekeeping (U.K.)

“Whether you've read Wuthering Heights a hundred times or never picked it up, you are going to like this book. Nelly's story is heartbreaking and courageous and simply lovely.”
- Historical Novels Review

“Leisurely paced. Highly ambitious. Passionate fans of Brontė’s masterpiece will find much to admire in Case’s richly textured novel.”
- Publishers Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Pegasus Books
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1681773392
• ISBN 13: 9781681773391
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400