tanya landman - Paper Lanterns

Wuthering Heights: A Retelling
Tanya Landman
Barrington Stoke, August 2020
Paperback, 96 pages, £7.99 ISBN 9781781129371

Headstrong and free-spirited, Catherine Earnshaw tells of her tragic romance with the cruel-natured Heathcliff, starting with the stormy night her father brought the impoverished boy home. Their love is one of reckless passion, as wild as the nature they spend all of their time in, and constantly thwarted by societal expectations and their own miscommunication. Catherine’s arrogance and Heathcliff’s malice are only the beginning of the obstacles these soulmates must withstand, for their love must also survive the abuse from her family, the disdain of her neighbours, and even an untimely death.

Tanya Landman’s retelling of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights brings a new sense of accessibility to the classic story. Told in first-person from Catherine’s viewpoint, this novella allows the reader to form a deeper connection with the young adult heroine as the motivation behind her thoughts and actions is clearly identified. Although shortened, this retelling captures the dark tone of the original and retains the sense of impending doom.

Lovers of the original classic will enjoy this take for the refreshing approach Catherine’s point of view gives to the tale. And those who might have been put off by the difficulty of Brontë’s language will certainly find this one easier to understand. Presented in a dyslexia-friendly format, this novella is accessible to developing readers and has darker themes that will appeal to a teen audience.

Jessica Militante

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre

Barrington Stoke, 2020

Paperback, 115 pages

9781781129128

Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre has been adapted by Tanya Landman in the most refreshing and accessible manner. Designed for reluctant and dyslexic readers, this adaptation is perfect for young readers looking to explore literary classics in a uniquely refreshing form.

Jane Eyre has had a troubled childhood, from living with abusive relatives, to experiencing loss in a charitable school for orphans. But when she is presented with the opportunity to teach at the formidable Thornfield Hall, her life changes. She is haunted by Mr Rochester, the mysterious owner of Thornfield, uncertain of where she stands in their relationship. But something else haunts her in her new home, an eerie noise coming from the attic.

Landman does a remarkable job in this adaption. She encapsulates Brontë’s humour, wit, mystery and intrigue, all through clear expression and accessible dialogue. Not once is the plot of the original novel compromised, but rather condensed in an elegant manner through concise language that highlights the core of Brontë’s writing. This adaptation demonstrates an excellent opportunity for young readers to engage with the literary classic in an engaging format that expertly showcases the writing skills of both Brontë and Landman. It was a truly enjoyable experience to read this book.

Ruth Ennis