When an absolute staple in classic English literature like Wuthering Heights gets a modern Hollywood adaptation, there are expectations - and potential for literary outrage.

Literature students have been deconstructing Emily Brontë's famous novel for decades, perhaps even centuries. And so when director Emerald Fennel - also known as the director of the famous 'Saltburn: 2023' - released the trailer of the 1847 novel, there was a downright outrage across the nation.

From whitewashing, glamorisation and oversexualisation to Charli XCX? It is a fact that the majority of Brontë lovers have never been pleased with Wuthering Heights adaptations, so following modernity, we all had high hopes.

Bookworms have expressed their anger over multiple social media platforms... and here's why!

"It's nowt like t'real thing"

Fans are complaining that there is a loss of Yorkshire heritage in the "Wuthering Heights" trailer; instead, emerald fennel has emphasised cinematic aesthetics over tradition.

It is argued that this could erase the historic (and ICONIC) sense of place in the novel, in which the Yorkshire Moors have their own character within this book.

Brontë's novel had a stubborn narrative, replacing performative emotion with stubbornness and manipulation, yet fans feel like Emerald Fennell has switched the two.

Where've tha' gone?

There is also a clear absence of the second generation characters, etc, Catherine, Linton, Hareton... which undermines the resolution that Brontë gives these characters after the first generation tampered with their fate.

This turns the story into a complete tragedy, removing all sense of peace - but is this a bad thing?

Don't judge a book by its cover!

Whilst the new Hollywood adaptation has received plenty of criticism, optimists have had their share on the topic, and the bottom line is, we can't judge a book by its cover. Emerald Fennell has made it well known to fans that she is a Wuthering Heights lover, so surely she will do it justice. Yes, it is not traditionally accurate to the book, but every other version has lacked what this one doesn't, and that is originality!

Besides, Kate Bush didn't even read the book, and she gave us the masterpiece of a song, 'Wuthering Heights', so who knows?

1. Womanhood

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

Despite obvious differences, A Thousand Splendid Suns and Wuthering Heights explore the theme of womanhood. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a female-led novel set in Afghanistan, mostly during the taliban regime. It explores a wide range of themes, including love, war, abuse, motherhood, and loss. Courageous protagonists Mariam and Laila carry similar traits to Catherine, as all three women are passionate, resilient, and ultimately, they challenge societal expectations and reject society's stereotypes compellingly.

Credit: Connie May

If Wuthering Heights resonates with you because of its feminist dimensions and strong-minded female leads, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a must-watch, as both novels portray women who constantly battle against oppression and fight for what they want.

“I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?” – The Creature, Chapter 17.

Sound familiar?

3. 'Victim or Villain?'

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Fans of Heathcliff's complex villain arc will develop an interest in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It is still an ongoing debate as to whether both characters, who are constructed by their rejection from society, are villains or victims, and if you want to join this debate and begin another complicated relationship between empathy and detestation, Frankenstein is a top pick!

Bookcover of Frankenstein by @ivanchuckhov on Flickr

5. All of the above

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

The common denominator of an all-round great novel is the Brontë sisters. If you want another classic with revolutionary writing, Jane Eyre is the one. Jane is a strong-minded protagonist who embodies courage. Like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre has a relationship separated by society, which is amplified by supernatural elements, and sought to be favoured by the Brontës. For fans of feminism and restricted romance, this - Jane Eyre is for you.

Jane Eyre by @polly on Flickr

Must-reads if you loved Wuthering Heights!