Anne Brontë’s second novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall centers the arrival of the mysterious Helen Graham and her young son at the old mansion. She captures the attention of many locals, including Gilbert Markham, who becomes gradually infatuated with her.
Helen Graham is a young widow and mother of a five-year-old son. She moves into the Wildfell Hall mansion and attempts to lead a quiet life. Helen is very private and refuses to divulge any details about her personal affairs. Despite reservations, she starts a friendship with Gilbert Markham, who eventually falls in love with her. Helen’s secretive nature is a point of contention with neighbors, leading to constant speculation. When targeted by a vulgar rumor, she’s forced to reveal the truth about her peculiar behavior and dark past.
In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Helen’s focus and resilience is undeterred by tradition or social conventions. Brontë gives unprecedented agency to a female protagonist living in the Victorian era. Her story is a testament to the human spirit and the art of self-preservation.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is both modern and readable.