Catherine Review

Catherine by the fabulous April Lindner is a excellent retelling of the classic Wuthering Heights. After reading Jane by the same author, a retelling of Jane Eyre, I had high expectations for this book to meet, and I can assure you that I was not disappointed.  

Upon discovering a 14 year old hidden letter from her once thought dead mother, Chelsea takes the initiative to go on an adventure to put together the clues of her mother’s disappearance. Hoping that her mother may still be alive, she travels to The Underground, the renowned club and the home where her mother grew up. She comes across the very rude and moody Hence, her mother’s past love, who is now taking care of The Underground, and a cute and helpful employee Cooper.

I thought it was brilliant how the author pieced together the modern retelling of the classic, well loved story. The book is told in two perspectives:the past: her mother back in her youthful years and the present: her daughter’s search for her mother. The present searches to uncover the mystery of the past, and to emerge and grow from the past’s experiences. It kind of gave it a two in one story kind of feel, but they are completely connected and intertwined. 

It was interesting to compare how the characters changed from her mother’s time, the past, and to Chelsea’s, the present. The most dramatic being Hence. When being compared between the two time periods, I couldn't comprehend why he was so very different. Which it only added to the mystery in the book, and the reason will not disappoint. In addition, it’s also interesting to compare mother and daughter to how similar they may be, but also the differences due to conditioning as well.

A center theme to this book is motivation. Why did each character do what they did. Having Catherine, the mother, being the most important in this theme, and Hence in second place. It’s also interesting to see the emotions tied in with these motivations. I would love to give examples, but I swear I will not give away any spoilers to the book, however tempting it may be.

Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I recommend it to those who like classical literature, especially to those who enjoy the Bronte sisters or maybe even Austin, and to those who are interested in the punk music scene as well-though keep in mind it does play a good role, it isn’t a central theme-. For other similar reads, I suggest Wuthering Heights-of coarse- and Jane by the same author, April Lindner.