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.