I think this is my favourite of all the Bronte sisters’ books. I really admire the independent nature of Helen, and think it is quite a feminist book and ahead of its time. I like the fact that the book is written in the form of a letter (by Gilbert to his friend Halford), as I then felt immediately involved and as if I was privileged to be reading someone’s private correspondence.

I found Gilbert’s mother’s opinion of the role of a wife very interesting, and quite scary; that a wife must think only of her husband’s pleasure and never her own or expect him to consider her happiness; her purpose is to make him happy, and she must always compromise her own comfort to achieve this and never his; she must never complain or bother him with grievances; and always give him the best food and herself the worst! These views are so quaintly old-fashioned and made me laugh, but is also useful as it demonstrates how Helen did not conform to the expected behaviour of a wife and broke away from the typical conventions of married life at that time. Although I feel sorry for Helen and for how she suffered I think I reserve my full sympathy for Millicent, as Helen is clearly a determined character who can look after herself, whereas Millicent is far more timid. Millicent had no choice about her marriage; she was bullied into it and didn’t love Mr Hattersley at all - at least Helen loved Arthur and wanted to marry him though she repents of it later. I am hugely satisfied that Millicent achieves happiness in the end.

I find it disturbing to be reminded that women had no option to leave a bad marriage in that time, even though they may have been treated cruelly. It is difficult to imagine how they coped with it. And it also makes me realise how unfair it was that society would blame and scorn the wife for leaving, rather than the husband for cheating on her and hurting her in the first place.

I do find the end a bit frustrating with Gilbert not writing to Helen and letting his pride get in the way, nearly risking losing her. Even though he’s a nice man, he isn’t perfect!

I think this is a great book. It is romantic, and also resembles a mystery in that all the pieces of the story gradually get revealed and you learn the whole history of Helen’s life. You feel really involved with the characters and feel for their despair, and wish them well.