The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – Anne Brontë
Series: Standalone
Genre: Classic Literature • Gothic Fiction • Feminist Novel
 
Tropes:
Mysterious woman with a hidden past
Epistolary/diary revelations
Escaping a destructive marriage
 
Summary:
When a reserved young widow calling herself Helen Graham arrives at the long-abandoned Wildfell Hall with her small son, her secrecy and independence spark gossip and suspicion among the local community. Gilbert Markham, a neighboring farmer, is drawn to her quiet strength and defends her against scandal—until fragments of her past begin to surface.
Through Helen’s diary, the truth is revealed: a harrowing marriage to a charming but abusive husband whose descent into alcoholism, cruelty, and moral decay drives her to flee in order to protect herself and her child. Her story exposes the harsh realities of marital oppression and the limited options available to women in Victorian society.
Bold and ahead of its time, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a powerful exploration of autonomy, morality, and resilience, cementing Anne Brontë’s legacy as one of the most radical voices of her era.