Windward heights

I read Bronte's original Wuthering Heights a decade ago and couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Looking back at my Goodreads now I see I rated it 2 stars which basically means I struggled through to the end! I remember not getting any of the emotional feels about which other readers raved, and being very disappointed. So when I spotted Windward Heights at a book sale I was torn as to whether to take a chance or not. I was won over by the fact that Maryse Conde would be my first Guadaloupean author - so a big WorldReads tick - and by the synopsis focusing on her portrayal of Caribbean emancipation and surrounding issues in the late nineteenth century.

I am pleased that I did choose to read Windward Heights. I still didn't get much of a sense of the doomed romance and, of course, the central narrative thread doesn't contain any surprises because it closely follows Wuthering Heights. However I loved Conde's supporting cast. Similarly to The Other Americans, Windward Heights is narrated by a number of characters, some of whom recur and others who just get a single chapter. Through their eyes I could see the deep racial divides across all levels of society and was surprised to learn that it wasn't only former black slaves set against their white masters, but also divisions between peoples of any differing heritage. Characters make remarks and hold attitudes that in today's society would be absolutely outrageous, but in the context of this post-slavery setting provide a vivid idea of the country. Conde also beautifully evokes the precarious natural situation on these islands. The hurricane scenes especially are terrifyingly atmospheric.

So overall, I loved this novel apart from the romantic storyline! I did get a better understanding of how Cathy's betrayal of Rayze resounded through the following generations, but I'm now convinced I will never comprehend what other readers see in the Heathcliff / Rayze character. Just not my type I guess!