Books With Similar Themes to Wuthering Heights: Gothic Romance, Trauma, and Obsession
I just finished reading the masterpiece Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, published in 1847. I can absolutely see why this novel is considered a classic. The forbidden romance, the rigid social class system, the jealousy, the prejudice, the revenge, and the generational trauma are all woven together so intensely. And the violence in this book was honestly shocking. I could not believe how common it seemed to be in the 1800s. What Perspective Is Wuthering Heights Written From? One thing I really loved was how the story is told through the eyes of a maidservant, Ellen Dean. The way she recounts the history of this family and comments on each character makes her bias very clear. You can feel her judgments, sympathies, and frustrations throughout the novel, which adds so much depth to the storytelling. When Is the Wuthering Heights Movie Coming Out? I am also extremely excited about the upcoming Wuthering Heights movie adaptation coming in 2026, starring Margot Robbie as Cathy, Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, and Hong Chau as Nelly. I cannot wait to see how Emerald Fennell, serving as both director and writer, chooses to represent this iconic Gothic romance and its dark themes. The film is set to be released on February 13, 2026 in the United States, with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes, or 136 minutes. Book Recommendations With Similar Themes to Wuthering Heights Now, onto the book recommendations. I only included books that I have personally read and that reminded me of Wuthering Heights in theme, tone, or emotional impact. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (for the same time period) Of course, I had to include one of the most famous love stories of all time. Both Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights are set in the early 1800s and focus heavily on how love could either help or destroy your family’s reputation. Marriage during this time was transactional, strategic, and deeply tied to social class. Pride and Prejudice is a classic romance set in early 19th century England that follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, family expectations, and rigid social class rules. When the wealthy and emotionally reserved Mr. Darcy enters her life, first impressions and misunderstandings get in the way of what could be something real. At its core, this novel explores how pride, prejudice, and reputation can shape relationships, especially in a society where marriage is often more about status than love. Witty, sharp, and surprisingly emotional, Pride and Prejudice shows how personal growth and self awareness can completely change the course of a love story. Get from Bookshop.org Get from Amazon Read on Kindle A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum (for family and generational trauma) Violence and trauma are central themes in both books. You can compare how each female generation is manipulated and abused within their societal structures. These stories are difficult to read, but they feel painfully realistic within their historical settings. Both books are absolutely worth reading, and this is one I still think about often. A Woman Is No Man is a powerful and emotionally heavy novel that follows three generations of Palestinian American women as they navigate life inside a deeply patriarchal household. The story centers on Isra, a young woman who enters an arranged marriage hoping for love, only to find herself trapped by control, abuse, and impossible expectations of motherhood and obedience. Told across multiple timelines and perspectives, the novel explores generational trauma, cultural pressure, and the silence forced onto women who are taught to endure rather than escape. A Woman Is No Man is a difficult but necessary read, showing how cycles of abuse are passed down and how breaking free often comes at an unbearable cost. It is heartbreaking, realistic, and stays with you long after you finish the last page. Get from Bookshop.org Get from Amazon Read on Kindle The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth (for the family mystery) This book is suspenseful in its own way. Like Wuthering Heights, the story follows a single point of view as events unfold. In Wuthering Heights, you only know pieces of the family history at first, but through Nelly, the reader slowly uncovers the truth. Both stories feature complicated family dynamics and secrets, where each lie pushes the narrative closer to its conclusion. The Mother-in-Law is a domestic suspense novel that starts with the death of Diana Goodwin, a cold, wealthy, and emotionally distant mother in law whose passing raises more questions than answers. When she is found dead under suspicious circumstances, her relationship with her daughter in law Lucy immediately comes under scrutiny. Told through dual timelines, the story slowly unravels Diana’s past, her strained family dynamics, and the secrets she kept hidden behind her rigid exterior. As Lucy tries to grieve a woman who never truly welcomed her, the novel explores motherhood, resentment, family expectations, and the quiet damage caused by emotional neglect. Tense, layered, and surprisingly emotional, The Mother in Law keeps you guessing while revealing how complicated love within families can be. Get from Bookshop.org Get from Amazon Read on Kindle The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig (for the Gothic romance) This recommendation is all about the vibes. The settings in both books are deeply Gothic, filled with misty hills, isolation, and gloomy atmospheres. Even though the Sheppard duology falls under the fantasy genre, its darkness and emotional intensity make it perfect for fans of Emily Brontë and classic Gothic literature. The Shepherd King Duology is a dark fantasy romance set in a haunting world ruled by gods, curses, and fear. The story follows Elspeth Spindle, a young woman hiding a dangerous secret. There is a monster living in her head, ancient, powerful, and slowly taking control. Survival means secrecy, especially in a kingdom where magic is punished and mistrusted. As Elspeth becomes entangled with a group of rebels led by the mysterious Ravyn Yew, the story unfolds into one of eerie forests, cursed magic, and uneasy alliances. Across both