Ill Will

This book was eagerly awaited as a prequel to one of my favourite books, Wuthering Heights. Alas, the author made the complicated, well-loved character of Heathcliff hard to like. There was too much unncessary violence, hard to like characters, and actual boredom as the book progressed. I did read the whole book and then took it to the charity shop immediately upon completion. The writer gave Heathcliff so little humanity and compassion that it was hard to reconcile his characterization of Heathcliff as the one written in the brilliant Wuthering Heights. Such a shame.

I simply couldn't leave this book alone. Michael Stewart has written a quite possible background for the eternally fascinating anti - hero Heathcliff.In an era when life was hellish for the poor, and hygiene lacked a lot to be desired Heathcliff's life is difficult to start with and becomes more of a struggle as time continues.As for little Emily, she has (if possible) a tougher time in life than Heathcliff'. Who needs to be the orphaned child of a highwayman in Georgian England?

An interesting take on what ‘may’ have happened.it reveals a man full, and I mean FULL of hatred, and almost void of compassion or empathy, but then so caring of his travelling companion. Ultimately though, I felt it wasn’t a truly credible portrait of Heathcliff. Maybe that’s just because I personally can’t conceive of the degree of violence he inflicted on others in this novel. I felt in Wuthering Heights his hatred was reserved for Hindley ( and Cathy?).

Loved this book. Michael Stewart’s imaginative rendering of Heathcliff’s ‘missing years’ is action-packed while still being moving. Stewart’s take on the racial ambiguity in Emily Brontë’s novel is well-thought out and historically canny. He knows his Brontë, his history and his geography. The book doesn’t shy away from the violence in Brontë’s novel and, in fact, follows Emily’s lead but with far greater detail. While that aspect of the novel may not be for everyone, it’s an echo of the already violent world that appears in Wuthering Heights. If reimagining the Victorians is your thing, this is one to read.

Never has a character divided opinion as much as Heathcliffe.Was he a hero or villain? This story focuses on what happens to him in his missing years.Michael Stewart's take on him is a fascinating one,showing a character full of passion,rage and bitterness,and a lot of determination.The book has been very well researched historically, and is clearly written by someone who knows and loves the moorland of West Yorkshire. The descriptions are wonderful. I think it is a must read for lovers of Wuthering Heights,and even if this portrayal of Heathcliffe doesn't match 'your' Heathcliffe, it is a great book none the less.Very much recommended

Heathcliff left WH when he over heard Cathy telling nellie it would degrade her to marry him. ILL WILL take a us on a journey with Heathcliff over the moors to Liverpool , it tells us of all his adventures on the way , meeting the young Emily,Working, steeling, cheating trying to survive and make his fortune so he could return a somebody to WH and his beloved Cathy one day.

I thought that the reader overdid the accent and the swearing over the top. Did not enjoy.

I bought it to take on holidays but started reading and could'nt put it down. Have to get another couple of books to take now :-)Wonder if hollywood will take note ;-)A masterpiece of writing.