Charlotte Bronte wrote in the preface to her sister Emily's novel that the book was "hewn in a wild workshop, with simple tools, out of homely materials." Indeed. What was wrought, however, is "almost beautiful...with its blooming bells and balmy fragrance, [growing] faithfully close to the giant's foot." This is a towering story of the brooding love of Heathcliff for Cathy, a woman he cannot have, and the revenge he takes on the families who stand in his way.