Sales of Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights” have surged dramatically in the UK, increasing by an astonishing 469% compared to last year, driven by growing excitement surrounding Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film adaptation, according to recent figures from Penguin Classics UK.
In January alone, the book sold 10,670 copies, a stark increase from the 1,875 sold in January 2025. The surge follows a 132% rise in sales that occurred after the release of the film’s teaser trailer last September, with Penguin reporting total sales of 28,257 copies between the trailer launch and the end of 2024, up from 12,134 copies during the same timeframe the previous year.
Jess Harrison, the publishing director for Penguin Classics, noted the exceptional nature of this boost, remarking, “I can’t remember the last time a film adaptation generated this much excitement for the book.” She highlighted the current demand for intense and dramatic love stories, which extends to classics like Dostoevsky’s “White Nights” and Sabahattin Ali’s “Madonna in a Fur Coat,” but emphasized that “Wuthering Heights” is particularly unique with its wild, unrestrained narrative.
Fennell’s adaptation features A-list talents, including Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The film is set to premiere in the UK on February 13 and is characterized as a modern and visceral reinterpretation of Brontë’s gothic romance, showcasing contemporary costumes and a soundtrack crafted by Charli xcx.
However, the adaptation has sparked some controversy among Brontë enthusiasts and commentators. Critics have expressed concerns regarding its sexual undertones and casting decisions, particularly the portrayal of Robbie as a younger character and debates surrounding Elordi’s casting in relation to Heathcliff’s traditionally understood racial identity.
Despite these criticisms, Harrison emphasized that adaptations need not strictly adhere to the original text to be successful, citing adaptations like “Clueless” as positive examples. She contended that the main objective is to capture the spirit of the original work, particularly the intense emotions that characterize “Wuthering Heights.”
Early reviews from critics have begun to emerge, with Courtney Howard describing the film as “intoxicating, transcendent, and hypnotic” and labeling it a potential “new classic.” Film writer Anne Thompson has also commended the adaptation, calling it a “bodice-ripping crowd-pleaser” with bold visuals and exhilarating direction.
With the film generating considerable buzz, it seems that anticipation for “Wuthering Heights” is at an all-time high, potentially ushering in a renewed interest in literary classics and the emotional experiences they portray.