Why have Wuthering Heights book sales increased so much?

Book sales for Wuthering Heights saw a 132% increase after the release of the film's teaser trailer, driven by a reader demand for intense, tragic love stories.

When will Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights premiere?

The film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, is scheduled to premiere in the UK on February 13, 2026.

What has caused controversy surrounding the Wuthering Heights film adaptation?

Controversy has arisen from the film's overt sexual tone, casting choices, and debates over character representation, though early critical reactions are largely positive.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Book Sales Soar 132% Ahead of Film Premiere

Book Sales Soar 132% Ahead of Film Premiere

6 Feb

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Summary

Book sales saw a 132% increase after the film's teaser trailer release.
January book sales significantly exceeded last year's figures.
Film adaptation sparks reader demand for intense, tragic love stories.

Book Sales Soar 132% Ahead of Film Premiere

Sales of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights have experienced a remarkable surge, with a 132% increase following the September 2025 release of the first teaser trailer for its new film adaptation. In January 2026, 10,670 copies were sold, a substantial rise from 1,875 copies in January 2025.

Between the trailer's debut and the end of 2025, Penguin sold 28,257 copies in the UK, significantly more than the 12,134 sold during the same period in 2024. Jess Harrison, publishing director for Penguin Classics, observed an unusual excitement for the book, attributing the trend to a reader yearning for intense, maximalist, tragic love stories.

The film, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is set to premiere in the UK on February 13, 2026. This modern adaptation is described as a visceral reimagining of the gothic romance, featuring contemporary elements and a soundtrack by Charli XCX.