Gilbert Markham is fascinated by Helen Graham, the beautiful and enigmatic woman who has recently moved into Wildfell Hall. He is swift to befriend her, but when local gossip calls Helen's character and behaviour into question, Gilbert begins to repent of his congeniality. It is only when Helen presents Gilbert with her diary and instructs him to read it that the shocking truth about the marriage she has escaped from becomes clear. An instant success, the first edition of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall sold out in weeks, yet was mired in controversy for what many contemporary critics viewed as its shocking subject matter and fierce defence of women's rights.