Over the Hills and Far Away
Beatrix Potter’s name is synonymous with children’s literature. Matthew Dennison’s biography about the famous storyteller, titled Over the Hills and Far Away, offered an in-depth look into what—and who—shaped Potter into the writer and illustrator she became.
Over the Hills charted her transformation from a young girl with a love of animals and fairy tales into a bestselling author and canny businesswoman, so deeply unusual for the Victorian era in which she grew up. Embellished with photographs of Potter's life and her own illustrations, this biography was a delight to read.
Potter’s stories made up a tremendous amount of my childhood. I read her stories and watched the short programs made based on her work. Although my love for Potter runs deep, I must admit before reading this biography I knew very little about her. For instance, I had no idea she was married! By reading Dennison’s work, I saw the many sides that made up Potter: repressed Victorian daughter, thwarted lover, artistic genius, and formidable countrywoman.
Because of her parents’ refusal to socialize Potter with children her own age, she had a lonely childhood, outside her younger brother’s company. Through her love of stories and painting, Potter learned to channel her loneliness into stories of her own that would make her a literary success.
Although neglectful, Potter’s parents did support her artistic talents. They weren’t thrilled about her desire to publish, but considering the era she grew up in, it was surprising to read that her parents not only accepted but also encouraged her talent. It helped that her father loved photography and her mother painted in her younger years.
Even if Potter hadn’t had their support, she was a determined woman. She had honed her craft for years and wanted to share it with others. I don’t think she expected the amount of success she achieved when she set out to publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but it was clear people—especially children—craved her stories.
I especially liked how this biography dove into her country life and her desire to immerse herself in the English countryside. Over the years, she learned a great deal about farming, gardening, raising animals, and much more. She lived a peaceful life away from London, something she had desired since childhood.
Over the Hills and Far Away will delight readers who have been touched by Beatrix Potter’s work.
Over the Hills and Far Away Rating: ★★★★
Over the Hills charted her transformation from a young girl with a love of animals and fairy tales into a bestselling author and canny businesswoman, so deeply unusual for the Victorian era in which she grew up. Embellished with photographs of Potter's life and her own illustrations, this biography was a delight to read.
Potter’s stories made up a tremendous amount of my childhood. I read her stories and watched the short programs made based on her work. Although my love for Potter runs deep, I must admit before reading this biography I knew very little about her. For instance, I had no idea she was married! By reading Dennison’s work, I saw the many sides that made up Potter: repressed Victorian daughter, thwarted lover, artistic genius, and formidable countrywoman.
Because of her parents’ refusal to socialize Potter with children her own age, she had a lonely childhood, outside her younger brother’s company. Through her love of stories and painting, Potter learned to channel her loneliness into stories of her own that would make her a literary success.
Although neglectful, Potter’s parents did support her artistic talents. They weren’t thrilled about her desire to publish, but considering the era she grew up in, it was surprising to read that her parents not only accepted but also encouraged her talent. It helped that her father loved photography and her mother painted in her younger years.
Even if Potter hadn’t had their support, she was a determined woman. She had honed her craft for years and wanted to share it with others. I don’t think she expected the amount of success she achieved when she set out to publish The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but it was clear people—especially children—craved her stories.
I especially liked how this biography dove into her country life and her desire to immerse herself in the English countryside. Over the years, she learned a great deal about farming, gardening, raising animals, and much more. She lived a peaceful life away from London, something she had desired since childhood.
Over the Hills and Far Away will delight readers who have been touched by Beatrix Potter’s work.
Over the Hills and Far Away Rating: ★★★★