Title: Walking with Anne Brontë: Insights and Reflections
Author: Tim Whittome
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-6698-7822-3
Pages: 678
Genre: Historical Essays / Biography
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review
Almost always relegated to supporting character status, Anne Bronte is rarely spoken of. Often described as the ‘other Bronte sister.’ This book is a celebration and appreciation of Anne Bronte and all her literary pursuits. She had a style of writing which was almost too brave, meticulously tackling themes such as the status of married women in Victorian England. It also delves into Anne’s family life and relationships, particularly with her sisters, and the rest of the family. She is an exciting person to get to know and this book explores every dimension of her.
Walking with Anne Brontë is an enthralling book that dives deep into the life and works of Anne Brontë. Written by a conglomeration of 12 brilliant individuals, the 16 essays have managed to celebrate Anne in a new way which has never been done before. This book also makes an excellent introductory piece into the great big literary world of the Bronte sisters.
At the beginning of the book, Tim writes a letter to Anne hoping that she feels the honor he hopes this book will bestow upon her from wherever she is. It is clear that the idea behind this book was not to extinguish the light of the other Bronte sisters but rather to give each of them their own deserved spotlight. He has successfully, along with the other contributors, put Anne’s name on the tips of tongues.
Walking with Anne Brontë is an engaging read that illuminates the dynamics of a family of literary geniuses and how one of them was unjustly ignored for far too long. The endnotes accompanying each essay provide fascinating details, and the editor’s poetry collection is a valuable addition to the book. Being a collaboration between many, the book boasts a host of different writing styles all offering fresh views and opinions on Anne. It is kind of like getting to discuss the book at the book club without ever actually going to the book club.
The book is comprised of a meticulously crafted editorial introduction and is thoughtfully divided into various sections. These sections offer a thorough examination of Anne’s character, a range of academic interpretations, and an all-encompassing analysis and evaluation of her poetry. To round out the collection, an epilogue is included that offers a comprehensive summary of the overall study. Furthermore, there is a succinct bibliography of Anne’s work, as well as a wealth of research papers and books dedicated to her and her remarkable writing. Peppered throughout the text, charcoal drawings of Anne lend a subtle yet captivating visual dimension to this humble yet noteworthy writer.
Whether you are a Brontë enthusiast or not, this book is an excellent choice. It offers valuable insights, interesting information, and a captivating storyline that is both entertaining and enlightening. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate historical essays, biographies, and female authors. It is surely deserving of five stars as it is an important piece that opens readers up to new Bronte literature they may have ignored or missed.
