posted on 21 May 2024

The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Briony May Smith

I expect that most older readers will know that the Brontës were one of the most famous literary families in England in the 19th century: Charlotte (who wrote Jane Eyre), Emily (famous for Wuthering Heights) and Anne (perhaps less well known for The Tenant of Wildfowl Hall). There may also be those who find the story of their wayward and sometimes wild brother, Branwell, fascinating for a variety of non-literary reasons.

What people may be less familiar with is that the siblings, as children, created extraordinary fantasy stories and romances to entertain themselves - turning them into miniature books that they could read to each other. Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith have used this precocious literary talent as a way into introducing younger readers to the Brontës in a way that makes them approachable and identifiable.

The four Brontë children (two older children and their mother had died) were left with their father, a vicar, an aunt and a housekeeper living just outside the village of Howarth on the edge of the moors in Yorkshire:

“The children are a world unto themselves. They have lessons in the morning and spend their afternoons running wild on the moors.”

The isolation of their surroundings made them bond closely together and inspired their creativity. When they were given toys they made the most of them, turning their playful scenarios into stories that they could spin into written tales.

The book also has some really useful and inventive inclusions once the story has ended. There’s a guide to how to make your own miniature books, a short biography of the Brontës as adults, a timeline and a really useful list of sources for anyone who wants to dig up more about the family and their work.

One of the great pleasures of this book is the illustrations by Briony May Smith, who not only takes a very painterly approach to her textured, colourful pictures but who also delights in giving us some really unusual perspectives: close-ups and overhead views provide some unexpected angles.

You also have to admire the overall production values of this book - it’s a gem to hold, handle and look at. Published by Walker Books, you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop - who will, of course, be happy to order you a copy if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

May 2024