Review: The Tale of Beatrix Potter by Margaret Lane

If you’re looking for a cosy and inspirational biography of a celebrated writer, allow me to introduce you to one I recently read and loved! The Tale of Beatrix Potter by Margaret Lane is a fantastic biographical story of the famous author and illustrator. Usually I find myself juggling a couple of books at the same time because some serve as preferred reading for certain times of the day. However, this is one of those perfect books that you can pick up at any time of the day. It’s calm and cosy for bedtime reading, but also inspiring and motivational to kick-start your day.

This year I’ve decided to read more biographies and fiction. Over the last couple of years I’ve read so many business books, claiming to help you grow your brand and income that I really feel that I need a break. I believe that you can learn a great deal from autobiographies and biographies of aspirational people. The reading list for this year includes biographies from Agatha Christie, C.S. Lewis, Coco Chanel and Walt Disney. So stay tuned for my reviews on these books throughout the coming months!

Growing up, I always loved reading the Beatrix Potter tales, but the life story of the author herself is equally as fascinating. This biography wasn’t the first time I’d became acquainted with Beatrix Potter’s story. When I was at school I loosely researched Ms. Potter’s  life story online to write a short biography on her for an English project. When it comes to book series, I have a tendency to enjoy the novels more if I know more about and appreciate the backstory of the author. This is certainly the case here, as well as with J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl to name a few. Behind the intricate illustrations and sweet tales of little animals, is an encouraging tale of a woman who never gave up and overcame illness, loss and social injustice in order to deliver her stories to eager readers.
 
Beatrix Potter was born in 1866 and died in 1943. I think it’s worth pointing out here that Potter was alive during a time when it wasn’t the norm for women to work, let alone become independent writers. Yet, Beatrix didn’t let that stop her from becoming a self-made woman. Her earlier years were spent writing her well-loved children’s tales of Peter Rabbit, Tiggle-Winkle and Jemima Puddle-Duck (among others), whereas in her later years she was a land owner and involved in conservation projects.

However, for a woman that achieved so much throughout her life, perhaps the most interesting part is this. Beatrix Potter endured a very isolated childhood, away from other children, often in rural areas. It was her lonely childhood that lead her to connect with the animals inhabiting near, or sometimes in, her home. Young Beatrix whiled away hours playing with all the little creatures she found, from mice to rabbits to frogs and would create little drawings of them. Beatrix Potter was home educated and rarely left the boundaries of her home, but she used the time productively and mastered the art of drawing and writing, which benefited her in later years. Potter wrote a total of 30 books during her lifetime and those tales are still enjoyed today.
 
This book supplies you with a steady source of inspiration and positivity. It’s not a stressful story or an overly stimulating book that keeps you up at night. It’s a reassuring tale of the harmony, skills and abilities you can find within yourself without the use of technology, social interaction or money!
 
You can purchase The Tale of Beatrix Potter both on Kindle or Paperback here.