Thanks to HQ Stories for my proof copy of this book – and grovelling apologies for not having reviewed this earlier. As always, opinions are my own regardless of how I acquired the book.
This book was published in June 2021 in hardback – there’s also an (excellent) audiobook version available which I listened to alongside reading.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was instantly intrigued. While I’m no lover of nature and have no desire to wander the Yorkshire moors in all weathers (as this writer has done), I do love literary heritage. So of course I want to know about the buildings and villages and landscapes that inspired the Brontes.
The book covers a series of walks done by Michael Stewart in order to indulge his – self-diagnosed – Bronte Fever. These cover areas familar to each of the Bronte siblings – from Emily’s beloved moors to Anne’s final days in Scarborough, the location of Branwell’s liaison with Lydia Robinson and the places that were Charlotte’s inspiration for ‘Shirley’. Alongside the description of the walks, there is lots of interesting biographical information about the family – most of which I was unaware of before now.
However, as well as being about the Brontes, this is also very much about Stewart’s experiences and thoughts too. He proves to be an interesting guide as he walks the routes with various Bronte experts and his dog, Wolfie. There’s a heavy-duty commitment to the project evident in the fact he braves some terrible weather and shows a willingness to camp out en route (something I’d see as way beyond the call of duty!)
The focus on Stewart’s experience yields some interesting stories about people encountered on the way, pubs, local gossip and incidents. His own points of reference also infiltrate the book – from the Shirley joke in ‘Airplane’, ‘Coronation Street’, Brexit and the wrestler, Big Daddy. All this is woven into the book alongside details about the Brontes and their world, plus historical frames of reference – the (separate) sections on slavery and the Luddites were particularly engaging.
Another highlight of the book for me were the sections talking about areas that I am familar with – I loved the chapter on Mr Earnshaw’s walk to Liverpool (from ‘Wuthering Heights’) in particular as I know the city well and could picture some of the walk. This would be a great book if you are already familiar with Bronte country.
For those of you who are hardier and keener on walking than me, there is a section at the back of the book covering the walks that Stewart describes. These are illustrated with maps, drawings and step-by-step instructions that would be useful for anyone wanting to follow the routes taken by Stewart (and the Brontes before him).
I believe that the maps are also available as a download with the audiobook (I listened on BorrowBox and don’t think I had access to them there). The audiobook is definitely worth a listen as Stewart narrates it himself and brings his journeys and experiences to life. He has a very soothing and calming accent so the odd swear word or funny phrase did give me a jolt!
I’d absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the life, times and inspirations of the Brontes. This is so much more than a book about walking – and also so much more than a simple memoir or straightforward collection of literary criticism. Indeed, there is a lot to enjoy in this interesting and quirky book.
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This is a book I’d pick up and read for myself. It sounds so great!