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Miss Potter: The Novel
A novel based on the upcoming motion picture on Beatrix Potter's life, starring Renée Zellweger as Beatrix Potter and Ewan McGregor as the man she loved. Written by the film's screenwriter, the novel expands the plotline of his script, blending historical fact and imaginative interpretation to tell a moving story of a Victorian woman who against the odds finds independence, artistic success and romantic love.
189 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 6, 2018
My Favourite 🙏🏼💜’
June 21, 2018
A charming account of how children's author Beatrix Potter defied all of society's expectations, leaving her sheltered and restricted life to experience success, independence and love.
The novel is directly adapted from the script for the 2006 film starring Renée Zellweger (highly, highly recommend)... and it shows. The novel is comparatively bland and the writing washy - I think the main reason the film is so much better is because Richard Maltby Jr.'s dialogue does not indicate any intonation of voice; the film is actually quite funny whereas this felt forced. It's a brilliant imaginative interpretation of historical fact, but it would've been executed to its full potential in the hands of a more capable writer.
This is a very slight expansion of the script; if it had been developed beyond its 189 pages, I'm sure it would've been much more compelling.
The novel is directly adapted from the script for the 2006 film starring Renée Zellweger (highly, highly recommend)... and it shows. The novel is comparatively bland and the writing washy - I think the main reason the film is so much better is because Richard Maltby Jr.'s dialogue does not indicate any intonation of voice; the film is actually quite funny whereas this felt forced. It's a brilliant imaginative interpretation of historical fact, but it would've been executed to its full potential in the hands of a more capable writer.
This is a very slight expansion of the script; if it had been developed beyond its 189 pages, I'm sure it would've been much more compelling.
January 7, 2009
This was a sweet instpirtaional tale of Beatrix Potter. It shined a light on an amazing woman and immediately had me working on my art. It was something like a coming of age story, with out the coming of age. I was completely wrapped up in this book and would dare to say I will read to the point of wearing it out a couple of times. I would not be surprised to find myself reading it when ever I have tough times to center myself.
April 15, 2012
I have watched "Miss Potter" the 2006-film many, many times. That movie even inspired me to go all the way to Lake District on my own last year. The film and the life of Beatrix Potter made me want to see what is Lake District all about.
I found this book yesterday. Not knowing that it has been written in conjunction with the film. But, this is not entirely a movie tie-in novels. This book filled the gap left behind by the film. There are lots of things that a film cannot 'expressed'. That is where the book comes in. As much as I am enjoying the screenplay and witty dialogues exchanged throughout the film, I find this book quite engaging as well.
Alas, the author of this book as also the one who wrote the screenplay. The book really filled in the gap that cannot be expressed by the film.
A wonderful read indeed!
I found this book yesterday. Not knowing that it has been written in conjunction with the film. But, this is not entirely a movie tie-in novels. This book filled the gap left behind by the film. There are lots of things that a film cannot 'expressed'. That is where the book comes in. As much as I am enjoying the screenplay and witty dialogues exchanged throughout the film, I find this book quite engaging as well.
Alas, the author of this book as also the one who wrote the screenplay. The book really filled in the gap that cannot be expressed by the film.
A wonderful read indeed!
November 20, 2008
So cute, a lot better than the movie. There is so much more detail and she is just a cute character!
January 30, 2018
I read this book without moving. Sooooooooo interesting!!!!!
April 22, 2008
I've always loved the Beatrix Potter stories, and this was a great book about her life. I also saw the movie, but I read the book first! ^^ A splendid story!
September 30, 2021
Loved this book so much and now want to read all Beatrix potter books..
March 17, 2024
A lovely story, completed in one evening.
March 27, 2021
I am biased here... I watched the movie first and fell in love with it. Same feeling for the book.
July 8, 2018
A wonderful biography of Beatrix Potter. I so enjoyed reading and learning her story.
March 15, 2020
I thought maybe this was a YA book as the print is large and it’s only 189 pages. It read like one. There is no indication on the book anywhere that it is, so I’m presuming it’s an adult book, and well, oh dear, it wasn’t written very well. I’m then presuming that it was adapted from the script from the 2006 Miss Potter movie starring Renee Zellweger, since she is on the cover, which I never saw, because, well, I’m not a fan of hers.
I picked up this book because I grew up reading Beatrix Potter’s books, The Tales of Peter Rabbit, The Story of Miss Moppet, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin……. I had a few of her books. I still have them. Reading this book, it makes me want to get into my attic and find them, and read them again. I’m sure I haven’t since I was a girl. I don’t think my children, now in their 20’s ever got into these stories. At least I don’t remember reading any of the books to them when they were small children. What a shame!
This story tells the story of Beatrix Potter. I’m not sure how close to the truth it comes, but I felt sorry for her as her life was sheltered, restricted and lonely, though I’m sure she wouldn’t think the same. She liked being alone, drawing and writing stories about animals. They were her friends, her only friends. She would talk to them as if she was a child. Her family was upper class. She lived with her parents since at 35 she was still unmarried. It was quite shocking even at this age, she had a governess that went everywhere with her.
With Potter now earning her own money from her book sales, Beatrix decides to get away from under her overbearing mother. You see, her mother doesn’t approve of her lifestyle and that she has turned down every suitor she tried setting her up with. To Potter’s surprise she falls in loves...with someone she choose.
I liked learning about her, but I really felt the story could had written better; it felt juvenile for an adult book. This book came complete with some pictures from the movie, which I enjoyed looking at. Hey, I might even watch the movie now that I’ve finished the book.
I picked up this book because I grew up reading Beatrix Potter’s books, The Tales of Peter Rabbit, The Story of Miss Moppet, The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin……. I had a few of her books. I still have them. Reading this book, it makes me want to get into my attic and find them, and read them again. I’m sure I haven’t since I was a girl. I don’t think my children, now in their 20’s ever got into these stories. At least I don’t remember reading any of the books to them when they were small children. What a shame!
This story tells the story of Beatrix Potter. I’m not sure how close to the truth it comes, but I felt sorry for her as her life was sheltered, restricted and lonely, though I’m sure she wouldn’t think the same. She liked being alone, drawing and writing stories about animals. They were her friends, her only friends. She would talk to them as if she was a child. Her family was upper class. She lived with her parents since at 35 she was still unmarried. It was quite shocking even at this age, she had a governess that went everywhere with her.
With Potter now earning her own money from her book sales, Beatrix decides to get away from under her overbearing mother. You see, her mother doesn’t approve of her lifestyle and that she has turned down every suitor she tried setting her up with. To Potter’s surprise she falls in loves...with someone she choose.
I liked learning about her, but I really felt the story could had written better; it felt juvenile for an adult book. This book came complete with some pictures from the movie, which I enjoyed looking at. Hey, I might even watch the movie now that I’ve finished the book.
June 8, 2020
این متن رو برای پیج &filmooni توی اینستاگرام نوشتم:
Miss Potter
.
اگه بخوام تو يه جمله بگم، ميس پاتر درامي مهربون، درباره ي خالق #پيترخرگوش است (همون خرگوشْ كوشولوي معروفي كه مطمئنم همه تون نقاشي اش رو ديدين و حالا اگرم نديديد غصه نخوريد، ورق بزنيد در صفحات بعدي هَسّش)
.
.
✅ مناسب براي: يه روزي كه اعصاب ندارين و از صبح
همه چيز رو دور تند و خشن بوده
.
.
سال توليد: ٢٠٠٦
.
ژانر: بيوگرافي، درام
.
.
نمره ي #imdb اش: ٦.٩ (ولي به نظرم گردش كن بشه هفت چون در حد ٧ بود انصافا)
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درازا: ٨٨ دقيقه (يعني از فيلم هاي ٩٠ دقيقه اي سينماهاي خودمون هم كوتاه تر)
اينم از جمله گوگول فيلم يا هموني كه شما بهش ميگيد: #ديالوگ_ماندگار :
.
.
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
.
.
آهان راستي:
به اين فيلم اينجوريا ميگن: #perioddrama
و اگه نفهميديد اينجوريا، دقيقا چجورياس، بزنيد رو هشتگش تا خوب شيرفهم شيد 🤓
.
.
Miss Potter
.
اگه بخوام تو يه جمله بگم، ميس پاتر درامي مهربون، درباره ي خالق #پيترخرگوش است (همون خرگوشْ كوشولوي معروفي كه مطمئنم همه تون نقاشي اش رو ديدين و حالا اگرم نديديد غصه نخوريد، ورق بزنيد در صفحات بعدي هَسّش)
.
.
✅ مناسب براي: يه روزي كه اعصاب ندارين و از صبح
همه چيز رو دور تند و خشن بوده
.
.
سال توليد: ٢٠٠٦
.
ژانر: بيوگرافي، درام
.
.
نمره ي #imdb اش: ٦.٩ (ولي به نظرم گردش كن بشه هفت چون در حد ٧ بود انصافا)
.
.
درازا: ٨٨ دقيقه (يعني از فيلم هاي ٩٠ دقيقه اي سينماهاي خودمون هم كوتاه تر)
اينم از جمله گوگول فيلم يا هموني كه شما بهش ميگيد: #ديالوگ_ماندگار :
.
.
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
.
.
آهان راستي:
به اين فيلم اينجوريا ميگن: #perioddrama
و اگه نفهميديد اينجوريا، دقيقا چجورياس، بزنيد رو هشتگش تا خوب شيرفهم شيد 🤓
.
.
November 10, 2017
This is a true story of Miss Beatrix Potter. The book is so lovely and engrossing to read. She is a 36 years old spinster living in London. One day she plans to publish her book ' The Tale of Peter Rabbit' and meets Mr. Norman Warne. The book is a success, and she finds her love for the very first time in Mr. Warne.
The second part of the book is quite heartbreaking as Mr. Warne , her fiance dies of acute illness. Miss Potter is once again lonely. To overcome her sadness, she moves to Sawrey. There she meets lawyer William Heelis. Friendship is developed and later after few years they get married.
The second part of the book is quite heartbreaking as Mr. Warne , her fiance dies of acute illness. Miss Potter is once again lonely. To overcome her sadness, she moves to Sawrey. There she meets lawyer William Heelis. Friendship is developed and later after few years they get married.
November 26, 2018
It made me cry while on a boat from Ormoc to Cebu. Maltby's interpretation of Potter's biography is inspirational in all of its wholeness. It was heart breaking at that cruel point of Potter's life but her strength is very uplifting. It definitely encouraged me to never give up in aspiring in the field of writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
Yaşınız kaç olursa olsun masallardan hoşlanıyorsanız, naif hikayeler ilginizi çekiyorsa, dönem kitaplarında olan o samimiyet içinizi ısıtıyorsa ve bir kaç tatlı hayvancığın anlattıklarını dinleyecek kadar vaktiniz varsa bu kitaba şans verin. İyi vakit geçirmek için güzel bir seçim.
February 9, 2026
Miss Potter is a graceful and uplifting novel that celebrates creativity, independence, and the quiet strength of following one’s own path.
Inspired by the life of Beatrix Potter, the story captures the charm of a woman determined to live by her imagination in a world that often underestimated her. The novel balances tenderness and resolve beautifully, portraying creativity not as a whimsical luxury, but as a serious and life-shaping force.
What makes this book especially enjoyable is its tone. It is gentle without being sentimental, romantic without losing its grounding, and reflective without becoming heavy. The relationships—both personal and professional—are handled with warmth and emotional intelligence, allowing the story to unfold naturally and sincerely.
The writing invites the reader into a world of quiet courage, where small choices matter and persistence slowly reshapes destiny. There is a comforting rhythm to the narrative that makes it a pleasure to read, particularly for those who appreciate character-driven historical fiction.
Inspired by the life of Beatrix Potter, the story captures the charm of a woman determined to live by her imagination in a world that often underestimated her. The novel balances tenderness and resolve beautifully, portraying creativity not as a whimsical luxury, but as a serious and life-shaping force.
What makes this book especially enjoyable is its tone. It is gentle without being sentimental, romantic without losing its grounding, and reflective without becoming heavy. The relationships—both personal and professional—are handled with warmth and emotional intelligence, allowing the story to unfold naturally and sincerely.
The writing invites the reader into a world of quiet courage, where small choices matter and persistence slowly reshapes destiny. There is a comforting rhythm to the narrative that makes it a pleasure to read, particularly for those who appreciate character-driven historical fiction.
May 22, 2025
"Miss Potter: The Novel" by Richard Maltby Jr. is a heartwarming story about the life of beloved children's author Beatrix Potter. The novel explores her journey, from her early days as a young woman to her success as an author and illustrator.
Key Highlights:
Inspirational Story: The novel is an inspirational tale of following one's passion and overcoming obstacles.
Beatrix Potter's Life: The story provides insight into Beatrix Potter's life, her relationships, and her creative process.
Why You'll Enjoy It:
Charming Narrative: The novel is a charming and engaging read, perfect for fans of Beatrix Potter's work or those interested in historical fiction.
Verdict:
"Miss Potter: The Novel" is a delightful and uplifting read that celebrates the life and legacy of Beatrix Potter. If you're a fan of her stories or enjoy
Key Highlights:
Inspirational Story: The novel is an inspirational tale of following one's passion and overcoming obstacles.
Beatrix Potter's Life: The story provides insight into Beatrix Potter's life, her relationships, and her creative process.
Why You'll Enjoy It:
Charming Narrative: The novel is a charming and engaging read, perfect for fans of Beatrix Potter's work or those interested in historical fiction.
Verdict:
"Miss Potter: The Novel" is a delightful and uplifting read that celebrates the life and legacy of Beatrix Potter. If you're a fan of her stories or enjoy
October 9, 2017
I gave this movie 4 stars, because it was such lovely and charming story. It's a page turner and it has some heartbreaking and beautiful moments in it (not to make one cry). I watched the movie as well a while ago, and it gave me the same feeling as the book did. I really enjoyed it, and I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to get back into reading, or someone who just want something light and nice to read. It's the type of book you pick up, with a nice cup of tea, snuggled under a blanket next to a fireplace. It is definitely worth it.
I expected to finish this book a lot sooner ... but life, you know.. but it is a fast read for sure!
I expected to finish this book a lot sooner ... but life, you know.. but it is a fast read for sure!
June 13, 2019
قصة حياة كاتبة قصص أطفال واجهت صعوبات في البداية لإثبات ذاتها في المجتمع البرجوازي
ثم نجحت في طباعة كتابها الأول عن الأرانب
كانت عانسا في الثانية والثلاثين من العمر، ثم خطبها صاحب المطبعة الذي طبع لها أول كتاب وساندها في مسيرتها نحو الكتابة
رفضت والدتها هذا الزواج كون العريس ليس من نفس الطبقة الاجتماعية
لكن ميس بوتر أصرت عليه، فوافق والداها على مضض وطلبا منها مهلة ثلاثة أشهر للتفكير
في خلال تلك الأشهر كانت المراسلات تتم بينهما، ثم وفجأة توفي ذلك الخاطب
ميس بوتر دخلت نوبة اكتئاب، ثم اشترت مزرعة ومنزلا في الريف واستقلت بنفسها
هناك كانت تؤلف ، تكتب وترسم وتزرع الخضروات وتعتني بالأرض
ثم تزوجت من صديقها القديم الذي باعها تلك المزرعة أول الأمر
#شموسة
ثم نجحت في طباعة كتابها الأول عن الأرانب
كانت عانسا في الثانية والثلاثين من العمر، ثم خطبها صاحب المطبعة الذي طبع لها أول كتاب وساندها في مسيرتها نحو الكتابة
رفضت والدتها هذا الزواج كون العريس ليس من نفس الطبقة الاجتماعية
لكن ميس بوتر أصرت عليه، فوافق والداها على مضض وطلبا منها مهلة ثلاثة أشهر للتفكير
في خلال تلك الأشهر كانت المراسلات تتم بينهما، ثم وفجأة توفي ذلك الخاطب
ميس بوتر دخلت نوبة اكتئاب، ثم اشترت مزرعة ومنزلا في الريف واستقلت بنفسها
هناك كانت تؤلف ، تكتب وترسم وتزرع الخضروات وتعتني بالأرض
ثم تزوجت من صديقها القديم الذي باعها تلك المزرعة أول الأمر
#شموسة
May 18, 2020
Beatrix Potter'ın Tavşan Peter hikayelerini nasıl yazmaya başladığından onu yayınlatmasına ve sonrasında yaşadıklarını anlatan akıcı bir kitaptı. Dönemin insanlarının yaşamlarına da değiniyordu. En çok da dönemin katı şartlarına rağmen Beatrix Potter'ın kendi yolunu çizme kararlılığını sevdim. Beatrix Potter'in kitaptaki çizilen resmine bakarak onu dönemin feministlerinden sayabiliriz. Norman ile olan "duyurulmayan" nişanına ve sonrasında bu kitapta sanki şemsiye almadığı için hastalandı-ki aslinda lösemiden ölmüş- ve öldü kısmına çok üzüldüm. Dönemin katı kurallarına rağmen gene de var olma savaşı veren karakterleri cidden seviyorum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
Five stars are not enough. I love this story. I love this book. I am so thankful to Richard Maltby, Jr. for writing Miss Potter. As a little girl, I fell in love with Nat from The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I have loved him my whole life. I have spent the last 30 or so pages crying, and I think after almost 40 years, Nat has some real competition in Norman Warne. I first saw the movie some years back, and I have always wanted to read this book. What took me so long, I have no idea, but this is a keeper! This is a book I will read again. This is a book I will think of fondly. This is a remarkable book.
November 1, 2016
This little book was a delight to read, about the beloved author of the Peter Rabbit books. I had these books for my children growing up. Beatrix Potter lived a sheltered life with her well to do parents and had decided early on that she will never be married. She had great talent as a story teller and as an artist. She was encouraged to get her stories published and they of course, became quite popular.
February 26, 2024
I remember watching the Miss Potter movie a long time ago and visiting Lake District a while back. Reading Miss Potter brings back nostalgic feelings for the natural beauty of Hill Top that inspired her writing. I adore the image of Peter Rabbit; it's a classic. Beatrix Potter's life journey to escape from her routine is a remarkable inspiration for women who aspire to become independent and find unexpected love. Life moves on, whether we like it or not.
January 7, 2018
I tend to find when books come after the movie the book is always lacking. As it goes, this one is okay. It is slightly more fleshed out than the movie. Keep in mind, all the time, it's fiction based on fact. It's a good introduction to Beatrix Potter if you are unfamiliar.
August 13, 2019
This is a rare case where the book was written after the movie. Richard Maltby wrote the screenplay and then he wrote this book. It is a sweet story and since I saw the movie when it came out, I could picture it as I read the book. An enjoyable read.
March 31, 2020
This book fictionalizes the story of Beatrix Potter, who wrote the Peter Rabbit and other children's books. The author did a really good job dramatizing her life and making the characters from her books come to life to Miss Potter without making her seem crazy. I really enjoyed the story.
Want to read
January 6, 2021hello
Can you please help me to find a book. I live in Algeria and the Miss potter book is not available in my country, I wish to work on it for my master degree and am desperate to find it or for someone to send it to me in PDF or any form.
Please help me please
Can you please help me to find a book. I live in Algeria and the Miss potter book is not available in my country, I wish to work on it for my master degree and am desperate to find it or for someone to send it to me in PDF or any form.
Please help me please
March 5, 2021
Beatrix Potter inspira não só com as suas histórias infantis, mas com a sua própria história, o seu desafio às expectativas da família e da sociedade e a sua descoberta do Amor, que transforma a sua vida.
July 25, 2018
Miss Potter , surely is one of my historical women inspiration!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews