Jess Smith
(born 1948 - ) - Perthshire
Jess Smith is a traditional storyteller from Perthshire. A Traveller, Jess's chlldhood was spent travelling the length and breadth of Scotland in an old blue bus. Her three autobiographical books - Jessie's Journey, Tales From The Tent and Tears for A Tinker - chart her life, from early childhood until the time she left the travelling life. The books are rich in stories - of ghosts and fairies, of childhood innocence and family sadness, all with a rich vein of humour. All three books have quickly become Scottish best-sellers.
The stories she tells have been handed down through generations of traveller's tales, camp fire gatherings and family traditions. Jess is now a professional storyteller, and runs workshops, gatherings, concerts and fora, and is a member of the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Jess's first novel, Braur's Rest, will be published in autumn this year. She is also working on a short story collection, Sookin' Berries.
- Bruar's Rest
The story begins in the Highlands at the turn of the 20th century as the wife of the wild gypsy Rory Stewart dies giving birth to their second son. Years later, during a winter storm, the Stewart boys save another travelling family and Bruar, the elder, falls in love with the spirited Megan. - Jessie's Journey: Autobiography Of A Traveller Girl
Between the ages of five and 15, Jess Smith lived with her parents, sisters and a dog called Tiny in an old blue Bedford bus. Free from conventional restrictions, they travelled the length and breadth of Scotland and beyond. Jess's story is full of dramatic events, colourful characters, earthy humour and a zest for life. - Tales From The Tent: Jessie's Journey Continues
In 'Tales From the Tent' Jess Smith - Scottish traveller, hawker, gypsy, 'gan-about' and storyteller - continues the unforgettable story of her life on the road. - Tears For A Tinker: Jessie's Journey Concludes
In the first two books of her autobiography, Jess Smith told the story of her wandering years on the road with the last of Scotland's travellers, hawkers and gypsies. This third volume in the trilogy is Jess's at-times painful farewell to the travelling lifestyle which she loved.
Bibliography
- Jessie's Journey - 2002
- Tales From The Tent - 2004
- Tears for A Tinker - 2005
- Bruar's Rest - 2006