Godmersham Park Published by Century by Gill Hornby
on June 23, 2022
Genres: Adult, Books About Books, European Literature, British Literature, Romance, Historical, Regency
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
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ISBN: 1529125901
Rating:
On 21 January 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At 31 years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died, and she has nowhere else to go. Anne is left with no choice. For her new charge -- twelve-year-old Fanny Austen -- Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.
The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.
When Mr Edward Austen's family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together, and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming and competent; she is clever too. Even her sleepy, complacent mistress can hardly fail to notice.
Meanwhile Jane's brother, Henry, begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess . . .
And from now on, Anne's days at Godmersham Park are numbered.
Godmersham Park was a highly interesting read. At times I found it difficult to read, though, as the characters often were put in difficult situations. Situations that were very common given the time period and the limitations of that time.
This book is about a friend of Jane Austen–Anne Sharp. And as an Austen-lover I very much appreciated a glimpse (even if dramatized) into someone close to Austen.
Thought-provoking, serene, and educational this book didn’t fail to enrapture me from the first page.
About Gill Hornby
Gill Hornby is the author of the novels Miss Austen, The Hive, and All Together Now, as well as The Story of Jane Austen, a biography of Austen for young readers. She lives in Kintbury, England, with her husband and their four children.
