***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1 International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.
On January 21, 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At thirty-one 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 by Gill Hornby is the story of a young governess who works for the wealthy Austen family, cousins of the now-famous Jane Austen, and forms a friendship with the author.
Story Recap:
Anne Sharpe’s fortunes change dramatically after her mother dies, and her estranged father only gives her a small allowance to live on. Needing security, she takes a job as Governess to a young girl living at Godmersham Park, the Kent country estate of Edward and Elizabeth Austen. Anne’s charge is Franny, the twelve-year-old daughter of Edward and Elizabeth, and cousin to Jane Austen.
It takes some time for Anne to embrace her new role as a governess. Franny is curious and she grows fond of her almost immediately. However, the role of a governess is neither a downstairs role as a servant nor an upstairs role as part of the family and it takes Anne time to feel comfortable with both sides of the house.
My Thoughts:
Godmersham Park is a peek into the day-to-day life of a governess, and the family she serves. The story demonstrates both the issues of the upper classes as well as the lower classes as Anne doesn’t fully fit into either class.
We see the life of the wealthy and loving family through the eyes of Anne, as she tries to form relationships with both the family and the servants. I like that the book shows us different women who have made some of the limited choices available and how those choices shaped their lives. It sure made me appreciate living in today and not back in Jane Austen’s time.
I also liked the friendship that grew between Anne and Jane, as they had similar outlooks on life. Anne also formed a friendship with Elizabeth, Franny’s mother, who was also a compelling character as she married for love, and she ended up spending her entire married life either pregnant or recovering from birth, and as she got older, each pregnancy got worse and worse for her.
The story is based on real letters from Franny to Jane, and at the end of the book, the author explains all the evidence she used to formulate this compelling story.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Godmersham Park to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Gill Hornby
Gill Hornby is the author of the novels 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.
[…] Book Tour and Book Review: Godmersham Park by Gill HornbyTuesday: Top Ten TuesdayWednesday: Book Tour and Book Review: The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie […]
I read and really enjoyed Miss Austen so that alone would make this intriguing but it sounds really good. I love that the author explains where the inspiration comes from. That always makes me so happy in historical fiction.
I love Jane Austen (and I’m actually going to visit the Jane Austen Centre tomorrow!!) so I think I would really enjoy this! It sounds like a very interesting book, and I’m glad I live now and not in Jane Austen’s time too!
It’s interesting how a governess found herself in such a precarious position in the household. Kind of an in-between area between family and servant. Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve had my eye on this book and this author. Hopefully one day I will get to check them out!
An excellent review.
Have a great week!
[…] Book Tour and Book Review: Godmersham Park by Gill HornbyTuesday: Top Ten TuesdayWednesday: Book Tour and Book Review: The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie […]
I read and really enjoyed Miss Austen so that alone would make this intriguing but it sounds really good. I love that the author explains where the inspiration comes from. That always makes me so happy in historical fiction.
I love Jane Austen (and I’m actually going to visit the Jane Austen Centre tomorrow!!) so I think I would really enjoy this! It sounds like a very interesting book, and I’m glad I live now and not in Jane Austen’s time too!
Zoë
zbestbooks.blogspot.com
Lovely review, seems like a good read
It’s interesting how a governess found herself in such a precarious position in the household. Kind of an in-between area between family and servant. Glad you enjoyed it!
I was struck by the lonely, limits a life as a governess offered and how quickly Anne’s life changed and put her in that position.
I like that this story is based on real letters. Such authenticity! Excellent review, Wendy!
This sounds interesting, great review 😊
Great review, Wendy. Austen related books are so popular right now!
I enjoy them!
Lovely review. I love that includes info in the back from the author.
Thank you, Kimberly
Great review, Wendy! I have this one too.
I hope you enjoy it as well!
The connection to Jane Austen is so cool!
Yes it was. I was interesting to see more about what her life was like,
Thanks for sharing your review of this one.
Thank you, Nadene!
This sounds really good, I always like seeing stories like this that provide insights intothat period.
Thank you, Greg!
Great review!
Thank you, Kristi!
Great review, Wendy! I absolutely love that this book is based on real letters from Franny to Jane. 😍
It’s so good. Thank you, Stephanie!
Wonderful review Wendy! I’m glad that you enjoyed this book.
Thank you, Jodie!
Wonderful review Wendy!📚🤗💜
Thank you, Susan.
It must have been so difficult for those in Anne’s situation. I love stories based on reality and this sounds like one I’d enjoy.
You probably would enjoy this one! I liked all the details of how they lived.
Nice review Wendy. I thought that you would enjoy this one.
It sure was a good one, I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
I’m working on a review!
I hope you enjoyed it too. I’m looking forward to your reveiw.