Godmersham Park

by Gill Hornby

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Regency, British Literature, Book Club

421 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2022

Reviews

[Katie Lumsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utter joy - powerful, moving, clever and entirely delightful.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written though slightly melancholy book that imagines the life and circumstances of one of Jane Austen's most beloved friends... the shadowy, elusive governess Anne Sharp.

Most casual readers of Jane Austen won't be familiar with this friend, and none of Anne's own words or letters survive, but what we do know is that even though Jane Austen was publishing anonymously, she presented Anne with a special copy of Emma, and they were close enough for Cassandra to send Anne a lock of Jane's hair after her death. To shed light on Anne's governess days, we also have the diaries of Fanny Austen Knight, who was Jane's niece and Anne's student for two years at Godmersham Park.

I certainly wasn't aware of any of that before beginning Gill Hornby's latest book. Hornby spins an intriguing tale of what-might-have-been in trying to explain Anne's background and social status. She also gives us quite a bit of time with the family of Jane's brother, in their newly elevated sphere as landowners, and Jane's brother Henry, the charming, optimistic gadabout who reeks of male privilege but more or less means well.

It's a sobering story of the precarious situation many women without husbands or fathers found themselves in, and the writing is excellent and vivid. I enjoyed the inner monologue of Anne, a clever woman who has to walk several tightropes in order to maintain any kind of social and financial stability. I also appreciated that the book doesn't focus too much on Jane Austen, who could easily overshadow everyone else in a work of historical fiction like this. Although she does enter the story toward the latter half, it mostly keeps one step away from her, instead opting to provide a fresh look at some of the other family members in their own contexts.

If you are interested in expanding your view of Jane Austen's family and friends, or of Regency social history, this book is for you.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Pegasus Books for this advance review copy!

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby appealed to me in part because of the main character’s connection with Jane Austen. Though little detail is known about their relationship, Anne Sharp and Jane first met during the period that Anne was engaged as a governess at Godmersham Park for Fanny Austen Knight, Jane's niece, and remained close friends until Jane’s death.

Anne Sharp is 31 years old when she arrives at Godmersham Park, the Kent country estate of Edward and Elizabeth Austen, employed to educate their 12 year old daughter Fanny, the eldest of eight children. Though she has no experience in the position of governess, having until recently been raised in comfort, she is determined to do her best, and serve the Austen family well.

Hornby seamlessly blends history with imagination to tell the story of Anne’s time at Godmersham Park. The people Anne meets, close family and friends of the Austen’s, are real figures, whom the author lists at the beginning of the novel. Many of the events that take place in the story were drawn from Fanny’s preserved childhood diaries or correspondence between family members. The estate itself, said to be the inspiration for Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park, still stands today and is depicted on the 2017 Bank of England £10 note.

A refined and intelligent woman, educating Fanny poses no real difficulties for Anne but finding her place within the household proves to be more of a challenge. Anne is often lonely, and though she becomes friendly with regular houseguests Hariott Bridges, the younger sister of Elizabeth, Henry Austen, Edward’s younger brother with whom Anne forms an unwise attachment, and later Jane Austen herself, there is a distance dictated by her position. A sympathetic character given her circumstances and ill-health, I liked Anne well enough, but I didn’t really grow fond of her.

The story moves at a sedate pace as life unfolds at Godmersham Park. It’s a reasonably busy household with so many children, visiting houseguests, and family events, but not a particularly active one, and I felt the story lacked energy. While there are occasional instances of open conflict, most of the drama centres on Anne’s inner emotional turmoil, which I sometimes found overwrought.

Godmersham Park is a pleasant enough novel but I felt the story sacrificed dynamism for historical accuracy. It’s probably best suited for fans interested in its connections to Jane.

[Dea · Rating 1 out of 5]

… nothing happens... I’m 230 pages in and there’s still no sign of a story arc, character development, the love story advertised in the synopsis, etc.

[JK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Austen is my girl. She has been my girl for more years than I’m able to count, and I can’t think of a day where she will not be, in fact, my girl. I was desperate to read this book for its dip into Jane’s life through the eyes of Anne Sharp, the governess of her family’s children.

There’s something about the lives of real historical figures being imagined and put into a story which is just delectable to me. Hornby has taken correspondence written by the family at the time, and used it to create this account of Anne’s time as governess. It’s almost voyeuristic, but deliciously so.

I can’t deny I enjoyed myself, but there was something missing for me. Although there was a real behind the scenes feel, this was really all it was. We see the family living their life, Anne doing her job whilst rubbing shoulders with the Austens. Although there are a good few hints of scandal, nothing is followed up, nothing is realised, and the biggest shock to Anne’s life was dealt with softly and poorly. Whilst I appreciate any inventions wouldn’t be tasteful, this gloved approach felt quite lacking.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the social commentary, and the descriptions of Godmersham itself. That romance wasn’t the driving force behind the plot was also a welcome factor - here we see friendship, belonging, and adaptation to change. As an Austen admirer, I’m glad to have read this.

[Ellery Adams]

I couldn't resist buying this book for its gorgeous cover and stenciled edges. It is a piece of art, to be sure. I enjoyed the character of Anne, governess to Fanny Austen, and the antics of the Austen clan, but I feel that in trying to stay true to Fanny's letters, this novel got caught in a mire between non-fiction and fiction. The plot often dragged, and there weren't enough dramatic moments to push it along. The author obviously did a tremendous amount of research, and I admired the care she took in presenting the everyday movements of this famous family,

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one because I really enjoyed the author’s previous book Miss Austen. This book felt to me like it was written by someone else. It was trying too hard to be a certain thing and I just wish it would’ve told its own story, if that makes any sense. Maybe she killed it with all the research? I don’t know. Disappointing and unsatisfying.

Also, many of the characters were very unlikable and in the audio version that I listened to the children’s voices were done kind of strangely as well. It just didn’t work for me. If it wasn’t for the Goodreads reading challenge I probably would’ve dumped it.

The book linked above was really good though so if you have interest in Jane Austen and her family, skip this book and read that one instead.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When tempting this Austen lover with a new book, one merely need mention that it is based on real life figures in Jane Austen’s life including herself. By making it a governess’ tale with a mysterious past, I am well-nigh bewitched. I settled in eager for Gill Hornsby’s thoughtfully considered development of characters, setting, historical context, and engaging plot.

Opening line:
“At half past six, in the bleak, icy evening of 21 January
in the year 1804, Anne Sharp arrived on the threshold of
Godmersham Park.” p. 3

Quitting Her Former Sphere
Anne Sharp arrives in Kent as an unknown thirty-one year old woman whom the Edward Austen’s have hired sight unseen through the influence of a family acquaintance to fill the role of governess to their oldest daughter, Fanny. This is their first experience with a governess and her own first time as a governess.
At first, Anne is somewhat lost. She was reared to be a gentle woman right up until her mother’s passing. That life is gone. Her own circumstances are now reduced and she is conscious of the social status difference and need to satisfy the Austens.
“Her old life– those days once so large, rich and colourful– was behind her, for now. A small corner would be all she required, into which she could shrink and think and reflect. Where her intellect might hope to flourish, though her body and her time must henceforth
be enslaved.” Anne Sharp p. 7

A Well-Educated Bluestocking vs. a Genteel Country Miss
The early days at Godmersham Park are filled with learning what is expected of her. Anne’s idea of tutelage was far too studious for Elizabeth Austen who wants her daughter not to become a bluestocking and very much wants her to be a gracious lady of the manor with husband, children, and estate like herself. The Austens are a large family and bustling with family activities that include Fanny. Anne is thoroughly disillusioned from her excitement to teach another because like her mother, Fanny is uninterested in broadening her knowledge of the more studious subjects.
“In its moments of celebration, each family did reveal its true self. The Austens, she saw, were entirely contented unto themselves. There were no unsettling cross-currents of feeling, no signs of individual rancor or preference. They were all bound together by custom,
tradition and an even, simple affection: united in their felicity.” Harriet Bridges, p. 168

The Mystery of the Governess’ Past
Anne Sharp’s history before she came to the Austen’s is steadily revealed in flashback memories as she goes about her regular tasks. She’s playing the role of ‘Proper Governess’ and always observing with wonder the large, unaffected Austen family compared to her own previous experience. Through her former maid, Aggie, who is still living in London, she is slowly seeing the mysteries of her past unveiled while she goes forward with her new life.
There is something gothically tantalizing in the way Jameson, the lecherous man of affairs has been fixated on her since she was a girl, the hints that her parents were unconventional with a mother who was on the stage, and a father who was indulgent when around, but often absent- and is rarely seen in the last few years even when her mother died leaving her in her present circumstances.

Heady Days and Tantalizing Friendships
Anne is neither servant nor master so the loneliness of being between is felt so that she is ripe for what is to come when the household is enlivened by family guests.
Harriet Bridges blows hot and cold in her friendship choosing Anne when there is no one else about.
Then there is the charming and flitting Henry Austen who is loved by all and seemingly hasn’t a care in the world that women like Harriet and the lonely Anne might fall more deeply than he imagined.
But, the deepest longing she feels comes from exposure to Fanny’s letters from Aunt Jane and then the arrival of the wry, witty woman herself shows Anne the true friendship and companion of the heart she has been missing all her life.
Anne’s life at Godmersham is rich and full with the Austen ladies visiting- amateur theatricals, fishing by the river, volunteering at the village school, visits at the vicarage, odd petty thefts of her few personal items and barely edible food from a frosty cook and surly serving staff, abominable sick headaches that make her fear she’ll lose her place, and rambles in the park talking writing with dear Jane.


Taking Stock After a Year

The book has slowly and gently build to two crisis points: Anne’s discovery of the truth about her father and her past as well as Anne facing facts about her feelings for charming Henry and Jane Austen.

“From this day forward, she would anoint her mind with full power over her weak, foolish heart. And, throwing the torn remnants of leaf over her shoulder, Anne marched back to the house.” Anne Sharp, p. 212
She is determined, but will her own heart and vulnerability betray her in the end?


In Conclusion
Godmersham Park’s style, pacing, and tone were no surprise after experiencing Hornsby’s earlier Miss Austen. I appreciated the concluding notes that explained where the author dove entirely into fiction and where she attempted to stay close to her source materials. I found the author’s interpretation of the Austen and Bridges family characters fascinating even if I reserve the right to a different opinion in some cases. This book was loaded with daily life scenes and the restrictions placed on plotting that staying true to a governess’ circumstances would entail making it not one easy to hold the reader’s attention all the time, but mixed with the toils are little sparks of hope and triumph that historical fiction fans who like an authentic historical backdrop and character-driven gently-paced plot will appreciate.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and Hardcover from publisher to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Austenprose on Nov 7th

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'women must learn, sooner or later. The world is not thy friend'.

Anne Sharpe is a well-educated, independent thinker. She has long resisted the idea of marriage, enjoying living her life on her terms. Her hand is forced, however, when her mother passes away and her estranged father kicks her out of her home with a nominal allowance, 'During her long history of resistance to the idea of being dependent upon a husband, Anne had never once queried her dependence upon her father.' The only viable option is for Anne to become a governess so she accepts a position at Godmersham Park, working for the Austens.

Already miffed at her drastic change of circumstances, Anne is desolate when she realises that being a governess is akin to being invisible, 'She was neither a guest deserving of especial courtesy, nor a servant to be treated as a friend'. Things begin to look up when she becomes with Henry and Jane Austen, 'within the walls of that splendid, unforgettable park - her heart had been captured by both.'

Godmersham Park is an authentic feeling Regency read based on the real-life character Anne Sharpe and how her life intertwined with Jane Austen, the Austen extended family, for a brief yet life-altering period. The story highlights how powerless even smart, independent-thinking, well-bred women were: without a man you were utterly vulnerable. Anne's reduced circumstances were further exacerbated by her ill health - who wants to employ a woman who regularly suffers 'episodes'. Godmersham Park is a well-written story that not only reads with authenticity but also mirrors the very plight of women with Jane Austen herself articulated in many of her own stories. A good read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call it lucky, or call it cruel, but when the Knight family offered to take Edward Austen as their son and heir to their fortunes and lands, his parents knew it would benefit their son and their entire family. A wealthy son could be a lifeline.

Edward inherited Godmersham Park, and wealth and lands, married a fashionable woman, and had numerous children to provide for. After his father’s death, and his family’s loss of his pension, he did what he could–what he would–to help his mother and siblings. Part of that obligation was met by welcoming them into his home for extended visits.

Brother Henry was always welcome. He was charming and lively. Sister Cassandra was quiet and helpful, good with the younger children. His mother and sister Jane were problematic, too witty and opinionated, too willing to talk about books and other unwomanly subjects.

In 1804 the Knights hired a governess for their eldest daughter, Fanny, who was eleven. Henry’s friend recommended Anne Sharp. Raised in luxury, well educated, and pretty, with the death of Ann’s mother came poverty. Her father had disappeared from their lives and left her a mere 35 pounds per annum to live on. Anne donned plain garb, adjusted her attitude to fit into the role of lowly governess, and with dread reported to Godmersham Hall.

Contending with crippling headaches, mistreatment by the cook and staff, constrained in a limited role, lonely and uncertain, Anne also has another problem. The handsome Henry Austen. He is a danger to her, his attention unwelcome, her attraction hopeless. When his sister Jane arrives, she is nearly his image, sharing his openness, wit, and high spirits. Jane treats Anne as an equal and their friendship slowly blooms for both are literary and secretly write.

Gill Hornby culls from Fanny Austen’s diaries, Austen family letters, and other breadcrumbs left behind to piece together a story of Anne’s life and her relationship with Jane Austen. A Secret Sisterhood by Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire Sweeney first introduced me to Anne Sharp. Hornby brings to life the story they tell.

I enjoyed how the novel channeled Jane Austen and her family, just as I had imagined them. Hornby vividly portrays the limited and proscribed roles available to women, who were forced to marry men they did not love, or to live precariously or in poverty. “This was the fundamental flaw in the institution of marriage,” Anne considers, “She who endures a union of chilly dislike…could reasonable expect to live on into a cheerless old age. Meanwhile, the likes of Elizabeth Austen, blessed with true love and a real, mutual attraction, might well not survive to her fortieth year.”

Once married, a woman had child after child, often until it killed her. As it did Elizabeth Austen after her eleventh baby. “We can generally expect one every eighteen months or so,” Fanny explained to Anne when she arrived. And a woman had little recourse, although one servant explained that after nine children, her mother “sleeps with a rolling pin.” Such was birth control in the 1800s.

I enjoyed Hornby’s previous novel Miss Austen, which imagines Cassandra Austen’s life after Jane’s passing. I was quite transported by Godmersham Park, which often feels as if from Austen’s own pen, perhaps melded with a less Gothic version of Charlotte Brontes’ Jane Eyre.

I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Sharp, who had enjoyed a comfortable life before the death of her mother, suddenly finds herself in search of a job after her father shows her to the door. In one interview with a shady lawyer, she learns her father is cutting her allowance to the bone and evicting her from her home. A job interview is suggested, and she arrives at Godmersham Park as the governess of Fanny Austen, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Austen. Anne's position is a tough one, as she is not considered part of the family or truly a servant, and has no real support group to call her own. When she meets Fanny's aunt, Jane Austen, a fast friendship is formed.

I was struck at once by the writing talent of Gill Hornby. Anne's arrival at Godmersham Park and her uncertainty there are described beautifully: "First impressions are wont to linger and, as yet, she knew nothing of these people and what might offend them. So she stood still and patient upon the black and white chequered floor, like a small pawn on a chessboard." This is the perfect description of Anne's time at Godmersham Park, as she was always wary of offending both the family and the servants.

I was caught up in the novel immediately, as Anne was informed of her loss of income and change in status by a shady lawyer, but that part of the story was not really explored to its fullest. Since this is historical fiction, I would have liked the author to give us some real closure there. Anne's time at Godmersham was fairly short, as she only spent two years there. The best parts of the book were her interactions with Jane and the glimpse into the Austen family dynamics.

The two-year period at Godmersham was not the happiest time for Anne, and while this is an intriguing book, it is not cheerful or uplifting for the most part. The friendship with Jane and the interactions with Fanny are the bright spots in this book. Elizabeth, the mistress of the house, comes across as unsympathetic and almost cruel, especially when she sends Anne for barbaric "treatment" for her headaches. As someone who has suffered migraines, I was furious when Elizabeth forced open the curtains in Anne's room, insisting that the light would make her feel better. It drives home the truth that servants in those days were often not allowed to have feelings or express complaints to those considered above their station.

Godmersham Park reminds us of the plight of women two hundred years ago. If they did not marry, they were at the mercy of their fathers or brothers, and had no real rights of their own. If they did marry, they basically belonged to their husbands. This is beautifully written, true to the period, historical fiction. And because it is true to the period, it is definitely not all sweetness and light. At the same time, it provides a window into Anne's friendshp with Jane Austen, and shows how kindred spirits can recognize each other instantly.

In the author's note, we learn that Anne found some success after leaving Godmersham Park. I would have loved that to have been a part of the book.

My rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to five on sites with no half-star option.

I received a free copy of this book from Pegasus Books via Austenprose PR. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Jersy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much appreciate the historical atmosphere created in this book and how true the author stays to the events portrayed. The people fictionalized in this were treated respectfully without making them dull and the writing was enjoyable as well. Although noticeably written for a modern audience, as someone who wants similar things from historical fiction as I get from classics, this was pretty good. However, the novel lacked a real plot or anything else to really get me excited or invested. Maybe if the characters or the insights into life as a governess in this time period were stronger, these aspects could make up for that, but it was still a nice read.

[Elizzy B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in English below.

Pensaba leer esta novela más tarde, pero me sorprendió hace dos semanas en la librería y claro tuve que cogerla, porque tras Miss Austen, una novela que me pareció una maravilla, esta también está firmada por Gill Hornby y de nuevo se recoge una figura del ambiente de Jane Austen.

En este caso se habla de Anne Sharp, institutriz en la casa de Edward y Elizabeth Austen, que da nombre al título, y se basa en una ficcionalización de los hechos descritos en el diario de Fanny Austen, sobrina de la conocidad autora, así como en los hechos reales de los que se tiene conocimiento sobre esta mujer.

Anne Sharp no es una mujer convencional, y ha decidido ganarse el pan, tras la muerte de su madre, y el supuesto abandono, incluso económico de su padre. A través de ella, veremos las condiciones reales en las que se movía una mujer con profesión en una época en la que una dama, si trabajaba, se convertía en una especie de animal mitológico, pues no era parte de los criados ni de los señores. Es una descripción curiosa, realista y lineal comparada con la anterior novela austenita de la autora, que tiene una pluma inteligente, calmada y detallista con el personaje.

Se concentra en ella y en Henry Austen, una especie de Henry Tilney que parece que se sintió atraído por la joven, aunque aquí no podía haber cuento de hadas, pues Henry estaba casado. También habla de la amistad de la institutriz con Jane, que era como la otra cara de la moneda de Henry, ambos agradables, interesantes, buenos y seductores. Y aquí es donde la ficción aparece, pues aunque sabemos los hechos, y aunque se respeta a los personajes, hay ficción en como se expresan estas relaciones.

Tanto se concentra en estos tres personajes y tangencialmente en Elizabeth Austen, su hija, Miss Harris y algún personaje más que aparece en forma de "cameo", que luego cuesta entender la relación con otros personajes como Cassandra o Edward, que para ser el amo de la casa, aparece bien poco, aunque es natural pues delegaba en su mujer.

Anne está rodeada de drama propio, y aunque refugiada en los Austen, también ahí, sin saber realmente cuáles son sus emociones y sentimientos hace ellos, empieza a sufrir, pues aunque no es un personaje convencional, le cuesta entender la bondad sin ningún pago, y ella misma, no parecía controlar muy bien sus propias emociones. A esto se añade la salud y los males de Anne, que no quedan claros.

Un retrato de una criada "no criada" en una época difícil, donde ser mujer, soltera y pobre, aunque con profesión, podía ser un lastre en la vida.

Dejo un par de reflexiones en spoiler:
Muy confusa con el triángulo entre Henry, Anne y Jane (a su pesar, pues Jane no ve a Anne más que como una buena amiga todo el rato, como otra hermana). Queda claro que Henry y Anne sienten algo entre ellos, pero a la vez, Anne no lo quiere admitir por cómo se ha criado y las figuras masculinas que la han rodeado, ¿o quizá porque es lesbiana? ¿o porque no quiere caer como su madre cayó siendo la amante de alguien? Con respecto a la posible atracción homosexual o bisexual, esta parte es algo problemática para mí, porque Anne admite querer a los dos, pero en esa época, ni siquiera reflexiona si sus sentimientos por Jane son "naturales" o no, algo que debería haberse desarrollado, pero todo es muy rápido y acaba pronto, con una Jane que ni siquiera percibe esto en su amiga, y que sólo la puede corresponder con amistad, y para mí queda algo confuso. Tampoco se entiende, aparte de los celos fraternales, que Cassandra tuviera problemas con Anne, porque no se ficcionaliza ningún conflicto, supongo que porque la autora no tiene datos suficientes. Henry por otro lado, se mueve entre un héroe austeniano con la desgracia de tener esposa, y no prometida, y por otro, por alguien que es un seductor, una especie de Willoughby, y todo me resultaba muy extraño.

Admito que esto es una ficcionalización de un hecho real, y por tanto, se abre a dudas e interpretaciones, pero agradezco el libro por conocer a esta "figura oculta" que muestra la realidad de las mujeres trabajadoras de cierta clase en esa época. De nuevo, gracias Ms Hornby.

****************************Review in English*********************************

I planned to read this novel later, but it surprised me two weeks ago in the bookstore and of course I had to take it, because after Miss Austen, a novel that I thought was wonderful, this one is also signed by Gill Hornby and again about a figure of the Jane Austen world.

In this case we are talking about Anne Sharp, governess in the house of Edward and Elizabeth Austen, who gives her name to the title of the book, and is based on a fictionalization of the events described in the diary of Fanny Austen, niece of the well-known author, as well as in the real facts that are known about this woman.

Anne Sharp is not a conventional woman, and she has decided to earn her bread, after the death of her mother, and the supposed abandonment, even economic, of her father. Through it, we will see the real conditions in which a woman with a profession moved in a time when a lady, if she worked, became a kind of mythological animal, since she was not part of the servants or the lords . It is a curious, realistic and linear description compared to the author's previous austenite novel, which has an intelligent, calm and detailed pen with the character.

It focuses on her and Henry Austen, a kind of Henry Tilney who seems to be attracted to the young woman, although there cannot be any fairy tale here, since Henry is married. It also talks about the governess's friendship with Jane, who was like the other side of Henry's coin, both nice, interesting, good and seductive. And this is where fiction appears, because although we know the facts, and although the characters are respected, there is fiction in how these relationships are developed.

It focuses so much on these three characters and tangentially on Elizabeth Austen, her daughter, Miss Harris and some other character that appears in the form of a "cameo", that later it is difficult to understand the relationship with other characters such as Cassandra or Edward, who was the master of the house, but appears very little, although it is natural because he delegated the house to his wife.

Anne is surrounded by her own drama, and although sheltered by the Austens, also there, without really knowing what her emotions and feelings are towards them, she begins to suffer, because although she is not a conventional character, she finds difficult to understand kindness without any payment, and herself, she didn't seem to control her own emotions very well. Added to this, it is Anne's health and illness, which remain unclear.

A portrait of a "non-maid" servant in a difficult time, where being a woman, single and poor, although with a profession, could be a drag on life.

I leave a couple of spoiler thoughts:
Very confused with the triangle between Henry, Anne and Jane (despite her, since Jane sees Anne as nothing more than a good friend all the time, like another sister). It is clear that Henry and Anne have feelings for each other, but at the same time, Anne doesn't want to admit it because of how she has been raised and the male figures that have surrounded her, or maybe because she is a lesbian? Or because she doesn't want to fall like her mother fell being someone's lover? Regarding the possible homosexual or bisexual attraction, this part is somewhat problematic for me, because Anne admits to love both of them, but at that time, she does not even reflect on whether her feelings for Jane are "natural" or not, something that should have been developed, but everything is very fast and ends soon, with a Jane who does not even perceive this in her friend, and who can only reciprocate her with friendship, and for me it is somewhat confusing. It is also not understood, apart from her fraternal jealousy, that Cassandra had problems with Anne, because no conflict is fictionalized, I suppose because the author does not have enough data. Henry on the other hand, moves between an Austenian hero with the misfortune of having a wife, and no fiancée, and on the other, someone who is a seducer, a kind of Willoughby, and it all seemed very strange to me.

I admit that this is a fictionalization of a true fact, and therefore, it is open to doubts and interpretations, but I appreciate the book for showing this "hidden figure" that shows the reality of working women of a certain class at that time. Thanks again, Ms Hornby.

[Millie Edgar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel a bit disappointed by this book. I understand it’s based on a true story so the author can only go so far with this, but I’ll be honest there wasn’t much of a story. There were times I thought this was going to be a classic romance story but it really wasn’t. And I think the main character is bi but I’m also not sure? Not much happened, it was rather dull. The ending was v fast paced, and I think I enjoyed the authors note more than the actual novel. V disappointing but I’ll keep my copy anyway as the cover is absolutely stunning.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable tale, giving a back story to a real life person that not much is known about. I'll admit, I'd never heard of them.
At times there's a sense of fun to the writing, something you get with Austen herself, and it's true that it feels like Godmersham feels at times idyllic.
But still there's the reminder of class, station in life, and how all female's position in life is reliant on a male.
It's one I shall recommend to friends, even if this genre isn't their usual cup of tea.

[Abigail Bok · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give Gill Hornby full credit for recognizing in Anne Sharp a fruitful subject for fictionalization. Sharp was, for two years, a governess in the household of Godmersham Park—the property of Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight (here called simply Edward Austen). During that time she developed a friendship with Jane Austen that lasted a lifetime.

The position of a governess in a household such as Godmersham was an unenviable one: a governess had to be a person of gentility, but could never be an equal to the family that hired her; at the same time, she was not ranked among the servants, so it was difficult to develop any friendships there. She had to be loving toward the children of the family without loving them so much as to supplant more rarely seen parents in their affections. A governess tended to be lonely, underpaid, and insecure.

In Hornby’s telling, Anne Sharp was all of these, but also a person of such gifts as to inspire Jane Austen to smash through the barriers between them and treasure her as an intimate friend and equal. Hornby does quite a capable job of walking that line.

My problem is mostly with Hornby’s modern sensibilities. I winced at a number of twenty-first-century clichés, and at her sometimes heavy-handed way of driving home the injustices Sharp suffered. For me she doesn’t capture the Austen “feel.” Many of the secondary characters seemed more like caricatures, and even the main characters changed their stripes sometimes to suit the moment. The Jane Austen portrayed here was kinder, wiser, less prickly than the person revealed in her letters, less deft and devastating.

Still, this book does a much better job of exposing the dark underbelly of the not-quite-Regency era than Jo Baker’s Longbourn, for the benefit of anyone still deceived by the pretty surface version. Hovering around three and a half stars.

[Girl with her Head in a Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

For my full review: https://girlwithherheadinabook.co.uk/...

Gill Hornby's 2019 novel Miss Austen remains one of my all-time favourite Austen spin-offs, shining a light on the forgotten figure of Miss Austen, elder sister to the illustrious writer. In this follow-up piece, Hornby switches her attention to Anne Sharp, governess to the Knight family, the wealthy branch of the Austens. Miss Sharp is a shadowy figure but is known to have been close to Jane Austen and that the two corresponded even after she left her position. Austen even gifted her a first edition of Emma and it has been theorised that the heroine of Persuasion was named for her. The lack of concrete information about Anne Sharp does however leave authors of historical fiction rather a lot of room for creativity and I was interested to see how Hornby chose to play it. Would the mysterious Miss Sharp prove equally intriguing as Miss Austen?

The novel opens with Anne Sharp arriving at Godmersham Park to take up a post as governess to young Fanny, eldest daughter of the family. Taking on this role represents a reduction in circumstances for Miss Sharp, who has no other prospects and whose father is giving her no income. Aside from the bare facts of age and profession, Hornby has very little to go on about Anne Sharp's background or upbringing and she has taken the opportunity to be fairly creative. There is a running thread through the novel as Anne tries to discover why her father has disinherited her while also trying to find some security in her position at Godmersham Park. Distractions come in the form of the dashing Henry Austen and friendship comes from his sister, the arch Miss Jane Austen.

I have read enough biographical fiction about the Austen family to notice the patterns. It is almost always Edward Austen's family which features and his doomed lady wife is always portrayed as a bitch. This seems quite unfair given how little evidence there seems to be about her personality either way. Furthermore, this is not the first time that I have read a version which suggests she is drawn to her brother-in-law Henry. Once again, this feels unfair. Indeed, where Miss Austen felt well thought out and plausible, Godmersham Park feels far more like fiction than fact. The storyline about Anne Sharp's family background is necessarily highly imaginative and her friendship with Jane Austen never seems to quite connect enough to give her the same insight into the author which was found in Hornby's previous novel.

There was still much to appreciate in Hornby's portrayal of the grim governess experience. On arrival, Anne thinks that her quarters are generous and fondly imagines having a guest to stay. Then she realises that she will be sharing a bedroom with her young charge. Trying to teach Fanny, she finds her pupil's mind more akin to granite, blocking out any challenging notion. Fanny wants to learn correct opinions on given subjects by rote and titters at the idea of foreign travel, proclaiming that she never even wants to leave Kent. Then Anne's own indifferent health causes its problems, raising the ire of her employer Elizabeth. Keen to hold on to her position, Anne submits to the various supposed remedies which Elizabeth proposes even the more alarming ones. But as time goes on, it becomes clear that Anne's days in post are numbered.

Ultimately though, I felt that Godmersham Park did the real Anne Sharp few favours. It impugned her family honour, played down her clear teaching abilities and reduced her to a bedraggled scrap. We know almost nothing about Anne Sharp. It is true that Cassandra Austen wrote her a snippy letter indicating that Anne was showing excessive grief given that Cassandra was the one who experiencing a true bereavement. Perhaps Anne really was emotional. But surely she also had some wit if she was a worthy friend to Jane Austen? Anne Sharp survived as a lone woman - and not just survived, actually triumphed - against all possible odds. Gill Hornby's depiction never quite captures the steel which that must have required.

There are interesting notes scattered across the novel. There were amusing machinations about how the spinster ladies managed Elizabeth Austen's moods. Anne tried to tempt Fanny towards higher learning. There were the musings over wifedom and life expectancy. Anne's friend will likely live a long life in her cold marriage since there will be no children after her first. Elizabeth Austen's loving union puts her at far greater risk. Anne Sharp makes the decision to avoid marriage. But in comparison to Miss Austen's thoughtful meditation on female friendship, Godmersham Park feels threadbare. We can't even complain that Hornby was hamstrung by events because the known facts are so sparse. She could definitely have taken a few imaginative leaps so that something could actually happen. Having Anne hang around waiting for Elizabeth Austen to kick her out of the house did not really make for an engaging protagonist or indeed a compelling novel. I have read far worse imaginings of Jane Austen's family. But I was expecting something more than merely 'ok' from the author of Miss Austen. Given how much I loved that book, this was a real disappointment.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Periphery Figure in the Austen Family Takes Center Stage

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Historical Fiction About the Austen Family

THE PREMISE: A fictional look at Anne Sharp’s relationship to the Austen family. She served as a governess for Fanny Austen Knight for only two years, and was befriended by our dear Jane Austen and bequeathed items upon her death. Why did Anne become a governess? How close was her relationship with Jane Austen? What was the Austen family really like?

Utilizing limited records and preserved information about Anne Sharp, the letters she exchanged, and Fanny Austen’s diaries Gill Hornby fleshes out the details and inner-developments of Anne Sharp’s life.

MY THOUGHTS: After greatly admiring and adoring Gill Hornby’s brillint Miss Austen, I was beyond excited to learn that her next novel focused on another intriguing person in Jane Austen’s life. And that this novel would not only portray their close friendship, but also imagine the shadowy parts of Anne’s life. I’m, of course, interested in anyone who has a slight connection to the Austen family, but I’m especially intrigued about Anne because of her position as governess.

This fictionalized account weaves together and illustrates so many elements, relationship, and portrayals. I was fascinated by Anne’s life and history. I loved how Gill Hornby tantalizing revealed her past to the reader. Like many women of her time, Anne chose to become a governess because of unexpected circumstances and limited options. She easily earned my sympathy as she stoically perseveres forward with her life – silently suffering the indignities and deprivations of her new situation – yet unable to resist looking back to unravel the mysterious and unexpected overthrow of her charmed life.

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated Gill Hornby’s portrayal of a “governess’s lot” and her mostly impartial representation of the Godmersham family in this tale. Through Anne’s account readers are reminded how a governess was a friendless and isolated creature in the household and how a governess’s position is never secure and that they must be perpetually on guard for anything that might displease or concern their employers. In addition, Anne’s perspectives of Godmersham and all the Austens she encounters were most interesting to explore. I especially enjoyed her interactions and complex relationships with Elizabeth Austen and Jane’s favorite brother, Henry Austen. Both had such delicate and dangerous natures to them.

However, perhaps the most pleasing relationship to see depicted, and perhaps the one of most interest to us Janeites, is Anne’s relationship with Jane Austen. It was interesting to realize how both these ladies share a lot in common and were walking similar paths – clever, well-educated women not content with following the dictated convention yet frustrated with the limitations of their sex and fearful for the lack of security in their situation. I really loved seeing Jane through Anne’s eyes – how she recognizes in her “something more of quickness” than the others and how mutual admiration and affection grew between them. The close affinity and understanding these two shared felt authentic and plausible.

While I loved exploring all the creative suppositions Ms. Hornby had for Anne Sharp and the Austen family, part of me felt like she held back a little bit. Perhaps the author was trying to remain in the bounds of what is factual and supported, but there were some mysteries that were never fully resolved and some allusions to relationships and development that were a little dissatisfying in how they came to abrupt and placid conclusions. I wouldn’t have minded several chapters more exploring more of Anne’s relationships with the Austen siblings beyond the years she served at Godmersham Park.

Written with deft skill, ingenuity, and clever wit Gill Hornby once again delivers an illuminating and thoughtful tale that seamlessly blends fact and history with imagination and possibility. Any ardent admirers of Jane Austen will be enthralled by this peripheral look of Jane Austen, the unconventional friendship that bloomed between two independent yet dependent women, and the inner workings of the Austen family. I highly recommend.

Austenesque Reviews

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family by Gill Hornby transports the reader to Anne Sharp’s years as governess to Fanny Austen, the daughter of Edward Austen who is brother to Jane Austen. I deeply admired the writing in this novel. Using Anne’s life events as a plot-basis, the story flows with an Austen-like feel that was neither forced nor poor imitation. The crafting of the descriptions and the chosen words felt very much 1800s England. As for the ending, I had mixed feelings, but appreciated it after I read the author’s note about the characters’ subsequent years.

In Godmersham Park, Anne Sharp is the star of the story. She’s clever, resilient, and knows her own mind. Anne’s character growth runs from start to finish and I was invested in her character within a few chapters. Later, I fangirled with Anne at Jane Austen’s presence. Their friendship developed quickly, but believably. Anne’s fascination with Jane may be borderline obsessive, but I enjoyed watching them interact, advise, and encourage each other.

Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby is biographical fiction for the general market, which is a bit out of my normal reading genre. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was not offended by anything in the novel. Henry’s actions are morally gray at times, but I liked him as a character. No cussing, violence, or sex scenes, but jealousy, unkindness, and petit theft do occur.

Five stars for Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family by Gill Hornby.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard about Godmersham Park and that the story was about Anne Sharpe, a governess that worked with the Austen family, I was all over this book. I was so fascinated in learning about every facet of Jane Austen's life, that books like these have me intrigued and excited to read. More than that, I enjoy learning about the role of women in the early part of 1800's, that tells the story about the complexities of societal class, position, friendships, and matters of the heart.

In 1804, Anne Sharp in need to support herself after the death of her mother, and with not much help from her estranged father, finds herself the only position a young unmarried woman in poor disposition would have, as a governess. Anne's charge is Franny Knight, Jane Austen's twelve-year-old niece. Through Anne's time there, she develops a special kinship with Jane and the attention of Jane's brother Henry. Anne finds herself in a precarious situation where she is neither family nor is she servant, and finding the balance in navigating her role is crucial to her livelihood.

Gill Hornby proves herself adept in Austen's world through immense research and imagining, creating a phenomenal story that is about a woman who is clever enough to play the game of survival that is required of women in the Regency period. I enjoyed the pace of the story as well as learning about the family.

I highly recommend!

[Hannah Landeen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books is like that tik tok trend of the person stirring a pot and says “I hope you ready… for nothing!”. It was very bland and hard to get through, slow paced and almost no plot whatsoever. This is a La Croix romance; no flavor. I’ve never read a romance where they have as little meaningful interactions as the characters in this book.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to follow

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Godmersham Park” es el nombre de una casa que perteneció a uno de los hermanos de Jane Austen, Edward, quien fue adoptado por unos familiares ricos pero sin hijos. Esta casa es el escenario principal de esta novela de Gill Hornby quien, gracias a las cartas de Jane Austen a su sobrina Fanny y a los propios diarios de la joven, reconstruye una parte muy importante de la vida de la institutriz de la familia Anne Sharp, quien fue gran amiga tanto de la propia Jane Austen como de otro de sus hermanos, el atractivo y encantador Henry. Gracias a la perseverancia que Fanny puso en sus diarios podemos hacer una reconstrucción más o menos fiel de la vida de la familia Austen, especialmente los Austen-Knight (la familia que vivía en Godmersham Park) y su numerosa prole, pero poco o nada se sabe de la vida de Anne antes de entrar a trabajar como institutriz de Fanny por lo que esa parte es ficción inspirada por la vida de las institutrices de la época. Unas mujeres que se ven obligadas a vivir en tierra de nadie, que no eran servidumbre ni parte de la familia, que estaban solas y casi recluidas al aula donde impartían clases.

Gill Hornby ha sabido plasmar su historia utilizando las mismas técnicas y lenguaje narrativo que se estilaban en la época, con un toque moderno ya que pone el foco en las vidas de las mujeres y las escasas alternativas que tenían a su alcance y los factores que determinaban esas alternativas. Así pues, aunque no es una novela feminista, si que se pone la luz sobre esos temas, ya que, como es lógico, aquellas mujeres se preocupaban por su porvenir teniendo en cuenta su condición de mujeres. Esta preciosa novela costumbrista habla sobre mujeres de toda condición, lo que reflexionaban cuando estaban solas, las cargas que llevaban, la incertidumbre y la reducida educación que recibían. La propia Jane Austen hace hincapié, por ejemplo en “Orgullo y prejuicio” en cuales son las enseñanzas adecuadas para una mujer o en “Sentido y sensibilidad” se indica que dependen de la bondad de familiares cuando se quedan solas y sin un padre que las apoye, tal y como les sucedió a la propia Austen o a Anne Sharp en sus vidas reales.

Me han llenado de ternura las penurias que tiene que pasar la pobre Anne y el consuelo que encuentra el la amistad de un sinvergüenza divertido como Henry (y lo digo con todo cariño) y en un alma afín a la suya propia como es la de Jane, con quien se entendió mejor que nadie y que según Henry “me robó mi puesto como tu Austen favorito”. Tal fue la conexión que existió entre Anne y Jane que, tras la muerte de la autora en Winchester, Cassandra Austen escribió aquellas líneas famosas “Se ha ido la parte más importante de mi misma” como queriendo dejar claro que Jane era su compañera en la vida y no Anne… se dice que ambas mujeres, limaron aspereza tiempo después, pero si que me ha sorprendido ese aspecto de una persona que, en mi cabeza, era tremendamente generosa como Cassandra.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Godmersham Park is a delightful historical fiction based on the actual diary entries of Fanny Austen (Jane Austen’s niece), as well as correspondence from friends and family. It follows the story of Anne Sharp, Fanny’s governess, who came to work at Godmersham Park at the age of 31. With meticulous research and prose in the vein of Jane Austen, the author weaves a captivating tale of Jane’s beloved friend.

Anne’s story is fraught with loneliness and angst as she’s suddenly thrust into the role of governess with her mother’s death and father’s abandonment. Used to living a comfortable life, Anne finds it difficult to navigate her new role. While she finds twelve year old Fanny engaging and enjoyable, she figuratively walks a tightrope, not quite fitting in with the servants, but not equal to the family. She’s constantly on guard, measuring her words and actions to protect her position. This becomes even more precarious when Henry Austen takes a marked interest in her.

Anne’s also plagued with headaches and other health issues, and the Austen family goes to surprisingly great lengths to help their favorite governess. When Jane, her sister Cassandra, and mother come to stay at Godmersham Park, it’s a turning point in Anne’s life. She and Jane become the dearest of friends and for once Anne’s free of loneliness. Their friendship lasts throughout Jane’s life. I loved learning in the author’s note that a rare copy of Emma was given to Anne by Jane with a handwritten inscription to her dear friend.

Anne’s inner monologues were interesting, thoughtful, and at times melancholy. She’s clearly an intelligent woman sadly beholden to the whims of men and her employers. Anne’s and Jane’s friendship is delightful, but doesn’t come about until around two-thirds into the book. It’s more of a fascinating look at the lesser known figures of Jane’s siblings including Henry, Edward, Edward’s wife Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s sister Harriett as they interact with Anne.

I enjoyed learning more about these important figures in Jane Austen’s life. I also liked the interesting glimpses of day to day happenings at Godmersham Park. There’re plays as in Mansfield Park, sea bathing, excursions, lessons with Fanny, and a bit of a mystery as Anne’s past is slowly revealed. There’s also Anne’s ill-fated friendship with Henry.

I purchased an audiobook copy and loved listening to the narration. I liked the way the narrator distinguished each character and made them really come alive. She also injected just the right amount of emotion, which made listening enjoyable.

Definitely recommend to Janeites, i.e. lovers of all things Jane Austen and historical fiction fans. This book renewed my desire to keep a journal as Fanny’s little diaries have proven invaluable. I received advanced copies from AustenProse PR and the publisher. I also purchased an audiobook copy as well. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story; it’s well researched, compelling and creative. Anne Sharp was the real life governess to Fanny Austen (Jane Austen’s niece) and Godmersham Park was the inherited residence of Fanny’s father, Edward Austen Knight. This story gives us a very plausible view of the life of the Austen family, including Jane, Cassandra, their mother, as well as Henry Austen, Edward, his wife Elizabeth and young Fanny. The author does a fantastic job of creating a believable back story for Anne that is slowly revealed as the novel progresses. I love that some of the events in the book are based on actual events recorded by Fanny in her diary. It’s amazing that she kept such journals for most of her life and that so much of it has been preserved.

The book is described as “a novel of the Austen family” and the first half of the book focuses primarily on Fanny and her parents, and Anne Sharp (with lots of Henry Austen, too). Jane herself is talked of and corresponded with in the first half of the book but does not make an appearance until Act 3, chapter 27. She remains a central figure in the story from that point. I really enjoyed reading this and definitely recommend it to Austen fans and those who appreciate well written historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher Pegasus Books and Austenprose PR for the ebook and finished edition. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight. It would have been 4.5/5 stars but I did find it slightly tedious in the earlier chapters at times, just whilst getting into the story, but especially when Jane arrived it truly picked up. I was also getting irritated by the sheer volume of italics used in speech but did get used to this by the end.

The authors note was a great summary of events after the novel ends and added to the enjoyment as it was a bit of an abrupt ending otherwise. Reading Gill's novels always makes me want to re-read Jane Austen works but this time I'm also interested in looking up more non-fiction and would love to see Fanny's journals. I do so hope Gill continues with Austen-related stories.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Rating: 3.5/5**

I was feeling slightly conflicted about whether I should rate this a 3.5 or 4, but I eventually settled on a 3.5 because as much as I did enjoy this book, there were parts which I didn't quite like as well.

As an unapologetic Jane Austen fan, I'm always delighted to discover little nuggets of her life - the places she lived, the people she interacted with - and how they're all intricately linked with her writing. So I was really excited to find out that Godmersham Park was based off the story of Anne Sharpe, a governess in the household of Edward Austen Knight - Jane's brother adopted by a wealthy childless couple - who became a cherished lifelong friend of Jane. While Anne's life was meticulously researched and the book kept as historically accurate as possible, Anne just never really felt like a real person in the book to me; she's somewhat missing that spark that I would imagine was what made her and Jane such good friends.

Which brings me to what probably irritated me the most, especially in the first half of the book - the dialogue that would've been perfectly fine without the excessive italicisation. It's fine if one or two words are italicised, but when it's half the words in the sentence the dialogue just sounds unnaturally pretentious and stilted. Why was this necessary? We get it thank you very much, it's normal to place emphasis on certain words in a sentence. Honestly gave me a headache.

There were still some things I really enjoyed however, including the friendship between Jane and Anne, which I actually found so much more interesting than the one between Henry and Anne. I also appreciated the social commentary on female roles in the Regency period, specifically that of the governess, and just how little agency she has over her own life and identity:

She could almost hear an imaginary judge list the charges against her. The crime of poor health! Of unnecessary cleverness! And, the worst above all of them: the attraction of a masculine eye. Anne stood there, frozen: three times a criminal.

Makes my blood boil to read this; as if she has any semblance of control over any one of those three things.

Although I did enjoy this book and its social commentary, and was glad to learn something about Jane's life, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this to people who aren't interested in Jane Austen or the social landscape of Britain in the 1800s.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discover the location of Godmersham Park, Kent


Inspired by diaries and excellent research, this is a lovely, flowing and insightful story of what might have happened in the Austen household - Godmersham Park. The house still exists but it's not a home anymore. What I loved was to be able to visit this place when the Austens were there. To have the chance to look through the windows and see historical and literary events take place.

I love Austen but admit I had never heard of her friendship with the governess Anne Sharp. I think the elusiveness or lack of writing about this relationship really makes the book even more special as it's such a warm discovery. Jane was writing anonymously at the time yet gave and signed a first edition of Emma to Anne. Now that is a friend indeed!

Much of the author's research came from the diaries of Fanny Austen Knight who Anne looked after for several years at the house. She was Jane's niece and the daughter of Elizabeth Austen, The book moves slowly and there are Bridgerton and Downton Abbey vibes as the estate and landscape are brilliantly evoked as are the dresses and customs of the day. The author has done a really good job of bringing the time and society of that time to life as to the worry that women, whatever their station, worried about and had to face.

Enter Henry - Jane's brother who is a charming if not cheeky man with money. Anne distrusts him and then starts to warm to him. Women of this time didn't mix with men of higher stations let alone flirt with them, so it makes you realise just what danger Anne was dallying with.  It was sad to see Anne's change in station and how she tries to fit in with the family. However, we see her navigate the day to day life of a servant in such a house when she joins the family on several events.

I really enjoyed getting to know the family and was very pleased that Jane Austen remains a character in the background to this story. It made it more unexpected and gave deeper insight into her life and times by looking at it from those around her and getting their view of the world in which she lived.

This isn't Jane Austen's story but that of Anne and Fanny and, of Godmersham Park

[Phyllida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this account of the life of someone who knew Jane Austen. I had read another version of the same story, but this was better and at least as good as Miss Austen.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fictional story based on Fanny Austen-Knight's governess, Anne Sharpe. While the story is fictional, thematically it could be true. What happens to an unmarried woman of a certain age who is every bit as witty, intelligent and charming as Jane Austen but lacks the family connections and money to make a name for herself? THAT is what this book is actually about. That with a healthy dose of Mansfield Park starring Henry Austen as Henry Crawford. I never got the impression Henry Austen was as awful as Henry Crawford though. Austen seems attracted to Miss Sharpe due more to kindness, empathy and attraction to her wit, but apparently her playwrighting skills.

Anne is not Fanny but she does write a play "Virtue Rewarded" (which is actually the subtitle of Pamela) and resists Henry Austen's attentions. She has a reason for being so virtuous and it's not just moral or religious convictions. Fanny's prudery stems from lack of knowledge of the wider world and her obsession with that loser cousin Edmund. Anne had a lovely child growing up in London with her parents. She and friends put on plays and while her father wasn't home often, he travelled a lot for business (mmm hmmm...), Anne knew she was loved. "Us three against the world!" he would say. She was loved and indulged until she reached her teens and then her parents tried to marry her off to a horrid old lawyer who loves to mansplain. (Most of the men in this novel love to mansplain). She refuses her father's friend and her mother is horrified and tries to pressure Anne into marrying. Then her mother died and her father left her nothing, even cutting off all contact. I had a very, very good guess as to why and I didn't understand why Anne was so naive about her family. She knew her mother was an actress and as a governess in a good family, she surely must have come to realize what that would mean but she was incredibly obtuse for a good chunk of the novel. The story was a real slog and I wanted to race ahead to see if my educated guess was correct. I settled for returning the audio book when it was due and looking up spoilers online. It took a lot longer for Anne to realize what was up. It was so perfectly obvious her father was married with a legitimate family. What I didn't guess, but should have, was that the money came from his wife. That makes me loathe Anne's father! I loathed him even more once we hear about his legitimate family. He was a cad plain and simple. When Anne does realize why her father has disappeared from her life, it comes as a shock to her but she's determined to remain strong and virtuous and not yield to temptation. She is fully well aware that if her background is made known to the family, she'll be out of a job. Anne is also well aware that if she gives in to the flirtations of Henry Austen, whose wife is still living, she'll get the sack.

As it is, Anne falls for the charming Henry. He is so very kind and caring. Henry SEES Anne, while the rest of the family use her and see her only in how she can serve them. Jane doesn't enter the story until the 50% mark and Anne is wary of this newcomer. She liked "Aunt Jane" from the first letter Aunt Jane wrote to young Fanny but by the time Jane and Anne actually meet, Anne has fallen for Henry. Jane is well aware her favorite brother has feelings for the governess. The Austen women are very frank and Jane speaks her mind. Soon, though, they discover a mutual admiration for the theater and putting on amateur theatricals. As they collaborate on a play for Fanny and her young cousins, they discover they are of one mind and spirit. Anne falls in love with Jane too. She can, of course, have neither. She knows society would not tolerate an affair with her employer's brother and because Jane is more social than Anne and Anne remains stubbornly independent, they can not be together either. Jane's character is barely sketched here and I didn't get much of a complete picture of her character. That's the fault of not having enough material to base her on. She's lively, energetic, has a sharp wit and often speaks her mind. Sometimes she's a little rude. Grandmother Austen is an old lady who loves to chronicle her numerous complaints and the people she met while traveling. She's friendly and outgoing, one of those ladies who knows the entire background of a random stranger (and vice versa I'm sure). My grandmother used to tell her story to random strangers like waiters and museum volunteers. It was embarrassing and Mrs. Austen is embarrassing too. I felt like she was TRYING to get Anne fired by revealing private information she picked up on, yet she was kind and sympathetic when Anne felt guilty about something. Mrs. Austen knows how to manipulate Elizabeth to get what she wants. The Austen women want to stay at Godmersham and they want Anne to stay too. Mrs. Austen makes that happen.

Elizabeth Bridges Austen is portrayed as a *itch. She's rich and doesn't think much of her husband's poor relations. HENRY Austen can come and visit because he's wealthier and knows the right sort of people. To be fair, having your mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, your sister and your daughter's governess freeloading, overstaying their welcome, would drive me to be witchy too! I'd kick them all out without caring too. But it's not just the family, she doesn't see Anne or think about what would happen to Anne if Anne loses her job. She does something she thinks is nice for Anne - without ASKING! She pays for a doctor to "cure" Anne's headaches. OMG! The treatment was worse than the headaches but not as bad as I feared. Personally, if I were Anne, I would have left in the middle of the night before the surgery. She didn't have a choice. Elizabeth beamed with pride because helping Anne made HER feel good and seem benevolent. If Anne is cured and stays at Godmersham, it also helps Fanny and with frequent childbearing, Elizabeth Austen needs someone else to homeschool Fanny (also because that's what women of her class did). Anne did more than teach Fanny. Fanny was an awful brat. She was her mother's "creature" and speaks in the royal "we"- as in "We think..." meaning Fanny and Mama. She loves her Mama and she's too young to know how to think for herself. She doesn't yet want to think for herself, that's not what girls like her do, but Anne pushes Fanny to explore literature; drama and poetry are Anne's favorites and Fanny knows nothing at all except what her mother tells her is worthy. Fanny is rather shallow and selfish in the way young girls are. She doesn't really see Anne either. Anne works for her and while she thinks she loves Anne, does she really? The little brat seems to be trying to get Anne fired by revealing, in dramatic fashion, Anne's health struggles. I couldn't tell if Fanny was trying to get attention, being artless or naive or just plain bratty. Maybe all of those? Fanny is spoiled, she's naive, she's never known anything but her loving, wealthy family. She doesn't fully understand Miss Sharpe's predicament or how her motherless cousins are grieving the loss of the safety and comfort of their families. The cousins on Elizabeth's side are orphans and perhaps may end up as governesses themselves one day. In short-Fanny lacks empathy and it made me not like her very much.

A frequent visitor to Godmersham Park is Harriet Bridges, Elizabeth's youngest sister, still unmarried at 23! GASP! She's underfoot and unwanted by the family and then she seeks out the governess. Harriet thinks they're two of a kind - neither fish nor fowl - but as a Bridges and the SISTER of the lady of the house, she naturally has more status. She likes to complain and dump on Anne. Anne stops listening after awhile LOL! Anne has empathy and compassion for Harriet after knowing her for two years but not at first. She watches while the married Henry Austen and unmarried Harriet Bridges run around and flirt. Harriet has her sights set on Henry but he's still married. Eliza, apparently, has bouts of melancholy and never leaves London. I don't think there's historical evidence pointing to depression. Harriet is awful at first but she doesn't have friends at Godmersham except Henry. Henry flirts with every female with a pulse. I knew someone like that... In the end, like Anne, I felt horrible for Harriet and for me and Anne, Harriet suffered a fate nearly as bad as death, or maybe akin to death. She did seem to accept it and make the most of it. Charlotte Lucas maybe?

Little Charles is my favorite Austen. Only 2, he feels unsettled by the commotion of having extra children in the nursery and all the activity of hosting guests. He carries around a doll, his "wife" he calls her, and she's his security blanket. Anne understands and is sympathetic. She finds a way to help the sweet boy and keep his cousins from bullying him. Edward Austen (later, Austen-Knight) is a mansplainer and one of those men who thinks they're funny when they're not. A heh heh, guffaw type of fellow, his family, in spite of having heard his stories a million times, dotes on him and makes him think he's funny. They listen to and enjoy his stories. He's devoted to his wife and children, hence all 11 of them- only 9 right now at the time of this story.

I find it hard to believe Anne's family servants had no idea what was going on. The other servants on the street gossiped and it sure sounded like THEY knew what was going on in their own households. Her friend/former maid pushes her to get in touch with her father, find him and confront him about his poor treatment of her (them). She's ridiculous! WHY? WHY would Anne do such a thing? Her father has already cut her off with barely a penny. He's made it clear he wants nothing to do with her and she's on her own. What's done is done and confronting him will just make Anne look unhinged and shrewish. Her fate would be horrific after that.

There's way too much going on in this novel. I think Gill Horby should have dialed it back a lot and written about an impoverished spinster, wannabe writer, who had to become a governess. One who flew too close to the sun and got burned. As such, it's a trainwreck waiting to happen but at least it wouldn't involve the Austens.

I liked the narrator's voice but she mispronounces names and it drove me batty. At least learn the name of the author of the book, Gill Hornby. Gill as in Jill and not hard G as in Gill. Jane's favorite poet (and in the novel, Anne's) is William Cowper. Not Cow-per but Cooper. That's easy to check online. Plus she speaks very slowly, even on 1.5 speed. I almost DNFd this when the audiobook returned to the digital library but I got it back again and finished listening while I worked.

Recommended thematically for the modern equivalent of spinsters of a certain age and social status and the obsessed Janeites who have to read every fan-fiction story whether it be online or a professional publication, whether it be about Jane or feature Jane as a minor character. Not recommended for neophyte Janeites - or worse- movie fanatics.