Plot:

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

Review:

I never realised this was Jane Austen’s friend until I read another review. So what I gathered is that this is loosely based on Jane’s acquaintances when I originally thought it was just Austen vibes.

Thank you to the publishers for this reading. The plot was interesting and very understandable for a classic type of novel in terms of getting into that era.

The novel focuses on Anne being a Governess to a teenager named Fanny Austen, who’s aunt is Jane Austen. Jane has a brother called Henry and that is when Anne becomes a little careless. The conversations she has with Jane are intriguing and feminist type of way.

The novel itself is well paced for the era it is portraying which is slower than today. It was a bit of an effort for me to read at times for this reason however the plot and writing style (and the cover too because it is just so elegant let us take a moment to appreciate this) it is a cozy read in this way.

3/5 Stars