Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month for January 2023
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.
Publisher: CornerstoneISBN: 9781529158922Number of pages: 448Weight: 300 gDimensions: 192 x 128 x 34 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Displays a keen sense of wit and rich characterisation...a thoroughly enjoyable book'- The Observer
'So envious of anyone yet to read this. A triumph!'- Nigella Lawson
'A masterly piece of storytelling.'- Helena Kelly
'The great writer is brought to life in this clever,well-researched piece of fiction'- The Times
'Thoroughly entertaining,Godmersham Park has some of the same understated wit and sharp observation as Austen's novels'- The Sunday Times
'If you love Jane Austen you're sure to enjoy Gill Hornby's stylish glimpse into the life of young governess Anne Sharp...this elegantly written tale skilfully recreates a world where governesses are midway between the family upstairs and the servants downstairs.'- The Independent
'Utterly absorbing and illuminating...Gill Hornby's best book yet.'- Esther Freud
'I read it straight through without looking up.'- Karen Joy Fowler
'Meticulously researched,Hornby's absorbing novel revels in the joys and tensions of life above and below stairs.'- The Mail on Sunday
'An invigorating riff on an author whose life and works keep on giving,and an ideal companion for your beach towel this summer.'- Metro
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