Cover image for Godmersham Park : a novel of the Austen family
Godmersham Park : a novel of the Austen family
Abstract:
A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family.

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.
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0

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Author:
Hornby, Gill, author.
Author, for Grouping:
Hornby, Gill,
Availability:
Sierra Vista Public Library~1
Database Key:
u647996
Document ID:
SD_ILS:647996
Edition:
First Pegasus Books cloth edition.
Author:
Hornby, Gill, author.
First Subject value, for Searching:
Governesses -- Fiction.
Title:
Godmersham Park : a novel of the Austen family
Format:
Book
ISBN:
9781639362585
Language:
English
Number Available:
1
Personal Author:
Physical Description:
x, 422 pages ; 24 cm.
Preferred Shelf Number:
F HORNBY
Publication Date:
2022
Publication Date as Range:
2022
Relevance Sort Field:
2022
Reverse Author:
Gill, author. Hornby
Subject:
Governesses -- Fiction.
Female friendship -- Fiction.
Social classes -- Fiction.
Female friendship.
Governesses.
Manners and customs.
Social classes.
Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction.
Great Britain.
Historical fiction.
Biographical fiction.
Fiction.
Novels.
Austen, Jane, 1775-1817 -- Fiction.
Austen, Jane, 1775-1817.
Subsequent Subject values, for Searching:
Female friendship -- Fiction.

Social classes -- Fiction.

Female friendship.

Governesses.

Manners and customs.

Social classes.

Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction.

Great Britain.

Historical fiction.

Biographical fiction.

Fiction.

Novels.

Austen, Jane, 1775-1817 -- Fiction.

Austen, Jane, 1775-1817.
Summary:
A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family.

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.
Title:
Godmersham Park : a novel of the Austen family
Title, for Grouping:
Godmersham Park :
Item Available
Status
1
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