Godmersham Park
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  • Published: 23 June 2022
  • ISBN: 9781529189834
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.99

Godmersham Park

Formats & editions
Paperback
12 Apr 2023
EBook
23 Jun 2022
Audiobook
23 Jun 2022
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A wonderfully original, emotionally complex ‘reading-group’ novel, set in 1804 following Anne Sharp. A governess who became close to Jane Austen and her family, and the challenging \"upstairs downstairs\" dynamic she found herself enmeshed in.

FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MISS AUSTEN

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.
  • Published: 23 June 2022
  • ISBN: 9781529189834
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.99
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About the author

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, Berkshire, with her husband and their four children.

portrait photo of Gill Hornby

Also by Gill Hornby

Miss Austen
The Elopement
See all

Praise for Godmersham Park

So envious of anyone yet to read this. A triumph!

Nigella Lawson

A masterly piece of storytelling.

Helena Kelly

Utterly absorbing and illuminating. Written with a sure and stylish hand. Gill Hornby's best book yet.

Esther Freud

I read it straight through without looking up ... Godmersham Park provided me with a perfectly contented day.

Karen Joy Fowler

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.

Sunday Times

Meticulously researched, Hornby's absorbing novel revels in the joys and tensions of life above and below stairs.

Mail on Sunday
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