Agnes Grey

By: Anne Brontë

Narrated by: Virginia Leishman

In her daring first novel, the youngest Brontë sister drew upon her own experiences to tell the unvarnished truth about life as a governess. Like Agnes Grey, Anne Bronte was a young middle-class Victorian lady whose family fortunes had faltered. Like so many other unmarried women of the 19th century, Bronte accepted the only "respectable" employment available - and entered a world of hardship, humiliation, and loneliness. Written with a realism that shocked critics, this biting social commentary offers a sympathetic portrait of Agnes and a moving indictment of her brutish and haughty employers.

Separated from her family and friends by many miles, paid little more than subsistence wages, Agnes stands alone - both in society at large and in a household where she is neither family member nor servant.

Agnes Grey remains a landmark in the literature of social history. In addition to its challenge to the era's chauvinism and materialism, it features a first-person narrative that offers a rare opportunity to hear the voice of a Victorian working woman.

Public Domain (P)2016 Recorded Books

Refreshing

As a lover of classics, it is astounding to me that I am just now discovering my love of the Brontë sisters! Of course I had heard of them before, but never read any of their works. I have been pleasantly surprised how clean, refreshing, and enjoyable they have been! I have also been pleasantly surprised at the amount of theology in these books. I was not expecting that! Overall a huge fan of this work.

Slow Start

Took a long time to get to the main thrust of the story and then it was just kind of a simple romance.
I’d actually give it 3.5 stars

Simplicity and genuine discourse.

It was too short. I would have liked to know more about Mary's life, as well as the life of Lady Ashby.

Agnes Grey

I love all of the writings of the Brontes & found this selection a pure delight.
This was the second time I read it and it was as enjoyable even the second time around!

A classic

What a lovely relaxing listen. This was an easy listen. It was read with beautiful pronunciation.