Godmersham Park

A Novel of the Austen Family

By: Gill Hornby

Narrated by: Bessie Carter

A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1 International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.

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.

©2022 by Gill Hornby (P)2022 by Penguin Audio

Outstanding story

Loved this story based on a real person in the Austen world. Be sure to listen to the epilogue to hear how it all really turned out

Loved it!

Heard about it on Fi and Jane off air. Charming story that makes you understand the challenges of life in the late 1700 for a smart, poor woman.

Excellent!!

Enjoyed this very much. My husband and I listened together. Both loved it! We recommend it!

Godmersham Park review

Loved the story, couldn’t put it down! If you love Jane Austen you will love reading about this friendship!

Well worth the listen

Gil Hornsby has an excellent sense of the manners and mores of the period. Her writing style imitates Jane Austin’s extremely well. The narrator was excellent, capturing the personalities and class differences of the characters. For me, there was a bit too much emphasis on the plays performed by family as part of the story. But, all in all the book is a well worth the listen.