Godmersham Park: The Sunday Times top ten bestseller by the acclaimed author of Miss Austen

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I planned to read this novel later, but it surprised me two weeks ago in the bookstore and of course I had to take it, because after Miss Austen, a novel that I thought was wonderful, this one is also signed by Gill Hornby and again about a figure of the Jane Austen world.

Amber works as a writer and digital publisher full-time and fell in love with stories and imagination at an early age. She has a Humanities and Film Degree from BYU, co-created The Silver Petticoat Review, contributed as a writer to various magazines, and has an MS in Publishing from Pace University, where she received the Publishing Award of Excellence and wrote her thesis on transmedia, Jane Austen, and the romance genre. Her ultimate dreams are publishing books, writing and producing movies, traveling around the world, and forming a creative village of talented storytellers trying to change the world through art. But, the deepest longing she feels comes from exposure to Fanny’s letters from Aunt Jane and then the arrival of the wry, witty woman herself shows Anne the true friendship and companion of the heart she has been missing all her life. 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. I was caught up in the novel immediately, as Anne was informed of her loss of income and change in status by a shady lawyer, but that part of the story was not really explored to its fullest. Since this is historical fiction, I would have liked the author to give us some real closure there. Anne's time at Godmersham was fairly short, as she only spent two years there. The best parts of the book were her interactions with Jane and the glimpse into the Austen family dynamics.Anne is neither servant nor master so the loneliness of being between is felt so that she is ripe for what is to come when the household is enlivened by family guests. Godmersham Parkwould make an excellent film or limited series. And since Miss Austenis already being adapted as a four-part miniseries, it’s certainly possible this film could receive similar treatment if Miss Austendoes well. In the author's note, we learn that Anne found some success after leaving Godmersham Park. I would have loved that to have been a part of the book. a b Norman, Geraldine (13 April 1983). "Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" for sale". The Times. No.61505. London. col C-F, p.12. 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.

Harriet Bridges blows hot and cold in her friendship choosing Anne when there is no one else about. MY THOUGHTS: After greatly admiring and adoring Gill Hornby’s brillint Miss Austen, I was beyond excited to learn that her next novel focused on another intriguing person in Jane Austen’s life. And that this novel would not only portray their close friendship, but also imagine the shadowy parts of Anne’s life. I’m, of course, interested in anyone who has a slight connection to the Austen family, but I’m especially intrigued about Anne because of her position as governess.With Godmersham Park, British writer Gill Hornby makes a second fictional foray into Austen territory. A sprightly story.” The Jane of Godmersham Park is a much more cheerful being, even though this period of 1805/1806 is probably the worst of her life: she's just lost her beloved father, and the three Austen ladies face economic uncertainty and the prospect of moving from place to place, sponging off relatives. She's recently abandoned "The Watsons," the manuscript of which she will keep all her life but never return to. But this Jane is clever, alarmingly insightful and highly open to friendship with Anne Sharp. Anne’s also plagued with headaches and other health issues, and the Austen family goes to surprisingly great lengths to help their favorite governess. When Jane, her sister Cassandra, and mother come to stay at Godmersham Park, it’s a turning point in Anne’s life. She and Jane become the dearest of friends and for once Anne’s free of loneliness. Their friendship lasts throughout Jane’s life. I loved learning in the author’s note that a rare copy of Emma was given to Anne by Jane with a handwritten inscription to her dear friend. She has just begun to settle into her position when dashing Henry Austen and his younger sister Jane come to stay. a b Hasted, Edward (1798). The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. Vol.7. Canterbury: W Bristow. pp.319–32.

Sharp makes intentional choices – not based on her heart – but on logic and circumstance. She’s determined to support herself. And that’s hard not to respect even if I wanted her to do a couple of things differently.Godmersham Park" takes as its main character a real person too, but one whom less is known about: Anne Sharp, the governess to the oldest daughter of Jane's wealthy brother, Edward. Anne appears to have become an important friend to Jane; a letter to her was one of the last that Jane wrote shortly before her death in 1817, and she also sent a copy of "Emma," the last book published in her lifetime, to Miss Sharp.

The more peripheral characters, namely the other Austen family members and servants, are also worthy of praise. They are fleshed-out the ideal amount for secondary characters and contribute to the story in meaningful ways, avoiding the pitfall of so many ancillary characters – superfluity. Elizabeth Austen is a particularly well-penned character, exemplifying the expected behavior of a lady of the house. She is courteous to her servants, Anne included, but ultimately, she is their superior in rank, a fact which underlies her every interaction with them.

Godmersham Park

I enjoyed Hornby’s previous novel Miss Austen, which imagines Cassandra Austen’s life after Jane’s passing. I was quite transported by Godmersham Park, which often feels as if from Austen’s own pen, perhaps melded with a less Gothic version of Charlotte Brontes’ Jane Eyre. 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 skillfully recreates a world where governesses are midway between the family upstairs and the servants downstairs." - The Independent (UK) Pensaba leer esta novela más tarde, pero me sorprendió hace dos semanas en la librería y claro tuve que cogerla, porque tras Miss Austen, una novela que me pareció una maravilla, esta también está firmada por Gill Hornby y de nuevo se recoge una figura del ambiente de Jane Austen.