BOOK REVIEW: Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby

Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby is a lovely quiet novel imagining the life of Jane Austen’s friend, Anne Sharp.

Anne is a well-educated young woman who finds herself in desperate straits after the death of her mother. Her father immediately disappears, leaving her a measly 35 pounds a year to live on. Now, her only option is to become a governess.

She is hired by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Austen. Edward is Jane Austen’s brother. He had been adopted by a wealthy childless couple, so he inherited Godmersham Park, a gorgeous country estate. These Austens now have a large brood of children and need a governess for their eldest daughter Fanny.

The novel shows the tenuous position of a governess in such a household. She is a servant and so should have no real expectations of friendship from family members. However, she is also above the other servants in status, so can expect no camaraderie there. Anne makes the best of this lonely life, but the poignancy is not lost on the reader.

Edward was not the eldest Austen brother. That is Henry. Henry is in a strange marriage with an older woman who keeps her distance from the family. Henry visits often and his visits are the highpoint of everyone’s life. He’s handsome, charming, and fun. He even flirts with Anne. Annoyed by him at first, Anne eventually succumbs. (Only as far as enjoying his company and being jealous when she sees him flirting with others. The flirtation is chaste.)

Another highpoint of Anne’s life is reading the letters written to Fanny by her Aunt Jane. When Jane (and sister Cassandra) finally come to Godmersham Park, Anne discovers a kindred spirit. Jane also lives on the edge of poverty. She is unmarried. Her father has died. The difference is Jane has a large family and brothers who have some obligation to support her. But Jane and Cassandra (and their mother) can never stay anywhere too long. (Jane is a writer, of course, but she has yet to earn anything from the endeavor.)

This friendship is a strong support for both women. Anne is temporarily in a good place. But a governess’ life is not a secure one. Anne suffers from cluster headaches which she can no longer hide from Mrs. Austen. And worse, the admiration that Henry feels for her is growing apparent.

Governesses are supposed to be invisible. Not complicated.

Godmersham Park is an interesting view of the Regency period and Jane Austen’s life looking through the window of her family.