Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby
Calling all Austen fans - this book was written for you!
Godmersham Park fictionalises the true story of Anne Sharp. She became the governess of Fanny Austen and began a friendship with Fanny's aunt Jane that lasted her lifetime.
A governess was a precarious position in Regency England, neither family or staff - cast in a no-man's land. In this novel our heroine treads a fine line; she hides her passion and brilliance in order to keep her job and the roof over her head. At times unfairly maligned and mistreated, Miss Sharp struggles to maintain her fortitude and rails against the unfair position of women in a society which favours men.
Gill Hornby captures the sparkle of Jane Austen's wit. You can practically see her laughing behind her gloved hand.
If you are forever desperate for more Jane Austen, then don't miss out on Godmersham Park.