Historical past has all however forgotten Anne Sharp.
She was governess to Fanny Knight, niece of Jane Austen, and loved an epistolary friendship with the novelist after changing into tutor to younger Fanny on the plush household property bequeathed in uncommon circumstances to Austen’s brother Edward.
These letters are sufficient, although, for Gill Hornby to have created in Godmersham Park a whole novel round this uncared for creature, simply as she did along with her pleasant 2020 novel Miss Austen, which gave voice to Austen’s marginalised sister Cassandra.
As soon as once more, Hornby has one eye on historical past (most of the occasions she describes truly occurred) and a relatively extra playful one on Austen’s fictional oeuvre.
Sharp, who Hornby imagines has been compelled to turn out to be a governess following the disappearance of her father, combines components of Austen heroines Anne, Emma and Elizabeth in her sceptical view of marriage and her proto-feminist contempt for the culturally mandated boredom of society Regency ladies’s lives.
Naturally, nonetheless, Sharp can also’t assist however really feel drawn to Fanny’s dashing uncle Henry, an enigmatic however avuncular chap who retains popping up in the best way of each Austen hero simply when Sharp is least anticipating it.
The plot is readable sufficient however it’s Hornby’s intelligent approach with homage that retains the reader entertained, be it her tongue-in-cheek aping of the conventions of the style or her tone-perfect encapsulation of the writer’s personal amused view of human life
An invigorating riff on an writer whose life and works carry on giving, and a really perfect companion to your seashore towel this summer time.
The Verdict
One other cleverly entertaining novel impressed by Jane Austen, this time taking cues from the few identified details about her niece’s governess.
Purchase Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby (Century) from Waterstones for £14.99.
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