From the number one bestselling author of Miss Austen a powerful and moving novel featuring
Jane Austen's closest friend and confidante . . . 'Displays a keen sense of wit and rich
characterisation ... a thoroughly enjoyable book' Observer 'So envious of anyone yet to read
this. A triumph!' Nigella Lawson 'A masterly piece of storytelling.' Helena Kelly 'The great
writer is brought to life in this clever well-researched piece of fiction' The Times
'Thoroughly entertaining Godmersham Park has some of the same understated wit and sharp
observation as Austen's novels' Sunday Times ________________ January 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. But her mother has died
and she desperately needs an independent income if she is to survive. For her new charge
twelve-year-old Fanny Austen Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement. But Anne is keenly
aware that her new role is an awkward one: she 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 her instant dismissal. She
has just begun to settle into her position when dashing Henry Austen and his younger sister
Jane come to stay. Both take an immediate interest in the pretty clever governess who quickly
becomes drawn into the above stairs life of the Austen family. Despite her best endeavours
Anne finds that she is beginning to fall in love. But has her survival at Godmersham Park just
become a good deal more precarious? ________________ More love for Godmersham Park . . . '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 skilfully recreates a world where
governesses are midway between the family upstairs and the servants downstairs.' The
Independent 'Utterly absorbing and illuminating ... Gill Hornby's best book yet.' Esther Freud
'I read it straight through without looking up.' Karen Joy Fowler 'Meticulously researched
Hornby's absorbing novel revels in the joys and tensions of life above and below stairs.' Mail
on Sunday 'An invigorating riff on an author whose life and works keep on giving and an ideal
companion for your beach towel this summer.' Metro 'Gill Hornby has created another winning
tribute to the genius of Jane.' Woman ________________ Readers can't get enough of Godmersham
Park . . . ***** 'An utter joy - powerful moving clever and entirely delightful.' ***** 'I
enjoyed the pace of the story as well as learning about the family.' ***** 'I was quite
transported by Godmersham Park which often feels as if from Austen's own pen.' ***** 'I have
never loved a book so much!' ***** 'I thoroughly enjoyed the story.'
