From the number one bestselling author of Miss Austen a powerful and moving novel featuring
Jane Austen's closest friend and confidante . . . * Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month * '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 'Displays a
keen sense of wit and rich characterisation ... a thoroughly enjoyable book' Observer
________________ 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.' Sunday Times bestseller January 2023
