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daisy17's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
0ivy0's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook of Agnes Grey and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read it. (Note: I did not listen to Audible's version of the audiobook).
I love the premise of the lead being a governess, and enjoyed the plot.
What I didn't enjoy was the religious aspects (though there isn't much that can be done, and it was a large part of the culture) and I found the writing somewhat uninteresting - although I believe this may be because I'm listening to the audiobook? I felt that I could easily drown it out and concentrate on my thoughts which is not what I want to be doing!
I found I also struggled with the narrator and some of the voice actors they chose for the version I listened to. This isn't really an issue with the book itself though.
I love the premise of the lead being a governess, and enjoyed the plot.
What I didn't enjoy was the religious aspects (though there isn't much that can be done, and it was a large part of the culture) and I found the writing somewhat uninteresting - although I believe this may be because I'm listening to the audiobook? I felt that I could easily drown it out and concentrate on my thoughts which is not what I want to be doing!
I found I also struggled with the narrator and some of the voice actors they chose for the version I listened to. This isn't really an issue with the book itself though.
kebreads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I loved how many of the emotions and experiences mirror those felt and experienced today, though in very different trappings. The tone of the book was enjoyable, and there were some very good descriptions as well.
s_melly's review against another edition
5.0
really loved this classic, especially after reading Fifteen Wild Decembers which is a historical fiction telling of the Bronte's lives.
hattieparris's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jessraven's review against another edition
3.0
While I won't say this was one of my favourite classic novels that I've read in the past few years, I still enjoyed it. Brontë's prose is nothing short of poetic and each line was a pleasure to read.
I'll admit, the beginning was slow; it took me about 100 pages to really get into Agnes's story, as much of the beginning was her complaining about her plight, which grew tiresome about 50 pages in. However, once the subplot involving Mr. Weston was introduced, the story captured my imagination much more thoroughly.
Providing an interesting glimpse into the life of a Victorian governess, such as how finding one's place in a wealthy lady's house could be difficult, I would highly recommend Agnes Grey to anyone interested in the historical elements of the tale, as well as to anyone looking to peruse the early works of the Brontë family.
I'll admit, the beginning was slow; it took me about 100 pages to really get into Agnes's story, as much of the beginning was her complaining about her plight, which grew tiresome about 50 pages in. However, once the subplot involving Mr. Weston was introduced, the story captured my imagination much more thoroughly.
Providing an interesting glimpse into the life of a Victorian governess, such as how finding one's place in a wealthy lady's house could be difficult, I would highly recommend Agnes Grey to anyone interested in the historical elements of the tale, as well as to anyone looking to peruse the early works of the Brontë family.
sophie28's review against another edition
5.0
I've got to say, Agnes Grey has become one of my favourites.
I especially love Anne Brontes style of writing, particularly the beginning of chapter 24. The description of the beach in the morning stood out to me, the subtle details made me feel like I am there as well and I go back to reading it regularly.
I also liked the feeling of being in the story, of being part of Agnes. I can best describe her as a middle child character, maybe not in the most obvious way but in the way of living silently, being introspective and also constantly observing the people around you, not expecting too much but dreaming and ambitious nonetheless.
If you're expecting something like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre (which I loved as well), it might seem slow. However I don't think all these books can and should be compared anyway. But if you give yourself time to read and fully engage in Agnes' thoughts you might be as enthralled as I am how real this book feels and how rich it is as well.
Speaking of real, there were so many lines where I could relate wholeheartedly, e.g.:
"I always lacked common sense when taken by surprise."
I especially love Anne Brontes style of writing, particularly the beginning of chapter 24. The description of the beach in the morning stood out to me, the subtle details made me feel like I am there as well and I go back to reading it regularly.
I also liked the feeling of being in the story, of being part of Agnes. I can best describe her as a middle child character, maybe not in the most obvious way but in the way of living silently, being introspective and also constantly observing the people around you, not expecting too much but dreaming and ambitious nonetheless.
If you're expecting something like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre (which I loved as well), it might seem slow. However I don't think all these books can and should be compared anyway. But if you give yourself time to read and fully engage in Agnes' thoughts you might be as enthralled as I am how real this book feels and how rich it is as well.
Speaking of real, there were so many lines where I could relate wholeheartedly, e.g.:
"I always lacked common sense when taken by surprise."
ybbmel's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
this stinks
mari1532's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I own a paperback of this book but chose to listen to it on Audible.
Brief Summary: A young girl, Agnes Grey, whose family falls into hard times decides to take on employment as a governess. After experiencing abuse at her first place of employment she moves to a home where she experiences less. However, she is put in charge of a vapid young woman who dreams of only marrying for money. As the young girl finally reaches marriageable age she toys with the men around her and Agnes finds she is jealous when her attentions turn to a certain gentleman.
Thoughts: I hated nearly everything that Agnes had to work for in this book. They were vain, elitists who had no sense and fewer manners. I will say that this is probably an important work in terms of understanding the wider culture of how governesses were often treated throughout England. However, this book didn't make me like or hate Agnes. I wasn't rooting for her even when the end came all I could think was "I'm happy the dog's storyline is resolved". I don't think I will ever pick this book up again, but don't regret reading it.
Brief Summary: A young girl, Agnes Grey, whose family falls into hard times decides to take on employment as a governess. After experiencing abuse at her first place of employment she moves to a home where she experiences less. However, she is put in charge of a vapid young woman who dreams of only marrying for money. As the young girl finally reaches marriageable age she toys with the men around her and Agnes finds she is jealous when her attentions turn to a certain gentleman.
Thoughts: I hated nearly everything that Agnes had to work for in this book. They were vain, elitists who had no sense and fewer manners. I will say that this is probably an important work in terms of understanding the wider culture of how governesses were often treated throughout England. However, this book didn't make me like or hate Agnes. I wasn't rooting for her even when the end came all I could think was "I'm happy the dog's storyline is resolved". I don't think I will ever pick this book up again, but don't regret reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Adult/minor relationship, and Death of parent