Reviews

I adored reading this book - it felt like a total escape. It was nice to read a book with low stakes and without much drama, but endearing enough and short enough to still keep my interest. Agnes has a totally loveable narrative voice - funny, reflective, and often modern. I loved the moments where she breaks off and withholds her thoughts from the reader, although of course you know exactly what she’s thinking. And contextually, it paints a fairly bleak but informative picture of what life was like for governess’ in this era - how lucky for Agnes that she was able to make her escape and have a happy ending.

maggiebook's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyed this book very much. Liked that Agnes was self-sufficient as was her mother and sister. This book does give a different side of governesses where the children aren't joyful and find their governess as a second mother. The children in this book are spoiled and at times shockingly horrible people.
This was my first Anne Bronte book. Will be reading more from her.

vinnski's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

lizzye33's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

2.75

amberlou105's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

fesd5's review against another edition

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relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A lovely, cosy read, not very complicated, but the characters felt so real, and the story was like a slice out of life.

monazaneefer's review against another edition

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2.0

Firstly, Emilia Fox's narration was so lovely and sweet. I'd love it if she narrates more 19th century novels. I'd surely not be hesitant to start even Anna Karenina then, for instance! (Audible, please make that happen!!)

As for the story, it was sweet but without anything at stake or any turn, it was a dull. I actually wonder if it was Emilia's narration that kept my interest. The story began and ended with the same tempo. (And this is speaking independently of any comparison to his sisters' novels.)

There are subtler aspects of the story that I'll remember: how Agnes sought out her mother's permission for certain things, making it relatable, and how close Agnes was to religion, making me curious to see if it paralleled Anne's beliefs. Mr Weston was also a sweet character.

Lastly, my opinions are definitely in accordance to my taste and not to be seen as demerits of the novel. I can totally see why see this novel can be somebody else's cup of tea.

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