Scan barcode
A review by ruth24
Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
4.0
Agnes Grey's father, a Clergyman, runs up a debt and finds himself in poor health. Seeking adventure and a way to bring in money for her and her family, Agnes becomes a governess. The story centres on Agnes' experience working as a governess for two different families, her ill treatment at the hands of the parents and children, her family's fate and a love interest.
I think the only other Bronte book I've read is Emily's [b:Wuthering Heights|6185|Wuthering Heights|Emily Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388212715l/6185._SY75_.jpg|1565818] and I enjoyed [b:Agnes Grey|298230|Agnes Grey|Anne Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1504690878l/298230._SY75_.jpg|2222441] a lot more than that. This story gave me everything I love reading about in books written by Jane Austen - the love interests and the things that get in the way (money, class, an 'unsuitable' match, men that are 'cads' etc.), balls, women having to be introduced into society and be accomplished at the piano forte, art, needlepoint, etc. Normally, Agnes would seem like a boring character, a bit holier than thou, but in contrast to the other characters (who are cruel to animals, are super vain or have no regard for other people's feelings) she comes off as the only reasonable person in the whole town! Because of that, and the thought that you hope you'd be like her and not the others, I liked and rooted for her.
This is a short book (my copy came in at 189 pages) so it's perfect for when you want a dose of this type of writing and time period, without having to get stuck into one of the longer books.
I think the only other Bronte book I've read is Emily's [b:Wuthering Heights|6185|Wuthering Heights|Emily Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388212715l/6185._SY75_.jpg|1565818] and I enjoyed [b:Agnes Grey|298230|Agnes Grey|Anne Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1504690878l/298230._SY75_.jpg|2222441] a lot more than that. This story gave me everything I love reading about in books written by Jane Austen - the love interests and the things that get in the way (money, class, an 'unsuitable' match, men that are 'cads' etc.), balls, women having to be introduced into society and be accomplished at the piano forte, art, needlepoint, etc. Normally, Agnes would seem like a boring character, a bit holier than thou, but in contrast to the other characters (who are cruel to animals, are super vain or have no regard for other people's feelings) she comes off as the only reasonable person in the whole town! Because of that, and the thought that you hope you'd be like her and not the others, I liked and rooted for her.
Spoiler
I found the ending a little short/abrupt. There was at least more of a build up than I felt with [b:Northanger Abbey|50398|Northanger Abbey|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388201718l/50398._SY75_.jpg|4039699], but still I didn't feel like my feelings could fully develop for the relationship. I was still on the edge of my seat for the last few pages though.This is a short book (my copy came in at 189 pages) so it's perfect for when you want a dose of this type of writing and time period, without having to get stuck into one of the longer books.