While browsing a book shop, I came across a little volume by Anne Bronte. Agnes Grey is the first novel written by Anne, who went on to write Tenant of Wildfell Hall and a collection of poems. Her sisters, Charlotte and Emily are known for their more famous (and darker) works. But Anne’s little book might be the Bronte you haven’t read yet. This is book number three in the 24 in 2024 reading challenge.
Plot summary
Agnes Grey follows the eponymous character as she sets out to become a governess. After her family falls on hard times, Agnes seeks both employment and adventure as a governess at two different families. The reader watches as Agnes struggles to teach and discipline spoiled children and wayward teens. Along the way she will face loss, find love and realise how much, or how little, an influence teachers can have.
A realistic look at life as a governess
Anne was herself a governess, and her first novel is clearly an exercise in writing what you know. This book is a realistic look at the hardships faced by governesses in the 1800s. Agnes is often overlooked and always undermined by the disengaged parents of the spoiled children she cares for. Despite her best efforts, she often struggles to make any real impact on the education of these children. Adding insult to injury is the fact that she is often ignored or patronised by the people she lives with.
While this is a lonely and hard life, Agnes Grey is certainly not a depressing book. The story is told with a sense of humour and a beautiful touch of romance and sweet family life to lighten the mood. I would say this is the best Bronte I’ve read. Most of the time, I find them overly dramatic and dark. But this little work was quite refreshing, even if it was clear about the struggles a domestic might face.
If you haven’t read this book yet, I would highly recommend it. It does contain some heavy portions of moralistic prose, but not enough to make the read dull or unpleasant. If you’re not a Bronte fan usually, this might be the book that changes your mind.
