Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family

For her second foray into historical fiction, Hornby (Miss Austen) introduces listeners to the true-life story of the proud and determined governess Anne Sharp. Forced by her father’s negligence to make her own living, Miss Sharp joins the household of Edward Austen Knight, brother to the novelist Jane Austen. Hornby deftly combines the recorded details of Anne’s time in service to the Knights with a plausible backstory of her early life and a credible peek into her inner thoughts. Bessie Carter’s crisp, clear narration is a pleasure that will draw listeners into the strained world of a governess—expected to be intimate with the family while also subject to their every whim. As Anne, Carter portrays the complete sweep of emotion from greatest joy to deepest sorrow and injects little moments of realism such as a strangled laugh or a mumble through a mouthful of food. She voices the often overwhelming extended Austen clan with vigor and Jane with glimpses of her signature wit mixed with charming sincerity. A brief author’s note helps separate fact from fiction.