Agnes Grey: Brontes Doing What Brontes Do



Image result for agnes grey book cover     I love a good governess novel. It's true. Add to it one of the Bronte sisters and it's even better. Agnes Grey is one such novel.
     Agnes Grey is the account of the daughter of a vicar who lost an investment which doomed the family to live in relative poverty. Her father takes ill and at eighteen, Agnes decides to take up the role of governess. The novel follows her through a period of about three years during which she works for two different families. The young narrator relays the trials and tribulations of her position in both houses as well as the few triumphs. As in all great governess stories (in my oh so humble opinion) Agnes falls in love, finds her way to another profession, and eventually experiences happiness. The end.
     Don't get me wrong, this is not a perfect novel. It is similar to other novels by the author and/or her sisters, and it is somewhat predictable. I still enjoyed it and read it in a single afternoon. One thing Agnes Grey has that is not true of many of the Bronte novels is a likable love interest. He is not the usual brooding, bordering on violent mystery of a man who fights his feelings tooth and nail before giving in. He is pleasant, good, and, though he doesn't throw himself at the feet of our protagonist, it is clear he has feelings for Agnes.
     Because of its predictability, I give this little novel three out of five stars.







Next up: Trash Image result for Trash book cover dorothy allison

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