Agnes Grey
(Anne Bronte)
Anne Brontë: Agnes Grey This book draws from the author?s own experience as a governess in thefirst half of the 19th century. It is a world where a distance of twomiles is considered far and makes daily visits practically impossible.A distance of 80 miles is a day?s journey. In this confined world,everyone knows and observesone?s neighbors. Young Agnes, the protagonist of the book, leaves her close-knit familyto work as a governess. With an astonishing amount of patience, shedoes her best to teach the spoiled children of rich families. She isclosely watched by their parents, who point out every mistake in theirchildren?s behavior but give Agnes no authority over them. Agnes Grey is not a book with a breathtaking plot, but it is a quietread that provides a peaceful world into which one can withdraw afterthe day?s work is done. (Don?t read that book in the subway. It won?twork.) You will find this 19th century illusion of a nice, quiet and regularlife in this book: Regular mealtimes, a peaceful family life, politebehavior and speech, regular Sunday services, sound morality. It is arefreshing contrast to modern life. At the same time, the book tellsthe story of a widow who is successful as a freelancer, even in thosetimes. So if you are looking for inspiration, this book might be foryou. It is interesting to observe how this freelancer acquirescustomers in yesterday?s world, and what her working life is like. There is also a love story. It is, as can be expected from such a book,a very quiet, peaceful and decent love story. And the end won?t berevealed until the very last chapter of the book. And the best of it: When putting this book down, I think you will berelieved that you?ve come back from a world where every word, everylook is minutiously observed and assessed and where everything you door say can be held against you forever.You?re back to reality and ifyou feel like it, you can swear loudly and bang your fist on the tableas you do so. (Please wait until I?ve left the scene.)
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