Agnes Grey

Agnes Grey is the well-educated daughter of a penniless clergyman. She is treated like a child by her family, and so she sets out to prove herself by seeking employment as a governess. However, her idealistic notions regarding the education and care of her wards are soon dashed as she battles to control the wild Bloomfield children in her first situation, and is then held in low regard by the superior Murray household.

Drawing on Anne’s own experiences, and dealing with themes such as the nature of childhood, the rise of the middle classes and the lonelisses, cruelty and ill treatment that life as a governess could entail, this novel is full of quiet passion and remains a beloved classic to this day.