Classic in every sense

The story of Agnes Grey is one of endurance and reticence. Events take years, a hugely different world in which hope rests on the slightest things, and disappointment is more than likely. Agnes tells her own story. She is a rather severe character, who has little sympathy for the children she encounters in her lowly role of governess; she likes none of them, and never attempts to use humour or love. She relies on calmness, firmness, and quietness. I was surprised by this on hearing; I have read this book twice before, and never before thought of Agnes as so critical and difficult. She has much to contend with, poverty and rudeness especially. The child with the nest of birds that he intends to torture is, I think, a classic key moment in English fiction, and the writing could not be bettered. Agnes, like Anne, is definitely a victim of her circumstances, rescued by her religion and her close family. To hear this story read aloud was an ongoing treat. It is thoughtful and profound, and you really mind what happens to people you get to know in detail - very few of them, in a limited world. The depiction of the beach of a Yorkshire seaside town is amazing. A great book by an author who knew exactly what she was talking about, and whose own hopes were tragically disappointed. She lives on here. Well read - thank you.

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