Synopsis:
Having lost the family savings on risky investments, Richard Grey removes himself from family life and suffers a bout of depression. Feeling helpless and frustrated, his youngest daughter, Agnes, applies for a job as a governess to the children of a wealthy, upper-class, English family.
Ecstatic at the thought that she has finally gained control and freedom over her own life, Agnes arrives at the Bloomfield mansion armed with confidence and purpose. The cruelty with which the family treat her however, slowly but surely strips the heroine of all dignity and belief in humanity.
What To Expect:
Readers can expect a classic novel intended to expose the injustices experienced by nineteenth century English governesses. Although primarily focused on the difficulties of the position, there is also a clean romantic storyline.
Content Warnings:
Language: Mild – A few curse words implied by the first letter with the rest of the word dashed out (d—); a few instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain expressed in the same manner.
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Mild – Mention of children being physically reprimanded; physical mistreatment of animals mentioned but not graphically described
Substance Use: Mild – Mention of pipe smoking; a few characters drink and some abuse alcohol, but this is not described in detail
Prejudices: None
Religious Themes: Main character is Christian (daughter of a clergyman) and wants to encourage her charges to live lives of Christian virtue. She often feels frustrated in these attempts, as the children aren’t as enthusiastic about trying to be virtuous as she feels about instilling these values. Prayer mentioned throughout. Contrast between two characters, with one being an example of a good clergyman and another being an example of a particularly flawed one.
Other Topics: Death of a child (mild); death of a parent (mild); estranged family dynamics (mild); marital difficulties relating to adultery, alcohol abuse, and gambling
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