Agnes Grey

Agnes Grey is the quiet, powerful first novel by Anne Brontë, the youngest of the Brontë sisters. Published in 1847, it draws on Anne's own experiences as a governess to tell the story of a young woman who must make her own way in a world that offers her few choices. When her father loses the family's money, Agnes takes a position teaching the children of a wealthy family, only to find herself isolated, overworked, and treated with casual contempt. Her second post brings new challenges and new friendships, and through it all she holds fast to her principles.

This is a novel of observation and endurance rather than high drama. It offers a clear-eyed look at Victorian family life, social class, and the lot of the governess, and it is told in a voice that is honest, thoughtful, and surprisingly modern. Readers who love Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights will find here a different kind of Brontë heroine: one who suffers quietly, learns from experience, and finds her own path to happiness.

This edition contains the complete text of Agnes Grey, a new introduction for first-time readers, a character guide, a summary of the story, a thematic overview, a glossary of period terms, and discussion questions for book clubs and students.