From the bestselling author of “Miss Austen” comes a fictionalized look into the life of Anne Sharp, one of Jane Austen’s closest friends.
Godmersham Park uses meticulous research (partly from the detailed diaries of Fanny Austen Knight) to imagine the story and thoughts of the witty, intelligent, beautiful, although somewhat serious and thorny Anne Sharp.
Anne Sharp is a delightful protagonist: intelligent, thoughtful, and determined. While the novel has an overall melancholy tone, I was fascinated by Anne’s choices and thoughts.
He’s given the romantic treatment here, although since he’s married, you know things aren’t quite going to work out. I only wished for more scenes with Henry.
Even though Austen doesn’t appear till about halfway through the book, she becomes a significant person in Sharp’s life – even more so than Henry.
Overall, Godmersham Park is a great historical fiction read anyone who’s experienced unrequited or impossible love will relate to – even if I wanted a little more emotional resonance from the ending.