Agnes Grey (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

A good read

This is the first time I've read anything by Anne Bronte; but Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre are two of my favorite books. I did enjoy this book by the youngest Bronte. It is sensitive and easy to read. The main character is interesting; but some of the other characters are almost unbelievably nasty, mean or just hateful. I doubt it will go on my "Read Again List" with the two afore mentioned books by her sisters. However, it is a good read overall.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Agnes Grey- Bluebells and Primroses

To start with, I think I figured out a few patterns with the Bronte sister's work. I've currently read four books of theirs and I've noticed that the beginning chapters of: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and now Agnes Grey require a lot patience from the reader. The books didn't exactly capture my attention at first. Like I said this has happened four times now, BUT once you get past the opening chapters and into the story, they do grab you and pull you into their worlds, but you have to be patient. I've read some reviews saying that the Bronte sisters were famous for their "wordy or flowery speech", I enjoy that kind of speech, but when you are really ready for something magical or interesting to happen or conclude, that's when the language gets dull and starts to ramble on and you just want to skim ahead. Honestly, I loved this book and don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the Bronte sisters but the stalling and rambling parts of their wonderful, original books should just be noted for any potential reader. Now saying that, I've also noticed that one of the sisters work will magically speak to you and touch you, whether it's Emily's "Wuthering Heights", Charlotte's "Jane Eyre" (these are the more well known books but there are so many more to explore). Wuthering Heights grabbed my attention and it's now one of my all time favorite reads, but I never really had a book of any genre speak to me more than "Agnes Grey". On the surface, it's a simple story of a young woman and her journey as a newly fledged governess, but it's so much more than this. The beauty and the magic of the words of Anne Bronte brought me to tears in a few parts of her tale. It's hard to explain, but if you have ever wanted to pursue a dream so badly and then had to learn some lessons a hard and cruel way out in the real world, then you can identify with this book. The way this author conveys and explains love, affection, and simple attraction is truly moving. This book by no means has the action or gothic mystery like her sister Emily's "Wuthering Heights" but still "Agnes Grey" makes you search yourself and will have you thinking and questioning yourself days after you finish the last page. I really loved and enjoyed this book, however I can see where a lot of readers will not appreciate it's understated messages. You will either love this story or move on.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Nice Story

I enjoy this because through fiction, one can often catch a glimpse of what life was like during the mid-nineteenth century. Agnes struggles with education, class, and duty in this quaint novel.

rounds out knowing all the Brontes

Certainly not as engaging or developed as either of the sisters' works, this is, I imagine, a rather accurate portrait of what most governesses went through. Somewhat dry, and the narrator tends to come across as young and self-indulgent (but she admits that in the beginnign), but the romance is beautifully understated and Agnes' growth into adulthood is real. Nice that it's available, so it's possible to read all the Bronte's works.

A Sweet Story

To be honest, not a whole lot happens in this book as far as plot goes, but I surprisingly liked it. The narration was not thick and heavy. It almost sounded as though a person from today was talking, the way some things were worded. The main character (who does most of the narration throughout the book) was able to get her points across clearly in a way you could understand quite well. I was able to identify in many ways with circumstances the character found herself in. Many times I stopped after reading something and thought, "Someone back then thought that, too?" The only thing I wish the author would have included is a scene at the end where Mr. Weston tells Agnes what it had been about her that attracted him to her (like personality, wit, etc.?-- sort of like at the end of "Pride and Prejudice"). There is never a reason given anywhere in the story, so we're to assume that it is because Agnes is the heroine of the book (which is NOT a good enough reason!). I know several people have expressed a wish see this done as a movie, but frankly I don't think it's filmable. It's great as a book, but as a movie (unless the director took great liberties with the storyline) would be flat and dull. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in all things Bronte-- it's a sweet story.

Love within a dejected heart

Agnes Grey is a wonderful portrayal of the life of a young girl striving to bring meaning and love to her life. Ms. Grey is a simple, overlooked girl full of knowledge and goodness. Surrounded by those with power and money, Agnes realizes that wealth does not bring happiness or refinement.

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