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Maizie Ferguson

"All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find..."

And so commences Anne Brontë's masterful debut novel, Agnes Grey, published in 1847.


Title page from the 1847 publication of Agnes Grey


 

Welcome once again, dearest Janeites, to the Austen-Brontë reader series. As November marches solidly on and chill weather takes hold, you may find yourself in search of your next great TBR. Forage no further! We simply could not let the year end without taking a look at another Brontë sister's work, so over the next three weeks I will do just that, covering Anne Brontë's Agnes Grey in perfectly-sized portions. Should you decide to follow along, you can expect a brief chapter summary and reflection post every Tuesday, beginning November 26.


The reading schedule is as follows:


November 26: Chapters 1-9

December 3: Chapters 10-17

December 10: Chapters 18-25

December 17: Conclusion


Why join me?


Agnes Grey, Anne Brontë's first novel, is highly biographical, brimming with lyrical prose and quiet significance. Today marks the 177th anniversary of its initial publication. Not only was Agnes Grey released on this date (the 26th of November) in 1847, but Emily Brontë's popular Wuthering Heights, as well, with the novels combined in a three-volume set.


If that doesn't sway you, I bid you, read on. A rather thematic fact: Anne's writerly prowess was likened to none other than dear Jane's herself by George Moore, an Irish artist, writer, and critic. In his interview Moore made several comparisons between Brontë and Austen and expanded upon his interest in and respect for the deft literary minutia that comprise the novel Agnes Grey. I have included what I found to be his most notable remark below:


"If Anne Brontë had lived ten years longer she would have taken a place beside Jane Austen, perhaps even a higher place."

High praise indeed! If that does not compel you to pick up a copy and decide for yourself, I don't know what will. In my humble view, it is practically our duty as Janeites to read Agnes Grey, even if our purpose is to either prove Mr. Moore right or come to our own conclusions about the similarities and differences between Anne Brontë and Jane Austen's writing. This will also be my first reading of the novel, which means you, dear readers, will be privy to first impressions, questions, speculations, and research.


As we journey along together, I would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to use the comments as much or as little as you would like. Keep an eye out for the first post of the Agnes Grey series this upcoming Tuesday, and without further ado, I'll let you get reading!


 

Curious about previous iterations of Austen Brontë reader series? You're in for a treat. Check out Charlotte Brontë's Shirley or Villette, (by yours truly), a delightful Jane Eyre vlog created by Sarah Hurley and Na'dayah Pugh, or Sarah's series on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

If you enjoyed this article, as always, please consider making a donation to keep all online Jane Austen Summer programming free to the public. Thank you.

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