Agnes Grey, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: Introduction by Lucy Hughes-Hallett (Everyman's Library Classics Series)

Anne Bronte (1820-1849) wrote two novels before her early death at the age of 29. She was, of course, the lesser known of her two famous author sister Charlotte and Emily. Anne, is, nevertheless, well worth reading! In this 200th anniversary of her birth she should be recognized for writing good readable English prose and knew how to tell a story. Agnes Grey is based on her own difficult life as a governess. In this book there is much cruelty to both people and animals. Anne is one of the first authors I can recall who makes note of how we treat our furry friends! We see spoiled and cruel children and a young lady Rosalie who weds for money with a rich landowner only to be disappointed and sad. Agnes weds the saintly clergyman Edward Weston. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall has been seen cinematically and tells the story of a wife and mother whose wastrel husband drinks himself to death and abuses her and his child. Anne told the truth about this kind of marriage and was criticized for it by the literary establishment of her day. An excellent novel. You cannot go wrong in buying an Everyman Library classic! The books are easy to hold in your hands, are printed on fine paper and encased in sturdy bindings. A well recommended book!

Unlike the wildly energetic writings of her sisters, Anne Bronte's sweet morality tale is a calm, predicable journey. Stick with the story even though you will know the ending by the middle chapters. The language and sentiments are interesting and enjoyable all the way through. I was deeply struck by how poorly conversation today stands against these fictitious encounters. And always I remember how tragically short was Anne's life. I hope that some of the pleasantries she shares in this sweet story were enjoyed by her in life.

Anne wrote about real life, for better or worse, and this time it was more about the better than the worse. A nice story that gives great insight into 19th century life and society.

This is the only book of Anne Bronte that I have read and I chose it as a comparison/complement to books by her sisters. It is a well written story about a girl making her way in life after the death of her father. Her experiences as a governess are so well described it is obvious that this portion of the story is autobiographical. Her characters are clearly described and behave in harmony with the traits outlined. A quiet, simple story about a quiet uncomplicated girl and her family circumstances. Very enjoyable.

Certainly a classic in literature!

Lovely volume in wonderful condition. Great service. Thank you.

I red The Tenant of Wildfell Hall a couple years ago and have some great memories doing it. (Haven't read Agnes Grey, do I am not reviewing on that portion of this purchase). It's not nearly as great as Charlotte's Jane Eyre or Emily's Wuthering Heights, but Anne still manages to make the book quite entertaining. I didn't find it slow going at all. And on a humorous note, if you haven't been married, The Tenant may make you think twice!

Anne seemed to be just learning her craft in this one. It was okay, but not great.

Agnes Grey is a wonderful novel. Similar to Jane Eyre by it's poor heroine without much beauty. It is not quite as rich in drama, but more realistic. In fact, from the very beginning, I identified myself much with Agnes so I felt everything she felt. I would not say it is better than Jane Eyre, but I was satisfied in my looking for the same kind of story.Just when I was wondering why romance novels heroes were always rich, intelligent but not so handsome and heroines always poor and beautiful, I happened to read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, with its wealthy and intelligent heroine and comparatively poor but handsome and rather intelligent hero. It is rather dark for a romance novel. I could not quite identify with the Christ-like heroine though, and I hated her faults as much as her husband's.I would characterize Agnes Grey as a pleasant romance novel and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall as a Christian romance novel, with strong morals and life lessons.