This book examines the role of the governess by looking at several different governess's lives including: Mary Wollstonecroft, Claire Clarmont and Anna Leonowens. It also examines the role of the governess as a heroine in fiction.
One of the more fascinating chapters is on Claire Clairmont, the erstwhile seducer of Bryon, member of the Shelley menage a trois who eventually became a governess in Russia. Bryon comes off rather badly in the whole affair. It was also fascinating to learn about Anna Leonowens and how she reinvented herself in order to become governess to the King of Siam.
A thoroughly fascinating read and I love the cover!
An Impulsive Debutante* (M&BH Sept 08)*A Question of Impropriety (M&BH Nov 08)* Viking Warrior Unwilling Wife (Hh Dec 08)
website: http://www.michellestyles.co.uk * blog http://www.michellestyles.blogspot.com
