I had been seasoned by adversity, and tutored by experience, and I longed to redeem my lost honour in the eyes of those whose opinion was more than that of all the world to me.

Agnes Grey is forced to become a governess due to her family's circumstances, but struggles with the reality of disobedient children, disdainful employers and an isolated existence. Written from Anne's experience, this is a truly personal and moving coming-of-age story.