The Elopement

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

The new novel from the bestselling author of Miss Austen and Godmersham Park.

1820. Mary Dorothea Knatchbull is living under the sole charge of her widowed father, Sir Edward – a man of strict principles and high Christian values.

But when her father marries Miss Fanny Knight of Godmersham Park, Mary’s life is suddenly changed.

Her new stepmother comes from a large, happy and sociable family and Fanny’s sisters become Mary’s first friends. Her aunt, Miss Cassandra Austen of Chawton, is especially kind. Her brothers are not only amusing, but handsome and charming.

And as Mary Dorothea starts to bloom into a beautiful young woman, she forms an especial bond with one Mr Knight in particular.

Soon, they are deeply in love and determined to marry. They expect no opposition. After all, each is from a good family and has known the other for some years.

It promises to be the most perfect match. Who would want to stand in their way?

'Has all Austen’s wit and unnerving powers of observation with an extra twenty-first century zap' Ferdinand Mount

'Few writers are as perspicacious or half as delightful as Hornby' Karen Joy Fowler

'Gripping and moving and also so sharp and funny. I loved it!’ Sabine Durrant

©2024 Gill Hornby (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

Hornby’s Austen books are funny, bittersweet family sagas, impeccably researched and lavishly imagined
The Times
Combines meticulous research with a fabulously heartfelt feeling for her characters . . . Filled with Austen-esque ironies and humour.
The Daily Express
Joyous . . . captured with apt perspicacity and keen wit
Mail on Sunday
Has all the wit and wisdom of a Jane Austen novel
Red
Combines meticulous period research with a fine feeling for the characters' inner lives, hopes and fears
Daily Mail
I’m so fond of Gill’s books for their vividness at explaining the historical period. She also truly cares about her characters and their welfare
Aine Toner, Belfast Telegraph
Has all Austen’s wit and unnerving powers of observation with an extra twenty-first century zap
Ferdinand Mount
Few writers are as perspicacious or half as delightful as Hornby
Karen Joy Fowler
Gripping and moving and also so sharp and funny. I loved it!
Sabine Durrant
Tremendous . . . Darker than Miss Austen but rendered with her characteristic lightness of touch and neat wit
Nigella Lawson

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Gill Hornby has a wonderfully witty way of writing. As always she must have spent hours researching this most excellent book.
PBee 31/08/2025

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