The Elopement

The Elopement is a novel set in the early 19th Century, following the Austen family during a tumultuous time when an unconventional marriage divides the family and turmoil ensues. The novel is imbued with Austen's wit and observational powers, with an added twenty-first-century twist. It has been praised for its meticulous research and lavish imagination, gripping and moving, and sharp and funny. Readers have praised its warmth, wit, suspense, and poignancy, calling it one of the best books they have read this year.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 22 May 2025
Publisher: Cornerstone

The brand new novel from the bestselling author of Miss Austen and Godmersham Park plunges us into the lives of the Austen family during the early 19th Century, where an unconventional marriage divides a family and turmoil ensues.

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

'Impeccably researched and lavishly imagined’ The Times

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

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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?

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Readers are loving The Elopement!

'I loved every minute of this novel'

'A gem'

‘Gill Hornby has managed to bring the whole cast vividly to life’

‘Full of warmth, wit and suspense’

‘One of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s a delight - by turns refreshing, funny, romantic, poignant and touching’

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529903331