A fascinating and very enjoyable read. A great follow up to the author's last book; this time we follow the story of Jane Austen's niece, Fanny, who marries a widower. His daughter, Mary, then falls in love with Fanny's brother, Ned, with great opposition from her father.

What happens when two women, bound by a common household, find themselves at odds?

In the Elopement, Gill Hornby continues her rich and observational exploration of the extended Austen clan, this time imagining the private dramas that might have shaped the lives of Fanny Knatchbull (nee Knight) and her stepdaughter, Mary Dorothea Knatchbull. Set in the regency era where genteel expectations and social constraints govern all, especially women, Hornby highlights the quiet tensions and rebellious undercurrents of two families bound by propriety than by affection.

Elegant, informative, and persuasively intriguing (there is an elopement, after all) the book casts a wide conjectural net on the relationship between the two women bound by duty, familial bond, and simmering tensions. Drawing on personal diaries and letters of correspondence, Hornby builds a richly textured fictional narrative around recorded gaps in history.

Hornby’s sharp eye picks up on the silent sacrifices and snubs buried within the daily jottings of Fanny’s diary, which speaks volumes about her fraught relation with her stepchildren in her own household, especially the eldest Mary Dorothea.

When we first meet Fanny, she is in overwhelmed by the unexpected news of her engagement to Mr Knatchbull, a widower. Her surprise at the proposal (she thought she was too old) and her subsequent short betrothal, and swift relocation to, the Knatchbull residence sets novels events in motion. There she meets Mary Dorothea, the eldest of her husband’s children. Their early encounters are overwrought with polite interactions, leading to painfully awkward conversations and half-hearted attempts at bonding — like taking morning tea together, are ignored or forgotten — one cannot say with certainty.

Fanny appears unfazed, choosing instead to focus on building a new family with Mr Knatchbull. When she learns that are siblings are thriving without her, it leaves her bereft, but rather than turn her attention towards her new stepchildren, they remain largely absent from her thoughts, save for the occasional fleeting remark about their schooling.

As the narrative progresses, Mary Dorothea begins to stand out, not just to the reader, but to Fanny’s own family, who speaking admiringly of her vivacity, beauty, and eloquence as they frame their observation as they discuss the growing affection between her and Mr Knight, their brother.

Fanny’s shock at this revelation and Mary’s inner turmoil as her family is vehemently against this union sets the emotional arc for the book’s final act. Horrby’s prose is unhurried, allowing the story to build in emotional resonance as Mary’s decision begin to unsettle her family’s quiet domestic life. Hornby’s wordplay shines in this final act — her Austenesque dialogue repartee between a young woman, caught in an emotional turmoil daring to defy her parent’s order is searing and painful.
Mary’s emotional maturity in her ability to reason through love and loyalty contrasts to her father’s obstinate manipulation tactics. Her decision to elope, spurred on by her siblings and nanny becomes a declaration of her freedom of choice. Hornby builds this moment up with such emotional clarity that the reader can’t help but cheer for Mary when she starts packing her trunk, getting ready to elope!

At its heart, The Elopement is about choice— Fanny choosing to anchor herself in domestic quietude and Mary choosing to marry for love, something her aunt by marriage would be proud of. Hornby could have easily done these two women a disservice by pitting them against each other. Instead, she decides to show the reader to consider how women, in any era, navigate the boundaries imposed on them, and what it costs to cross them. For Mary, it was a choice borne out of love, and for Fanny, it was a choice borne out of love for her children and husband.

In the end, The Elopement by Gill Hornby offers a nuanced perspective into the lives of genteel ladies of the Regency era where some were content within the confines of tradition, and others who stepped quietly and defiantly away from it. And, maybe in that small step, they left their footprint in history.

Gill Hornby’s The Elopement is a smart, engaging slice of historical fiction that’s full of heart, drama, and complex relationships. Yes, the title kind of gives away the ending—but the real joy is in how we get there.

The story kicks off when Mary Dorothea Knatchbull’s father remarries Fanny Knight, who just happens to be Jane Austen’s niece. Suddenly, Mary finds herself part of a new family that’s wildly different from her own. What follows is a mix of awkward family dynamics, unexpected friendships, and—eventually—romance.

The relationship between Mary and her new stepmother Fanny is… cold, to say the least. Hornby doesn’t sugarcoat it, and the use of multiple points of view makes it clear this isn’t just Mary's opinion —everyone sees the friction, including Fanny herself. It adds a lot of depth to their interactions and makes their story all the more compelling.

Fanny’s own story, and that of her sisters, also gives a pretty stark look at how limited women’s options were in the 1820s. Marriage was rarely about love, which makes you root for Mary all the more as she searches for something different.

Fans of Hornby’s previous novel Miss Austen will appreciate the inclusion of Cassandra Austen—it’s a nice little thread connecting the two books (and the new TV adaptation, if you're watching). And while the Regency setting might make you think of Bridgerton, this is a very different vibe. Hornby leans into historical accuracy and real-life details, which gives the book a slower pace but a lot more substance.

There’s plenty of drama—friendship, romance, societal pressure, and even a shocking moment involving Mary’s head being shaved. But at its core, The Elopement is a thoughtful, character-driven story that makes you think just as much as it entertains.

If you like your historical fiction with depth, strong women, and a dash of Austen-adjacent flair, this one's definitely worth a read.

The Elopement by Gill Hornby is a thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking historical tale, steeped in the social nuance and restrained drama of Regency life. Inspired by real events, the story centres on Mary Dorothea Knatchbull, whose quiet and ordered world is disrupted when her father, Sir Edward, remarries. His new wife, Fanny Knight—Jane Austen’s beloved niece—brings with her a lively, sociable family and a new way of life that upends Mary’s isolated existence.

Set in 1820, this book captures the constraints and expectations placed upon women in a patriarchal society, where duty, marriage, and propriety often took precedence over personal happiness. The bond that forms between Mary and Mr Knight, full of hope and quiet affection, is written with warmth and care, making the reader root for them as they navigate the obstacles in their path.

Hornby’s writing is elegant and evocative, mirroring the tone and texture of Austen’s own work. She explores the inner lives of her characters with subtlety, particularly Mary, who emerges as a quietly strong and sympathetic young woman. Themes of social duty, family expectations, and the cost of emotional restraint are threaded delicately throughout.

Though some of the relationships within the blended family remain distant—particularly between Mary and her stepmother—the book effectively portrays the complexities of female experience in the early 19th century. Not every romance ends with fulfilment, and many decisions are dictated not by the heart, but by society.

This is a beautifully crafted read, full of period detail and emotional insight. Fans of Jane Austen and historical fiction will find much to admire in this gentle yet poignant story of love, choice, and quiet rebellion.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

It’s delightful to read of the extended Austen family in the style of a Jane Austen novel with family ties, strong willed sisters and delicious romance. I found it slow to start but as Mary’s character developed it became engrossing.

Another tribute to the writing of Jane Austen, where the story is loosely based around her surviving family and their marriages. The main character is Mary Dorothea, who lost her mother at a young age, and finds herself as the stepdaughter of Jane's niece Fanny when she marries Mary's Father. There is a clever conceit where we are slowly shown Fanny's lack of self awareness and the misery that this can bring to those around her. It is a humorous tale of Mary's attempts to please everyone while she falls in love with one of Fanny's brothers. A great read for all those lovers of regency fiction.

If you’re looking for a bit of escapism from the modern world, what could be better than immersing yourself into Regency society?

When Fanny is betrothed to Sir Edward, she is destined to take on the responsibility of his mother-less children. With the boys off at school, it’s daughter Mary Dorothea who tests Fanny’s maternal skills. Trying her best to do right by her own family - the Knights - and her new family - the Knatchbulls - Fanny is torn in two when Mary Dorothea comes of age and quickly falls in love with Fanny’s brother Ned.

Betrothals, secret love, spinster aunts, romantic declarations, carriage rides - Gill Hornby has taken so many features of a Jane Austen novel and reworked them into The Elopement. I was interested to read in the epilogue that the story was inspired by real diaries kept by Fanny.

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, or historical romantic fiction, then you’re sure to enjoy this book.

I've read a good few stories like this over the last while that haven't landed well, so I went into this with trepidation. Happily I found it engaging and it's stayed with me. It wasn't quite what I expected from the description, I thought we'd be veering more heavily into romance territory. Instead, it's an interesting look at combining families following a loss and the dynamics of that for all involved. It was a witty read, really getting into the idiosyncrasies of these characters. Really enjoyed.

Another wonderful book from Gill Hornby! Once again the genre of Jane Austin and her family come to life. I heartily recommend this book.

Gill Hornby has done it again with another beautifully written Austen-adjacent family drama that opens up the world of the extended family A.J. (or, After Jane, if I may coin a phrase!).

This one focuses on the family that Jane Austen's niece Fanny Knight married into: the Knatchbulls. It goes far deeper than a typical Regency romance, with a meaningful thread on the subject of women's freedom of choice (or lack thereof) uniting the narrative. It alternates between giving us the viewpoint of Fanny and that of her stepdaughter Mary Dorothea.

As usual in a Gill Hornby book, the research and the historical voice are impeccable! I've come away with new information and interpretations about some of the individuals in Austen's world and beyond it. Loved the reading experience.

Jane Austen would, I think, have been entertained and pleased by this story of her family’s descendants. Certainly there is sadness and heartache but also romance and vivid description of destinies fulfilled.

I normally don’t do historical fiction but love Jane Austin’s books so couldn’t miss a book based on the notes of one her relatives. Was a disappointed, No. the writing really bought alive the environment at the time. The characters really drew you in. Would I recommend this book, definitely a yes but it wasn’t a 5 star read.

An interesting novel based on the notes of a relative of Jane Austen. It really brought alive a sense of the lives and times of the more wealthy but also highlighted the constraints and perils of the females.
It took a lots to get going, especially as there are a few characters, but the second half was especially good.

The Elopement by Gill Hornby
This novel is based on the true story of Fanny Knight, the niece of Jane Austen. Jane Austen is already dead when this story begins and we meet Fanny who has taken on the responsibility for looking after her family and numerous brothers and sisters. She then finds herself the object of a proposal of matrimony from Sir Edward Knatchbull and so becomes the step mother of Mary Dorothea, his daughter, and his sons.
Fanny never becomes close to Mary Dorothea although everyone else sings her praises. The book is all about the choices which women were forced into and the fact that their lives are governed by the men in the family. There are a number of thwarted romances and when people marry it seems mainly for reasons other than love.
The book was very entertaining and I found myself really enjoying the story and wondering how matters would be resolved. It was well written and evoked the novels of Jane Austen. This book will I am sure appeal to Austen fans. I would like to thank the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.

A worthy addition to Hornby's two previous novels on the life and times of Austen's family. She draws the characters well, distinguishing between the many (and similarly-named) people effectively. The reader finds themselves understanding the characters even when they behave very unsympathetically, and the depiction of age-old tensions that exist in families are finely-drawn and achingly real.

I really loved Gill Hornby's previous Austen novels, *Miss Austen* and *Godmersham Park*, so I was excited to dive into this third one—and it definitely didn't disappoint. This time, we follow Fanny Knight (who becomes Lady Knatchbull) and her stepdaughter, Mary Dorothea Knatchbull. Their relationship is far from smooth, and there's a pretty shocking moment when Mary's head is shaved just before she’s supposed to attend a ball. Later, when Mary falls in love, her chosen suitor isn’t exactly approved by everyone... but I won't spoil the details—just keep the title in mind!

Cassandra, Jane Austen's sister, also pops up in the story, and there's this lovely scene towards the end with a family cricket game at Chawton. Picture adults and a ton of tiny children just enjoying themselves—it's such a heartwarming moment.

As I read, I kept reflecting on the challenges women faced during this time—the lack of freedom, male dominance, and the constant risks tied to childbirth. It's all seamlessly woven into a story full of rich characters and plenty of drama. I’m already looking forward to the next book about the Austen family!

For all lovers of history - Based on the real-life diaries of Fanny, Gill Hornby has managed to bring the whole cast vividly to life, along with their opinions and characteristics.
Read in 2 sittings, if sleep hadn't prevailed I would have devoured in one.
📕

The Elopement dramatises the true story of Fanny Knight - niece of Jane (deceased at the point of this story) and Cassandra Austen - and her stepdaughter Mary Dorothea.

Fanny, who has taken on responsibility for her home and siblings, is extremely surprised to be proposed to by Sir Edward Knatchbull, a man with several children in need of a mother (though he also claims to love her). He wants her to be a mother to eldest daughter Mary in particular, as does Fanny herself, but the relationship never quite works, and new strains appear as Mary grows up.

It's powerfully shown here how little choice women - and many men - have about the course their lives should take. Several romances and potential marriages for various characters are vetoed on grounds of unsuitability, leading to heartbreak.

For Mary's father, his word is law - any alternative views she may hold are simply incorrect and certainly irrelevant. Desperate measures may be called for.

Fanny is an interesting character - she doesn't have ill intent, but some of her actions are certainly damaging. She certainly seems to lack a degree of empathy for Mary, in particular.

I haven't read Gill Hornby's previous books about the Austen family (or seen the TV series based on "Miss Austen") but I may have to rectify that, as I did really enjoy this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gill Hornby's previous Austen novels, 'Miss Austen' and 'Godmersham Park', and this third book is a worthy successor.
We follow the stories of Fanny Knight, who becomes Lady Knatchbull, and Mary Dorothea Knatchbull, her step daughter. All is not plain sailing between the pair and there is a shocking event involving shaving Mary's head shortly before she attends a ball. When Mary Dorothea later falls in love, her suitor is not approved of and...no spoilers, but remember the title.
Cassandra, Jane Austen's sister, appears in the narrative and the family cricket game she witnesses on the lawn at Chawton towards the end of the book with adults and hordes of tiny children having the time of their lives is an absolute joy.
Throughout the book, one cannot help reflecting on women's lives in this period - the lack of freedom, male dominance and the ever present dangers associated with childbirth. All is cleverly woven into a compelling tale stuffed with believable characters and plenty of action. I can't wait for the next novel about the Austen family!

This was an interesting read. We are introduced to Fanny, who is one of Jane Austen's nieces, and who very much want to be married. She finds herself in quite the situation after she receives a surprise proposal and agrees to marriage only to quickly responsible for the gentleman's many children. The story doesn't get much more encouraging from there, but like I said, it is interesting to see how her journey goes.