Agnes Grey is the story of a young woman who is forced by poverty to work as a governess for wealthy families while attempting to find love and happiness of her own. Set in early Victorian England, and based on Anne Bronte's own experiences, the novel explores Agnes's struggles with her cruel, uncaring employers, and a society that does not value a woman of her low position. Though less well known than the novels of her sisters, Emily and Charlotte, Anne's first book has been praised by critics for its wit and "near perfect prose."