Joanna Godden

By Sheila Kaye-Smith Joanna Godden is what the people of Romney Marsh call “a fine woman”—warm, vigorous, and graced with a strong beauty. Most importantly, she is of a highly independent spirit, with an immense confidence in her own capabilities. Upon the sudden death of her father in the year 1897, Joanna—against the universally shared expectation of her neighbors that she will marry and hand over the running of the family farm to her husband—chooses to manage Little Andsore herself. Year in and year out, Joanna dauntlessly contends with nature, both in running her farm and cultivating her role in the community. Even as she piles farm success upon social success, yet the two deepest desires of her heart—love and family—prove elusive. Attaining those desires will be the greatest test of the spirit and mettle of Joanna Godden. Poor Father said only a week before he was taken, “Pity you ain’t a man, Joanna, with some of the notions you’ve got.” Well, maybe it’s a pity and maybe it isn’