Miss Austen

I cannot be the only viewer who loves to suspend disbelief and disappear into a well-told story on tv. This is especially the case with period costume dramas, and especially those that are about Jane Austen and her works. Why then must the producers break the spell by casting black actors in white roles? Why do they do it? The real-life Mr. Lidderdale was a white man. Of course he was. By miscasting the role this show elicits a groan and eye-rolling, not eager anticipation. Can you imagine casting Brad Pitt as MLK? Of course not. It would be a distraction. So is the casting of Mr Lidderdale in Miss Austen.

That said, all the actors, including Mr. Lidderdale, do a great job with a cleverly written storyline. I love anything Jane Austen and this is no exception. I hope you enjoy as much as I did spotting the links between the characters in this story and those in Jane Austen's works. The ending was beautiful and moving.

Miss Austen delves into the weight of memory and sacrifice, focusing on Cassandra Austen's effort to preserve her sister's legacy. Through complex time shifts and emotional depth, the story depicts a kinship between Jane and Cassandra that goes beyond written words. Cassandra's decision to burn Jane's letters is not only destructive, but also devotional, emphasizing the difficulties endured by those who remain behind. Keeley Hawes gives a restrained yet highly expressive performance as Cassandra, portraying her anguish and strength, while Patsy Ferran's portrayal of Jane Austen is unexpectedly vibrant, reflecting her wit and complexity. Their dynamic serves as the series' emotional center, with each flashback creating a rich tapestry of love, grief, and unspoken understanding.

Beyond its personal story, Miss Austen challenges typical period drama clichés, portraying spinsterhood as both a constraint and a modest act of defiance. With breathtaking cinematography, subdued color palettes, and precise historical detail, the series creates a visually immersive universe while exploring issues of loss, reputation, and female autonomy. Rose Leslie's Isabella represents the challenges of unmarried women, while Jessica Hynes' portrayal of Mary Austen deepens the conflict between ambition and lineage. Miss Austen reexamines Cassandra's notorious blaze as an act of sacrifice rather than destruction, prompting spectators to consider the cost of love, memory, and the weight of untold stories lost to history.

This is a really good adaptation of the novel by Gill Hornby, which explores the relationship between Jane and Cassandra Austen, why Cassandra never married and why she burned Jane's letters after her death. Although largely imagined, the characters are real life personages and the story has been carefully researched. I wasn't initially convinced by the novel, but this adaptation actually does it better and makes a very plausible story. The writing, casting and acting is excellent - especially Patsy Ferran as Jane and Synnove Karlsen as the young Cassandra. Keeley Hawes is good too of course, but some of the "present day" scenes (1830s-40s) drag a bit and are not as interesting as the extensive flashbacks. Once we're in Regency times with Jane and Cassandra and their various suitors, it's utterly enthralling. The "present day" romance between Isabella (Rose Leslie) and the doctor falls a bit flat. However, Max Irons shines as Henry Hobday, a fictionalised but possible love interest for Cassandra. As this is a joint production between PBS Masterpiece and the BBC, I can't help but think that this is PBS wishing to apologise to Austen fans all over the world for the debacle that was Sanditon, particularly the second and third seasons, which were an embarrassment. And perhaps also an apology to Max Irons, who was due to star as Sidney Parker in a film version of Sanditon, which was unfortunately shelved due to the PBS / ITV series. If only the BBC had been involved in that, we might have had something of the quality of this excellent series. Well worth watching for Austen fans and history buffs alike.

Having visited the Jane & Cassandra's Chawton house last year I was thrilled with the aesthetic of this series. The subtle hues of the costumes and set were perfect. Once again the BBC have shown what true class is when delivering a period drama.

I loved the way the stories from the books were woven into the narrative of this series, especially Persuasion, which as Cassie states is certainly Jane Austen's best book (personally opinion, don't come for me).

The dual story line was beautifully portrayed by both sets of cast. I especially loved how many of the characters were as written and played in a way I can imagine them being created by Jane herself.

Series recorded and saved forever.

This was funded by PBS, the American public broadcasting service, but made by the BBC in the U. K. and the quality shows, not just in the casting and acting, but in the costumes and production design. For a change, rather than trotting out another Austen adaptation, the BBC have chosen to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Miss Austen's birth by commissioning an adaptation of the novel Miss Austen' by Gill Hornby, as seen through the eyes of her beloved sister, Cassandra, ably played by actresses Keeley Hawes, as the older Cassie and Synnove Karlsen (a Norwegian/British actress l haven't come across before) but perfectly believable as the prettier of the two sisters.

We don't know why Cassandra burned the thousands of letters that Jane wrote throughout her lifetime - it is said to protect her reputation - and the Jane in this production certainly has wit and a sharp tongue, but the whole business in the importance of letters at that time and how they can distort the truth is explored and Gill Hornby has obviously done a lot of research into the inter-related families, which does get a little overwhelming at times. It would be wise to read a biography of Jane Austen before watching, then it will make more sense working out who is related to whom!

There are one or two factual errors (see in factual error section) and the use of Blind Colour Casting in the character of Dr Lidderdale, who did exist, but certainly wasn't black (black slaves had only recently gained their freedom in the 1840's when this story is set) so you have to suspend some belief. I would also question the attitude of the maid, Dinah, who is so rude and conniving it beggars belief she would ever have remained in the household, but then she does redeem herself at the end - and this is fiction, after all, but very plausible fiction.

It's a fitting and original tribute to Austen and Netflix could learn a lot from it, as they embark on their adaptation of P&P, rather than repeat the mistakes of their abysmal adaptation of 'Persuasion' a few years back.

I hope the Beeb adapt some more of Gill Hornby's other novels, especially Godmersham Park, which again dwells on other real characters that existed in Jane's short life.

Like this adaptation of her work, however, it is likely to be more character, than plot driven.