Miss Austen

My wife & I both find it extremely confusing & disorienting, although it redeems itself in the end. This might be a story better read than watched. I found myself constantly wanting to stop & flip back a few pages, "who is she again?" "Which Mr. Fowler is he?" "Mother? Whose mother?"

The most disorienting episode is the first, with two different sets of actors playing the younger & older characters, all with various names for the same characters: proper, given, endearments, & nicknames.

Still, as noted, the series pays off in the end. Wonderful cast, good performances, imaginative story. If only everyone wore a name tag.

Period Drama '' Miss Austen '' follows the lives of Jane and Casandra Austen, as the latter reminisces their relationship years later.

The series is quite short, but it does a good job of creating the perfect atmosphere, with spot on costumes and settings, as well as hair and makeup.

The performances were also great by everyone in the cast, but, especially by the actress portraying Jane Austen and the one performing as the older Casandra Austen. Those two really stood out.

However, and even though the story of the past was interesting to follow, the current one was pushed aside and oddly paced as well as poorly concluded.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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.

BBC's Miss Austen is a beautifully crafted period drama that captures the heart and depth of Gill Hornby's novel with elegance and emotional weight. This adaptation brings to life the untold story of Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen's devoted sister, exploring love, loss, and the sacrifices made in a society bound by duty and expectation.

Among the stellar cast, Rose Leslie delivers an outstanding performance as Isabella Fowle. She brings an exquisite blend of warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength to the role, making Isabella a deeply compelling character. Leslie's ability to convey layers of emotion-sometimes with just a glance or a subtle shift in expression-adds remarkable depth to her portrayal. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, she commands the screen with an authenticity that makes her character's journey feel incredibly real and poignant.

Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is effortless, and her nuanced performance elevates the drama, making Isabella not just a supporting character but a vital part of the narrative's emotional core. Leslie's portrayal ensures that Isabella's presence lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

Another stunner from the BBC!!! Well done 👏

This was an excellent drama. I have a suspicion that my 8 rating is a little harsh. This is because I think some of the plot nuances were lost on me, and I believe a second viewing of the complete series would push me to score it 9 or even 10.

It would help if you had some familiarity with Jane Austen's life or her novels. I had neither, but the show makes me want to find out more. The acting is outstanding throughout and despite the rather fast moving and complex plot it held my attention very well. The story unfolds on two timelines, with some important parallels, and that contributes to making it a little hard to follow. But I would not want to discourage anyone from watching. Excellent.