Miss Austen

The casting of this well-written production is brilliant - especially the Cassandras, very similar in looks and mannerisms. The letters and novels are interwoven well and the modest, cross-generational content nicely in keeping with the works of Jane Austen, so suitable for most ages etc, both for fans and novices alike. All the visual and audio contribution is also on point - nothing over the top, but sensitive to the era, scenarios and real people / characters. Whilst retaining interest, this is a very calming and comforting timeless series I will watch over and over again. Thank you for such an excellent addition to the world of Miss Austen.

This charming series is a treat for all those of us who love a well-written period drama and, in particular, the works of Jane Austen. It was a delight to see this portrayal of Jane as a person, and her loving bond with her sister Cassandra.

There are funny nods to some of Jane's best-loved characters. The Austen parents, played by real-life couple Phylis Logan and Kevin McNally, were clearly Jane's inspiration for Mr. & Mrs. Bennett - with her constant talk about her ailments and desire to match make, and his benevolent patience! Also, when a would-be suitor for Cassandra tells her his home is in Derbyshire, she smiles as this reminds her of her sister's perfect romantic hero, Mr. Darcy, and the beautiful Pemberley.

Every actress in this gives a brilliant performance - it's just a treat from start to finish. It's poignant but also amusing and I enjoyed every minute.

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.

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.

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.