A friendly meeting place to read and discuss anything Austen...
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| Jonny Lee-Miller and Frances O'Connor in Mansfield Park 1999 |
As Jane Austen fans, we are never short of new adaptations to enjoy. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Persuasion have each had numerous film and television versions—sometimes several within a single decade. Austen’s wit, her timeless themes of love, class, and social ambition, and her cast of unforgettable characters continue to capture audiences worldwide.
The English edition has just been released worldwide, with versions in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Brazilian Portuguese on the way — proof that Austen’s wit and romance continue to speak across languages and cultures.
Sebastian Faulks, in an essay
marking Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, offers a provocative re-reading of Pride
and Prejudice — one that may challenge even the most ardent Mr Darcy
admirers.
Faulks paints Darcy in stark terms: “mostly miserable” and, at times, “unforgivably cruel.” While modern adaptations have polished him into a brooding heartthrob, Austen’s own text is far more complicated. Faulks argues that Darcy is arrogant, socially tone-deaf, and even manipulative — especially in his treatment of Jane and Bingley. His famed proposal to Elizabeth, which many read as romantic tension, is framed by Faulks as a shocking display of class-conscious cruelty.
Of all Jane Austen’s heroines, Elizabeth Bennet may be the most beloved—and with good reason. Spirited, witty, and fiercely independent, Lizzy walks through Pride and Prejudice with a confidence that feels strikingly modern. She refuses to marry for convenience, she values integrity over wealth, and she’s unafraid to speak her mind, even to a man like Mr. Darcy. But beneath her quick tongue and clever observations lies something deeper: a strong and evolving sense of self-worth.
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| The Complete Novels by Jane Austen, The Folio Society |
Jane Austen’s novels have enchanted readers for more than two centuries, and in 2025 her 250th anniversary is being marked with something truly extraordinary. The Folio Society has created a six-volume limited edition box set of The Complete Novels—a landmark in bookmaking, with only 750 copies available worldwide.
To celebrate this remarkable release, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the edition—James Rose (Head of Editorial), Kate Grimwade (Production Director), illustrator Sarah Young, and box designer Emily Benton. In this special Q&A, they share insights into the artistry, craft, and inspiration that went into bringing Austen’s timeless works to life in such a beautiful form.
by Maria Grazia, My Jane Austen Book Club
Her latest novel, Six Weeks by the Sea, offers a compelling blend of historical insight and imaginative storytelling. Set during the summer of 1801, the book follows a young Jane Austen during a six-week holiday in Sidmouth, where she becomes entangled in a quietly dramatic love triangle—with both a dashing Royal Navy captain and a thoughtful, abolitionist lawyer vying for her heart. Drawing on known facts and rich period detail, Paula creates a vivid world of family ties, social pressures, and romantic possibility—all with her signature grace and intelligence.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Vanity Fair Italia published a delightful and thought-provoking piece by Alessandra Gonnella asking: Where are today’s Mr. Darcys?
👉 Link to the original article on Vanity Fair Italia: Dove sono i Mr Darcy di oggi?
Jane Austen’s works
have crossed centuries, borders, and languages—continuing to speak to readers
around the world. Recently, Persuasion has taken on new life in Arabic,
thanks to the thoughtful work of freelance translator Maha Mahmoud Saleh, based
in Cairo.
When she reached out to share news of her translation, I was immediately intrigued—not only by the beautiful cover of the Arabic edition, but also by the opportunity to explore how Austen’s elegant irony and emotional depth could be reimagined for a different linguistic and cultural audience. Maha shared that she began her translation process by watching a 1990s film adaptation of Persuasion, and was struck by how familiar the story felt—almost like an old Arabic romantic drama. “If it weren’t for the distinctly English setting,” she told me, “I would have thought I was watching an old Arabic movie starring Faten Hamama and Omar Sharif—dubbed into English!”
Among Jane Austen’s heroines, Emma Woodhouse stands out—not because she’s the most virtuous or modest, but because she’s bold, flawed, and entirely herself. At the novel’s outset, she is beautiful, clever, and rich—as Austen famously puts it—but also proud, meddling, and often blind to the needs and feelings of others. And yet, this complexity is precisely what makes her compelling. In an era when women were expected to marry well and behave modestly, Emma chooses independence and unapologetic self-confidence. This post explores how Emma’s journey through mistakes, self-awareness, and emotional growth makes her a surprisingly modern model of self-love—not as a static ideal, but as a dynamic, evolving woman learning to love herself more wisely.
Dear Janeites and romance lovers,
I’m thrilled to welcome Alana Highbury to My Jane Austen Book Club! Alana has once
again woven Austen-inspired magic with her latest contemporary romance, the
second book in her captivating series. This time, she brings us a modern take
on Persuasion, filled with
heartbreak, second chances, and the undeniable pull of unfinished love.
In this novel, Annie is forced to confront her past when Kylan—the man whose heart she broke four years ago—unexpectedly re-enters her life. As she struggles to rebuild herself after personal setbacks, Annie must navigate not only her lingering feelings for Kylan but also the professional challenge of working with him. Will she be able to hold her ground, or will fate offer them a long-awaited second chance?
Join me as I chat with Alana about her inspiration, the emotional depths of her characters, and what’s next in her Austen-inspired world! MG💕
In this retelling, she plays an integral role in Darcy and Elizabeth’s love story. After overhearing Darcy say he will never marry her on the night of the assembly, Caroline decides that the best way to continue enjoying access to Pemberley and Darcy’s social connections is to be the dearest friend of his future wife. And when Darcy admires Elizabeth’s “fine eyes” at Lucas Lodge, Caroline knows who his future bride ought to be.
Today I am sharing an excerpt from that party at Lucas Lodge. When Caroline sees Elizabeth not as a rival but more of a project, the course of the story takes a very different course….
Jayne Bamber
I’m absolutely delighted to bring you some news that I think will set every
Janeite’s heart fluttering — Miss Austen, the long-awaited
mini-series based on Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel, is finally
arriving on your screens! Mark your calendars: this four-part drama premieres Sunday,
May 4, 2025, at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE
on PBS.
Long-time followers of My Jane Austen Book Club will remember when we first featured Miss Austen the novel, a beautifully imagined re-telling of the mystery behind why Cassandra Austen destroyed so many of Jane’s letters. You can read my original review here. I even had the joy of interviewing Gill Hornby in 2022 when her equally enchanting Godmersham Park was released — you can find that interview here!
We are thrilled to welcome
author Natalie Jenner back to My Jane Austen Book Club to discuss her
latest novel, Austen at Sea. Known for her captivating historical
fiction and her deep love of all things Austen, Natalie Jenner’s new book takes
readers on a transatlantic adventure filled with literary intrigue, romance,
and the enduring spirit of Jane Austen herself.
In Austen at Sea, readers will follow the Stevenson sisters and the Nelson brothers as they journey to England in 1865, lured by the promise of a rare Austen artifact and the chance to meet her last surviving brother, Sir Francis Austen. Alongside historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Jenner masterfully weaves a tale of adventure and self-discovery, all under the guiding influence of Austen’s legacy.
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Today on My Jane Austen Book Club, I’m excited to welcome Barry S Richman, author of the newly released Follow the Drum—a bold and unique retelling of Pride & Prejudice set against the backdrop of military life. This variation brings Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy into a world shaped by duty, honor, and the realities of war, offering readers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.
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It’s always a delight to explore new takes on Jane Austen’s world, and today, we’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Bull, author of the Miss Austen Investigates series. Her latest novel, A Fortune Most Fatal, brings us another delightful mystery featuring none other than Jane Austen herself—this time, unravelling secrets in 1797 Kent. With wit, charm, and an irresistible puzzle at its heart, this book is sure to captivate both Austen fans and mystery lovers alike.
Scroll down and join us as Jessica shares insights into her inspiration, the challenges of blending history with detective fiction, and what’s next for our favourite literary sleuth!
On the occasion of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday,
internationally renowned novelist and scholar Janet Todd offers readers a
unique gift: a book that blends personal memoir with a deep and thoughtful
engagement with Austen’s timeless works. In this intimate and insightful volume,
Todd reflects on how Austen’s novels have guided her through different phases
of her life, offering lessons on patience, humour, beauty, and the meaning of
home.
With a distinguished career that spans feminist
literary scholarship and acclaimed fiction, Janet Todd is one of the foremost
voices in Austen studies. Her latest work not only highlights Austen’s
relevance in today’s world but also reveals how living with Austen’s characters
and stories can shape our understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
In this interview, Janet Todd shares her inspiration, her personal connection to Jane Austen, and why Austen’s wisdom remains as powerful today as it was over two centuries ago.
I’m delighted to welcome Sophie Reynolds, the curator of Jane Austen’s House, and the mind behind this beautifully illustrated volume, to My Jane Austen Book Club. In our conversation, we discuss the treasures of Austen’s home, the inspiration behind the book’s unique structure, and the remarkable moments that shaped the author’s life. Join us as we step into Austen’s world, one season at a time, in this very special anniversary year.
Thank you, Maria Grazia, for inviting me to
come back to My Jane Austen Book Club this month in time to celebrate the month
of love with my Valentine’s Day release, The
Pleasure of Remembrance!
February is the perfect time to talk about
love in Jane Austen’s books, because all of them contain beautiful love stories
that have withstood the test of time and continue to capture our hearts and
inspire new retellings and variations daily.
My favorite of all is the enemies-to-lovers
romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. There’s
something so captivating about their characters and the misunderstandings they
develop before coming to realize that they are a perfect fit for each other.
Although love is the heartbeat of all the
Austen stories, it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Yours Truly is honoured to have been invited to share thoughts on why we continue to read and write about Jane Austen. My heartfelt thanks to Christina Boyd for featuring my piece on her website and for including me among her wonderful monthly guest contributors in this delightful series.
If you’ve ever wondered why Jane Austen has captivated me for so long—and why I’ve been blogging about her all these years—please join me over on Christina’s Quill Ink to read more.
You can read my piece HERE
