BBC viewers are eagerly engaging with the new period drama series, Miss Austen, which premiered on February 2, 2025. This heartwarming and captivating narrative centers around Cassandra Austen, the older sister of the celebrated novelist Jane Austen, exploring the poignant reasoning behind why Cassandra burned many of Jane's letters after her death.
Starring Keeley Hawes as Cassandra, the show is adapted from Gill Hornby’s novel and is set against the backdrop of Kintbury and Chawton, where the Austen sisters shared their lives. The series depicts Cassandra as she seeks to protect her sister’s legacy by preventing potentially damaging letters from falling prey to prying eyes. According to the BBC, "Cassandra is ostensibly there to help Isabella, but her real motive is to find a hidden bundle of private letters which, in the wrong hands, she fears could destroy Jane’s reputation.”
The emotional weight of the narrative is magnified through flashbacks detailing the deep connection between the sisters. "Cassandra is engaged to Tom and shortly after their engagement he goes away for a year and sadly doesn’t return. So, for the rest of Cassandra’s life she doesn’t marry and have a family of her own," remarked Keeley Hawes, reflecting on Cassandra's lifelong devotion to Jane.
Throughout the series, Hastings' character grapples with significant loss and sacrifice. The show poignantly revisits their childhood, highlighting how their close bond influenced Jane’s writing. Executive producer Christine Langan states, “We like to think of Cassandra as the midwife to Jane’s writing – the first reader, the first audience, and the protection of Jane’s reputation.”
Across social media, viewers have expressed their admiration for the series and its performances. One reviewer tweeted, “Speechless! Keeley Hawes’ performance as Cassandra Austen is nothing less than masterful. #MissAusten.” Another viewer, representing the sentiments of many, shared, “I’ve already watched all 4 episodes of Miss Austen. It is a wonderful adaptation of Gill Hornby’s book and a beautiful tribute to Jane and Cassandra Austen.”
The intertwining stories from Cassandra’s later life and her childhood memories reveal the challenges they faced, particularly after the death of their father. Jane's unfulfilled aspirations and struggles with her identity resonate throughout the narrative. Expressing the gravity of her feelings, Cassandra once wrote, "It is as if I had lost a part of myself” after Jane’s death, emphasizing the depth of their connection.
The series opens with Cassandra rushing to help her niece, Isabella, highlighting themes of familial obligation and loyalty. The narrative weaves through both timeline constructs, enriching the audience's experience of the sisters' story. The flashbacks offer insights not only on their companionship but add layers to the enduring intrigue around Jane’s letters.
Critics have praised Miss Austen for balancing its historical roots with relatable storytelling, focusing on the intricacies of family dynamics. Keeley Hawes noted, "I was sent the first episode of Miss Austen knowing nothing at all about this story, and instantly I found it absolutely fascinating and charming.” This reception speaks to the productions' ability to connect with contemporary audiences.
Jane's own words echo through time: “She has protected me always and I know she will protect my legacy after I have gone,” reflecting on Cassandra's shadowy role as the guardian of her sister's reputation. This intimacy and emotional sincerity are what make this drama resonate deeply.
Viewers can now watch all four episodes on BBC iPlayer, allowing them to explore the detailed narrative of the two sisters. The emotional depth, coupled with the historical elements, offers audiences not just entertainment, but also reflection on deep-rooted themes of love, loss, and the bonds of sisterhood.
With the celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birth anniversary underway, Miss Austen serves not only as homage to the beloved author but also reintroduces her story through the lens of family and legacy. It’s more than just periods and costumes; it's the poignant exploration of two lives intertwined through the joys and sorrows of existence.