The BBC’s new four-part period drama series, Miss Austen, is set to captivate audiences starting Sunday, February 2, 2025. This new adaptation explores the life of one of England's most cherished authors, Jane Austen, through the eyes of her sister, Cassandra Austen. It shines a light on the lesser-known aspects of Jane's life, intertwined with the poignant, familial bonds of sisters.
Miss Austen is based on the 2020 novel by Gill Hornby, wrapping its narrative around the infamous act of Cassandra burning her sister Jane's letters—a decision steeped with both love and controversy. History tells us barely anything about Jane's life beyond her novels, and the few surviving letters offer only glimpses of her vivacious personality and experiences.
Viewers will find Miss Austen reminiscent of classic period dramas popularized by the likes of Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey. Keeley Hawes takes center stage as the older Cassandra, alongside Synnove Karlsen, who portrays her younger self. The series traverses two timelines: one set in 1830 as Cassandra navigates the emotional terrain of her sister's legacy, and flashbacks to their youth, which reveal the origins of their close relationship.
Cassandra’s character is fleshed out alongside pivotal figures such as the spirited Jane, played by Patsy Ferran, and Isabella Fowle, portrayed by the talented Rose Leslie. The series delves deep, both narratively and emotionally, showcasing how the sisters’ distinct paths carved the fabric of their relationship. "There is no greater comfort in this world than a sister," Cassandra asserts, spoken within the nuanced performances of the cast.
The backdrop of the story also takes viewers to the Fowle family home, where much of the drama and intrigue revolving around the burning of Jane's letters occurs. The letters themselves are symbolic—each fragment representing Jane’s thoughts, dreams, and frustrations—a literary flame Cassandra must decide to extinguish or keep alive.
Episodes weave between the realities of their lives and the imaginative corridors of what might have been. Several historical accuracies ground the dramatization, including the fact Cassandra did burn nearly all of Jane’s letters to safeguard her sister's reputation posthumously—a decision driven by love, but layered with complexity.
According to Hornby, the narrative seeks to challenge the perception of Cassandra as merely the villain of the story. "Did she? There’s no evidence to suggest [Jane longed for marriage]," Hornby reflects on the mischaracterization of Jane’s romantic aspirations, hinting at the pervasive myths surrounding her legacy.
The show's writer Andrea Gibb elaborates on this concept, noting, "By destroying the correspondence, [Cassandra] has protected her sister’s legacy as it’s ensured Jane has been remembered for her body of work." This significant perspective brings humanity to the otherwise misunderstood character of Cassandra, allowing viewers to empathize with the difficult choices she faced.
The atmosphere of the show embraces the wit and heartbreak inherent to Austen's work, drawing parallels to the relationships and societal expectations the sisters navigated. This dynamic sets the stage to explore themes like sisterhood, legacy, and the burden of memory—a haunting echo felt deeply as Cassandra grapples with Jane's past.
While audiences may initially tune in to enjoy the sumptuous costumes and picturesque settings typical of period dramas, the series promises to deliver much more—a thoughtful inquiry blending fact and fiction, ushering viewers through both Jane and Cassandra’s lives.
With its star-studded cast, including the likes of Alfred Enoch and Jessica Hynes, Miss Austen portrays not only intense familial connections but also societal dynamics of Georgian England—showcasing both love stories and enduring friendships.
What remains unclear, as the narrative progresses, is just how much creative license has been taken. The true story of why Cassandra chose to destroy so many of Jane’s letters may never be definitively known, but Miss Austen invites viewers to ponder these questions as they engage deeply with the sisters' journeys.
From the writers to the performances, Miss Austen embodies the elegance and complexity of the author’s real-life inspirations, reminding audiences of the timelessness of Jane Austen’s themes. The show is bound to leave its mark, ensuring Jane Austen’s literary legacy continues to resonate with fans old and new.