Based on the book written by Gill Hornby, the four-episode drama set in 1830, follows the story of the eldest Austen sister, Cassandra and offers an interpretation about the long-held mystery of why she burned Jane Austen’s letters. With references to Austen’s fictional world as well as biographical elements, Austen fans will find this series a real ‘page-turner’!
Starring actor and Executive Producer Keeley Hawes (The Durells, The Bodyguard) plays Cassandra Austen, whilst Synnøve Karlsen (Medici, Last Night in Soho) portrays her younger self - both delivering a powerful performance. The cast is packed with incredible actors known for excelling in period dramas: Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downtown Abbey), Patsy Ferran (Living, Darkest Hour), Jessica Hynes (Paddington in Peru, Shaun of the Dead), Mirren Mack (Sex Education, The Witcher: Blood Origin), Callum Lynch (Bridgerton, Sweetpea), Alfred Enoch (How To Get Away With Murder, Harry Potter), Max Irons (Red Riding Hood, The Riot Club), Liv Hill (The Serpent Queen, The Great) and Phyllis Logan (Downtown Abbey).
The nostalgic flashbacks of the earlier days of endearing sisterhood between Jane Austen and Cassandra, offers almost, as Keely Hawes puts it, “like we're getting a new Jane Austen story"(BBC). The classic Austen formula can be seen in this new adaptation, of young heroines trying to take control of their own lives, facing the strict double standards for women in 19th Century Britain. Not forgetting also, the yearning “Austen-like”, male love interests promising romantic adventures and marriage proposals to these strong heroines. This mini-series definitely promises all of that.
With emotional themes of illness, heartbreak and loss, the series sheds light on the power of sisterhood and the strength of a love that’s not just romantic. Poignantly, with the upcoming 250th anniversary this year of Jane Austen’s birth, the BBC series is a special tribute and nods to the significance of her literary legacy and impact on British fiction.
For some viewers who have tragically never ventured into Austen’s world before, lots of the references and plotlines might be lost, and the series may feel a bit slow-paced compared to other popular romantic dramas. It is very much a "sequel" to previous BBC Austen adaptations, offering a biographical insight into the sisters' lives, alongside a "new Austen story". However, if you are Jane Austen lover through and through, this is a must watch.