"PBS gracefully portrays the heart-wrenching romance and sorrow that Jane Austen enthusiasts are intimately acquainted with through 'Miss Austen'"
Rewritten Article:
Miss Austen: A Peek into the Burning of Jane Austen's Letters
Hey there! So, you're curious about this new PBS show, "Masterpiece's" "Miss Austen"? Let's dive into it together!
Jane Austen - a name that's synonymous with elegance, wit, and sharp comedy. Her novels, published between 1811 to 1817, remain timeless, offering readers a delightful escape. What's remarkable is that despite only having seven finished novels under her belt, we're still hungry for more. Why? Because, as a species, we simply can't leave well enough alone!
Enter the ACLU (Austen Cinematic and Literary Universe), the ever-expanding realm of sequels, adaptations, and reimaginations. This universe continues to grow with each passing day, underscoring Austen's enduring impact on literature.
"Miss Austen" offers a unique take on this universe. Adapted from Gill Hornby's 2020 novel, the series focuses on Jane's sister, Cassandra - and the title can apply to either sister! The fascinating concept revolves around the historical mystery of why Cassandra burned the majority of Jane's letters after her death. Don't worry, she's not portrayed as a villain here!
The series unfolds over two timelines filled with parallel action and mirrored themes. In 1830, 13 years after Jane Austen's demise, a message arrives at Cassandra's door that her friend Eliza Fowle's husband is on his deathbed. Cassandra rushes to their home, partly out of friendship and partly to secure Jane's letters to Eliza. This decision propels her into a series of flashbacks that take us on a heartfelt journey through her life with Jane.
These flashbacks reveal Cassandra's own romantic heartbreaks, her close bond with Jane, and the paths they chose together. Synnøve Karlsen's portrayal of younger Cassandra brings to mind Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet in the iconic 1995 BBC "Pride and Prejudice".
With elements from Austen's novels woven into the narrative, "Miss Austen" maintains the charm that makes her works so beloved. However, the storylines delve deeper, touching upon themes of love, sacrifice, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 19th century, both within the Austen family and among the Fowles.
Intrigued? Well, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let yourself get lost in the magical world of Jane Austen!
Television
Television has been on a roll with historical and mystery series lately. "Miss Austen" is no exception, delving into the hearts and minds of the Austen sisters while offering a glimpse into the motives behind the burning of Jane's letters.
Gill Hornby and Christine Langan, the author and executive producer of the series, spoke about the adaptation and the enduring allure of Jane Austen's works.
In the series, the Austens and the Fowles are displaced from their homes due to reduced circumstances, breathing life into characters that echo those from Austen's novels like "Pride and Prejudice". The storylines revolve around the sisters' love, loss, and the eternal quest for happiness, framed against the backdrop of marriage and financial security.
As the series unfolds, viewers will find themselves immersed in a tapestry of romance, intrigue, and familial love that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
No Spoilers, But Prepare for Tears!
The series finale might leave you reaching for a box of tissues (unless you're a heartless monster)! Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the world of Jane Austen and her beloved sister, Cassandra. Enjoy the ride!
Additional Reading
From novel to Oscar contender: How "Eileen" authors Moshfegh and her husband turned a story into a masterpiece
Infatuation and obsession don't always equal love, according to the cast of "Eileen"
Switch up your mystery game with these riveting whodunnits
- Television's fascination with historical and mystery series continues with the PBS show "Masterpiece's" "Miss Austen," which delves into the lives of the Austen sisters and the mystery behind the burning of Jane's letters.
- The series, in part set in California and Hollywood, is based on Gill Hornby's 2020 novel and offers a unique exploration of the enduring allure of Jane Austen's works.
- In addition to entertainment, "Miss Austen" also provides insight into the societal pressures faced by women in the 19th century, with themes of love, sacrifice, and financial security woven into the narrative.
- Readers interested in Austen's world can delve deeper with books, such as the novel on which the series is based, or explore other whodunnits for a switch-up in the mystery genre.
- If you're intrigued by the complexities of relationships and emotional depths, consider reading "Eileen" or attending its movie adaptation, where the themes of infatuation, obsession, and love are explored from a different perspective.
