Miss Austen, a new BBC drama adapted from Gill Hornby's novel, explores the life of Jane Austen through the eyes of her sister Cassandra, played by Keeley Hawes. The series delves into Cassandra's controversial decision to destroy thousands of Jane's letters after her death, an act often seen as literary vandalism. The drama opens with Cassandra travelling to the home of family friends the Fowles to retrieve letters between Jane and the late Eliza Fowles, fearing they might fall into the wrong hands.
The narrative unfolds through flashbacks as Cassandra reads the letters, revealing the close bond between the sisters. Patsy Ferran portrays the young Jane Austen with wit and intelligence, capturing the essence of the beloved author. The script is praised for its authentic Austen-like dialogue, balancing wit without cruelty.
In the present timeline of 1830, Cassandra becomes involved in the plight of Eliza's daughter Isabella, played by Rose Leslie, who faces an uncertain future after her father's death. The series explores themes of women's dependence and societal constraints, echoing Austen's own works. The performances, including Jessica Hynes as the malevolent sister-in-law Mary, are lauded for their depth and nuance.
Miss Austen is described as a masterly period drama that feels true to the age and to Austen's spirit. While it may not fully forgive Cassandra for her bonfire of letters, it offers a warm and thought-provoking portrait of the Austen sisters' lives.
