News for Austen Enthusiasts: October 2021

It feels like the winter is truly upon us here in the UK; the nights are getting longer, the air has a distinct crispness about them, and, importantly, my favourite gingerbread coffees are available again. As always, no matter the season, there is always Austen news. 

Chawton secures roof funding 

In some great news, the Jane Austen's House Museum has secured the funding it needs to safeguard the building's future. Over £135k in funds have been secured from public fundraising as well as grants from Historic England and Hampshire County Council, and will be key in replacing the building's thirty thousand handmade clay roof tiles. 

More at The Guardian >>>

New massive bookshop for Bath!

Bath is fast becoming the premiere literary destination, if it wasn't already. First the unique Persephone Books packed up their London shop and moved to Bath, and now Topping and Company have opened up a brand new location, and it's huge! In fact, it's one of the biggest to open in the UK for quite some time. Do pop in for a browse and a tea if you're in the area (as well as paying us a visit at the Jane Austen Centre, of course). 

More at Somerset Live >>>

Snook Persuasion forced out by Netflix Adaptation

You'd be forgiven if you missed this, because it was neatly tucked into a Vogue Australia interview, just waiting for some eagle eyed Janeite to spot it. Yes, fellow Austen fans, it's bad news. The Sarah Snook Persuasion adaptation we've all been excited for has been shelved! In the article Snook says that it was due to Netflix's decision to also finance their own Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson. We'd love to know what Austen blog readers think about this decision. Were you looking forward to catching both, or is two adaptations of the same book in one year a bit much? Do you think Snook or Johnson would make the best Anne? We'd love to hear. 

As always, we would love to know if we have missed anything, as well as all your thoughts on the news!