News for Austen Enthusiasts: April 2024

It feels like the weather is finally starting to perk up here in Jane Austen’s England, with this blog editor finally cracking out the SPF 50 (my peely-wally Scottish genetics are to thank for this necessity). Is there anything better than getting outside in nature, or even just in the garden, and reading a good Jane Austen books. Whilst putting together this month’s news update, I came across a handful of articles with advice on where to go if you wanted to get the full experience of literary England in the sunshine - I think this is a great idea. Where are your favourite bookish locations to visit when the sun comes out?

Here’s all the Jane Austen news and updates you might have missed in April!

Chawton needs help with Frank Austen’s handwriting

Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, Hampshire has made some exciting acquisitions that have just gone on display in a new exhibition centring around Jane Austen’s brother, Travels with Frank Austen. Amongst the items on display is a 78-page memoir written by Frank himself. There’s just one problem - no one is able to read it. The staff at Chawton are asking for volunteers to help decipher his unusual handwriting. Keen palaeographer? I would get in touch.

New stage adaptation of Sense and Sensibility

A new stage production of Sense and Sensibility is due to make its stage debut in Pitlochry, Scotland this summer. Playwright Frances Poet says that she has endeavoured to “stay true to Austen’s glorious original, while making the heartbreak visceral for a contemporary audience and leaning into the humour.” The play will debut from June 21st and runs until September, so there are plenty of chances to see it if you’re in the area.

Plan a delightful literary day out near London

If you’re a London resident like myself, or have plans to visit the British capital this summer, it’s always nice to get out of the city for a day or two when the weather is nice. Luckily Laura Reynolds at the Londonist has put together a list of book-themed days out within a couple of hours travel of London, from Jane Austen’s Hampshire home to museums celebrating the work of authors such as Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl and Virginia Woolf.

Read the advice at Londonist >>

Emma actor and nature writer become unlikely collaborators

Though it was released in those shadowy, nervous days leading up to the first COVID-19 lockdown, Autumn de Wilde’s Emma made it’s print on the history of Emma adaptations. Johnny Flynn quickly shot up to the top of my list of favourite Knightleys (and it’s not a short list). In his other life, he’s a very talented musician, and has recently collaborated with English Lit professor and nature writer Robert Macfarlane on a new album. How peculiar!

Could you have a goldmine in your bookshelves?

We’re always reading stories about copies of books going for eye-watering sums at auction, but could a valuable volume be nestled in your shelves? Moneyweek has put together an article detailing how much first editions of favourite classics might be worth.

Excitement builds for Series 3 of Bridgerton

You’d have to be living with your head in the sand to have missed the news that a new season of Bridgerton is within touching distance, and we can’t wait! This season is set to follow Penelope, played by Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton. We’ve seen all the promo material and it looks like it’s gearing up to be another corker. Are you excited?

Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist announced

We love to celebrate women’s literature here at the Jane Austen blog, so we’re always excited when there is Women’s Prize news. The shortlist for this year’s fiction prize was announced in April, containing six exciting titles from debut and seasoned writers alike. Which one are you gunning for?