News for Austen Enthusiasts: February 2025

Crocuses are in bloom, and £1 daffodil bunches are in the supermarkets - Spring is truly on its way. As we progress through Jane Austen's 250th year, more and more excitement is building for all of the events that are planned to mark the occasion, something that is clear in all the coverage we're seeing this month -- not to mention all the hype around Miss Austen. 

Here's all the Jane Austen news and updates from February 2025. 

Gill Hornby talks all things Austen

We've all been locked into the BBC's new series Miss Austen, adapted from the novel by Gill Hornby. With more than one Austen-adjacent novel out in the world, Hornby has spent a lot of time thinking about and researching the life of our favourite writer. Hornby has given an interview to Country Living, who asked her all about the place Jane Austen has in her life, and the misconceptions we might have about the author. 

Read the interview at Country Living >>

 

Where to start with Jane Austen

Okay, so we'll all have differing opinions on the best Austen to start with, but sometimes you need to appeal to authority. The Guardian has put together a list of the best Austen to read in different circumstances, from which one to read first to the best one to whip out at a dinner party to impress your friends. 

Read it at the Guardian >> 

 

BBC Arts gives first look at Jane Austen documentary 

The BBC has teased a new three-part documentary series about Austen called Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius. Each episode will look at one of Austen's great works, with talking heads from actors, author and academics who have felt her impact. Though there is no release date for it yet, we expect it will form part of the beeb's 250th anniversary offerings. 

Read the press release on the BBC >>

 

The Gen Z fans keeping Austen alive 

A new feature in Cosmopolitan has highlighted the cohort of young Jane Austen fans who continue to be inspired by our favourite author, using her work as inspiration and fuel for their own hobbies and livelihoods. Despite rumours that BookTok is all fantasy romance, there is a devoted cohort of classics readers who love all things Regency, and who are inspired by the strong female characters in Austen's work. 

Read it at Cosmopolitan >> 

 

Miss Austen inspires Regency interiors

When the first season of Bridgerton hit screens in the midst of lockdown, we were all about the pastels, flurries of florals and wisteria-draped gardens. Now, another period drama is influencing interiors - Miss Austen. This piece in Country Living uses the show to inspire interior spaces, though in a decidedly more subtle way than Bridgerton did.

Read more at Country Living>>

 

New Jane Austen editions cause consternation 

Penguin Random House's children's imprint Puffin has drawn attention on BookTok for their new YA inspired Jane Austen editions. The new editions, which feature bright neon covers, hope to draw young readers towards the classics, but some people really don't like them. They will also feature intros from YA writers, talking about their own experience with Austen's work. What do you think - bop or flop? 

Read more at the Guardian >>

 

Running club goes on Austen-inspired trail! 

The Overton Harriers in Hampshire have taken some Austenian inspiration, helping to launch a new Jane Austen inspired trail route. The nine-mile circuit (about 14.5km) takes in Ashe, Deane and Austen's birthplace, Steventon, before returning to Overton. The trail utilises waymarked country paths and is suitable for walking and running.  

Read more at the Basingstoke Gazette >>

 

Jane Austen inspired Romcom gets UK/IRE Distributor

You might remember us reporting the buzz around a new movie called Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, which premiered at last year's Toronto Film Festival. Well, since then, the life of the film seems to have been a little dubious, but we're pleased to report that Icon Film have picked up the UK and Ireland rights, so hopefully we can expect to see it landing on British and Irish screens sometime in the near future. We'll keep you posted. 

Read more at Screen Daily >>

AS ALWAYS, WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW IF WE HAVE MISSED ANYTHING, AS WELL AS ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEWS!