News for Austen Enthusiasts: February 2024

March has well and truly hit its stride, with daffodils and crocuses in bloom, and occasional flirtatious peeks of blue skies, with more to come - hopefully! This edition of Jane Austen news comes to you a little late this month, thanks to this blog editor being struck down with the last lurgies of the winter season - we thank you for waiting patiently. Better late than never, here’s all the Jane Austen news and updates you might have missed in February 2024. 

Hallmark ‘Sense and Sensibility’ celebrates Black Regency heroes 

February was all-Austen for Hallmark’s Loveuary, which included a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. This adaptation was released under their Mahogany brand, which seeks to uplift Black stories. A period adaptation, the production team were keen to highlight notable black figures of the Regency period, who appear as Easter eggs throughout the movie.    

Read more at Forbes >> 

Bath MP makes Jane Austen Centre visit 

It’s always nice to be recognised. Last month we welcomed Bath MP Wera Hobhouse to the centre to see what we’re up to. We’re always excited to show off what we do as one of Bath’s most popular tourist attractions, so Wera Hobhouse’s visit was most welcome. 

Read more at the Bath Echo >>

Nicola Coughlan narrates Sense and Sensibility 

A new Jane Austen audiobook is always welcome - just as many of us have multiple editions of Jane Austen’s work (Emma is my poison of choice), some may choose to listen to multiple editions of a work on audiobook. For those people, the new version of Sense and Sensibility, narrated by Derry Girls and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, will be a welcome addition to the collection. The Guardian review has praised the new recording for bringing new life and nuance to the story. 

Read more at the Guardian >> 

Consternation over Winchester statue continues 

Who would have thought a statue could cause such a faff? Individuals of note continue to pick sides in the debate that rages on about the plans to erect a statue of Jane Austen on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral next year. A public consultation with the sculptor Martin Jennings on February 26th drew a curious crowd, keen to hear about the plans. 

Read more at the Hampshire Chronicle >>

First Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Longlist Announced

As strong believers in the power of women’s writing, we always get excited about the Women’s Prize for Fiction every year. This year, we were delighted to hear about the introduction of a Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. The award has just released its first ever longlist, featuring 16 titles across a range of different subject matter, perfect for anyone who is trying to learn something new and diversify the perspectives they read from. 

Read more at the Guardian >>

New One Day show makes an emotional splash

Though it’s not necessarily Jane Austen related, we think that Austen fans might enjoy the story of David Nicholls’ One Day. Like Pride and Prejudice, it sees two lovers come together across social classes, and like Persuasion, it’s a long-term will-they-won’t-they. The new Netflix show starring Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod is a properly good weepy and has received praise for its faithful adaptation of the novel.

Read more at Glamour >>

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

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