News for Austen Enthusiasts: November 2024

The year is trickling to a wet and windy close here in Jane Austen's England, but we won't let that ruin our festive spirit. After all, is there anything us bookish folk love as much as an excuse to get all cosy and bundled up with a good book. We'd love to hear about what you're reading this festive season! Also, what's your favourite hot cosy drink to go alongside it? This blog editor is a fan of a Bailey's hot chocolate.

Anyway, here's all the Jane Austen news and updates from November 2024.

Days dwindling to secure a Jane Austen Christmas gift!

Okay, okay, so this isn't technically news, but it is pressing! If you've been searching high and low for a Christmas present for the Austen lover in your life, or perhaps your mum has been hassling you for ideas for yourself, we've been adding loads of unique gifts to our selection for this year. With just over two weeks to the big day, you better get a move on!

Check out our Christmas Gift selection >>

Casters eyeing up The Crown's Emma Corrin for Elizabeth Bennet role

With the news that Netflix have a new Pride and Prejudice adaptation in the works, the internet has been abuzz with speculation about who will be cast in the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet. Well, the show's lead writer Dolly Alderton has dropped Emma Corrin's name into the discussion. Corrin, who is best known for playing Diana, Princess of Wales, in The Crown, would certainly make for an interesting pick, though hardly an outlandish suggestion. Do we think they could pull it off, or do you think you have a better suggestion?

BBC drops first look at Miss Austen

We've been following updates on the BBC's upcoming adaptation of Gill Hornby's Miss Austen. The story, which follows the life of Jane Austen's ever-mysterious sister Cassandra, is due to hit screens next year as part of the broadcaster's celebrations of Jane Austen's 250th birthday. The show will star Keeley Hawes as Austen's sister, alongside Rose Leslie as Isabella Fowle. An array of other stars will join them! We're finally getting a look at our stars looking the part...

English cities gearing up for 250 Years of Jane Austen festivities in 2025

With Jane Austen's 249th birthday next week, everyone is starting to gear up for their 250th year festivities. Some cities, even, are looking to mark the occasion, with both Bath and Winchester announcing their line-ups for next year. We're doing our best to keep on top of all of the events worldwide here at the Jane Austen blog, and you can find details as well as instructions on how to list your own events here.

Read more here and here >>

Women's Prize Discoveries competition open to entries!

As Jane Austen fans, we're massive supporters of women's literature. In many ways, it can be like seeing Jane Austen's legacy in action. If you have been inspired by Austen and fancy yourself a successor to her, you can now submit the first 10k words of your own novel to the Women's Prize Discoveries competition, which is open for entries until January 13th, 2025. It is free to enter and you could win £5000 plus an offer of literary representation. What have you got to lose?

Costumed Christmas mice cause a stir at Yorkshire Georgian Townhouse

We often highlight the wonderful period costume projects of individuals in our community, but this one is unique. As part of their festive offering at Fairfax House, York, visitors can see hundreds of felted mice in Georgian dress colonising the building with Christmas cheer. 'A Townmouse Christmas' adds some cheeky fun to the already festive surrounds of the Georgian townhouse.

Samantha Harvey's Orbital snags Booker Prize

Whilst we're talking about achievements in women's literature, we would be remiss to neglect Samantha Harvey's cracking win at this year's Booker Prize. Orbital follows six astronauts onboard the International Space Station over the course of one full day, charting their course and interrogating their internal lives. This was possibly my favourite read of 2024, so run, don't walk to your nearest bookshop to pick up a copy.

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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