User reviews

This was an excellent drama. I have a suspicion that my 8 rating is a little harsh. This is because I think some of the plot nuances were lost on me, and I believe a second viewing of the complete series would push me to score it 9 or even 10.

It would help if you had some familiarity with Jane Austen's life or her novels. I had neither, but the show makes me want to find out more. The acting is outstanding throughout and despite the rather fast moving and complex plot it held my attention very well. The story unfolds on two timelines, with some important parallels, and that contributes to making it a little hard to follow. But I would not want to discourage anyone from watching. Excellent.

Having visited the Jane & Cassandra's Chawton house last year I was thrilled with the aesthetic of this series. The subtle hues of the costumes and set were perfect. Once again the BBC have shown what true class is when delivering a period drama.

I loved the way the stories from the books were woven into the narrative of this series, especially Persuasion, which as Cassie states is certainly Jane Austen's best book (personally opinion, don't come for me).

The dual story line was beautifully portrayed by both sets of cast. I especially loved how many of the characters were as written and played in a way I can imagine them being created by Jane herself.

Series recorded and saved forever.

Miss Austen delves into the weight of memory and sacrifice, focusing on Cassandra Austen's effort to preserve her sister's legacy. Through complex time shifts and emotional depth, the story depicts a kinship between Jane and Cassandra that goes beyond written words. Cassandra's decision to burn Jane's letters is not only destructive, but also devotional, emphasizing the difficulties endured by those who remain behind. Keeley Hawes gives a restrained yet highly expressive performance as Cassandra, portraying her anguish and strength, while Patsy Ferran's portrayal of Jane Austen is unexpectedly vibrant, reflecting her wit and complexity. Their dynamic serves as the series' emotional center, with each flashback creating a rich tapestry of love, grief, and unspoken understanding.

Beyond its personal story, Miss Austen challenges typical period drama clichés, portraying spinsterhood as both a constraint and a modest act of defiance. With breathtaking cinematography, subdued color palettes, and precise historical detail, the series creates a visually immersive universe while exploring issues of loss, reputation, and female autonomy. Rose Leslie's Isabella represents the challenges of unmarried women, while Jessica Hynes' portrayal of Mary Austen deepens the conflict between ambition and lineage. Miss Austen reexamines Cassandra's notorious blaze as an act of sacrifice rather than destruction, prompting spectators to consider the cost of love, memory, and the weight of untold stories lost to history.

BBC's Miss Austen is a beautifully crafted period drama that captures the heart and depth of Gill Hornby's novel with elegance and emotional weight. This adaptation brings to life the untold story of Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen's devoted sister, exploring love, loss, and the sacrifices made in a society bound by duty and expectation.

Among the stellar cast, Rose Leslie delivers an outstanding performance as Isabella Fowle. She brings an exquisite blend of warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength to the role, making Isabella a deeply compelling character. Leslie's ability to convey layers of emotion-sometimes with just a glance or a subtle shift in expression-adds remarkable depth to her portrayal. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, she commands the screen with an authenticity that makes her character's journey feel incredibly real and poignant.

Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is effortless, and her nuanced performance elevates the drama, making Isabella not just a supporting character but a vital part of the narrative's emotional core. Leslie's portrayal ensures that Isabella's presence lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

Another stunner from the BBC!!! Well done 👏

The casting of this well-written production is brilliant - especially the Cassandras, very similar in looks and mannerisms. The letters and novels are interwoven well and the modest, cross-generational content nicely in keeping with the works of Jane Austen, so suitable for most ages etc, both for fans and novices alike. All the visual and audio contribution is also on point - nothing over the top, but sensitive to the era, scenarios and real people / characters. Whilst retaining interest, this is a very calming and comforting timeless series I will watch over and over again. Thank you for such an excellent addition to the world of Miss Austen.

The whole cast was amazing, especially Patsy Ferran as Jane Austen..A delight. Loved, loved, loved her. And she is Spanish, from Valencia (Being Spanish myself, I feel so proud). Finally a real Jane Austen is portaryed in this masterpiece. Jane must have been like that, thin, small, determined but also with insecurities. The relationship with Cassandra was also very important for her.. The story was lovely too and even the ending. It all made sense, even if itvis fictional.

All.in all I really enjoyed it and I would have liked it to be 6 episodes instead of 4 but anyway, it was a remarkable miniseries. Again, Patsy Ferran was a great discovery.

This is a really good adaptation of the novel by Gill Hornby, which explores the relationship between Jane and Cassandra Austen, why Cassandra never married and why she burned Jane's letters after her death. Although largely imagined, the characters are real life personages and the story has been carefully researched. I wasn't initially convinced by the novel, but this adaptation actually does it better and makes a very plausible story. The writing, casting and acting is excellent - especially Patsy Ferran as Jane and Synnove Karlsen as the young Cassandra. Keeley Hawes is good too of course, but some of the "present day" scenes (1830s-40s) drag a bit and are not as interesting as the extensive flashbacks. Once we're in Regency times with Jane and Cassandra and their various suitors, it's utterly enthralling. The "present day" romance between Isabella (Rose Leslie) and the doctor falls a bit flat. However, Max Irons shines as Henry Hobday, a fictionalised but possible love interest for Cassandra. As this is a joint production between PBS Masterpiece and the BBC, I can't help but think that this is PBS wishing to apologise to Austen fans all over the world for the debacle that was Sanditon, particularly the second and third seasons, which were an embarrassment. And perhaps also an apology to Max Irons, who was due to star as Sidney Parker in a film version of Sanditon, which was unfortunately shelved due to the PBS / ITV series. If only the BBC had been involved in that, we might have had something of the quality of this excellent series. Well worth watching for Austen fans and history buffs alike.

Period Drama '' Miss Austen '' follows the lives of Jane and Casandra Austen, as the latter reminisces their relationship years later.

The series is quite short, but it does a good job of creating the perfect atmosphere, with spot on costumes and settings, as well as hair and makeup.

The performances were also great by everyone in the cast, but, especially by the actress portraying Jane Austen and the one performing as the older Casandra Austen. Those two really stood out.

However, and even though the story of the past was interesting to follow, the current one was pushed aside and oddly paced as well as poorly concluded.

So, overall, five out of ten.

I cannot be the only viewer who loves to suspend disbelief and disappear into a well-told story on tv. This is especially the case with period costume dramas, and especially those that are about Jane Austen and her works. Why then must the producers break the spell by casting black actors in white roles? Why do they do it? The real-life Mr. Lidderdale was a white man. Of course he was. By miscasting the role this show elicits a groan and eye-rolling, not eager anticipation. Can you imagine casting Brad Pitt as MLK? Of course not. It would be a distraction. So is the casting of Mr Lidderdale in Miss Austen.

This charming series is a treat for all those of us who love a well-written period drama and, in particular, the works of Jane Austen. It was a delight to see this portrayal of Jane as a person, and her loving bond with her sister Cassandra.

There are funny nods to some of Jane's best-loved characters. The Austen parents, played by real-life couple Phylis Logan and Kevin McNally, were clearly Jane's inspiration for Mr. & Mrs. Bennett - with her constant talk about her ailments and desire to match make, and his benevolent patience! Also, when a would-be suitor for Cassandra tells her his home is in Derbyshire, she smiles as this reminds her of her sister's perfect romantic hero, Mr. Darcy, and the beautiful Pemberley.

Every actress in this gives a brilliant performance - it's just a treat from start to finish. It's poignant but also amusing and I enjoyed every minute.

This was funded by PBS, the American public broadcasting service, but made by the BBC in the U. K. and the quality shows, not just in the casting and acting, but in the costumes and production design. For a change, rather than trotting out another Austen adaptation, the BBC have chosen to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Miss Austen's birth by commissioning an adaptation of the novel Miss Austen' by Gill Hornby, as seen through the eyes of her beloved sister, Cassandra, ably played by actresses Keeley Hawes, as the older Cassie and Synnove Karlsen (a Norwegian/British actress l haven't come across before) but perfectly believable as the prettier of the two sisters.

We don't know why Cassandra burned the thousands of letters that Jane wrote throughout her lifetime - it is said to protect her reputation - and the Jane in this production certainly has wit and a sharp tongue, but the whole business in the importance of letters at that time and how they can distort the truth is explored and Gill Hornby has obviously done a lot of research into the inter-related families, which does get a little overwhelming at times. It would be wise to read a biography of Jane Austen before watching, then it will make more sense working out who is related to whom!

There are one or two factual errors (see in factual error section) and the use of Blind Colour Casting in the character of Dr Lidderdale, who did exist, but certainly wasn't black (black slaves had only recently gained their freedom in the 1840's when this story is set) so you have to suspend some belief. I would also question the attitude of the maid, Dinah, who is so rude and conniving it beggars belief she would ever have remained in the household, but then she does redeem herself at the end - and this is fiction, after all, but very plausible fiction.

It's a fitting and original tribute to Austen and Netflix could learn a lot from it, as they embark on their adaptation of P&P, rather than repeat the mistakes of their abysmal adaptation of 'Persuasion' a few years back.

I hope the Beeb adapt some more of Gill Hornby's other novels, especially Godmersham Park, which again dwells on other real characters that existed in Jane's short life.

Like this adaptation of her work, however, it is likely to be more character, than plot driven.

This series had the potential to be truly exceptional. Jane Austen's legacy endures because of her sharp social commentary and timeless storytelling, and a faithful adaptation of her work would have been a fitting tribute.

However, historical accuracy has once again taken a backseat to modern reinterpretations. While diversity in media is important, it should not come at the expense of historical authenticity. In 18th-century England, laws and societal structures made it impossible for a person of colour to be a practicing doctor, no matter how well-intentioned the portrayal may be. Rather than genuine inclusivity, this casting choice feels more like a superficial gesture, undermining both historical truth and the representation it aims to provide.

Telling diverse stories is valuable, but rewriting history instead of exploring it honestly does a disservice to all perspectives. Authentic representation should enhance storytelling, not distort the realities of the past.

Miss Austin! Excellent acting, good story but let down by what I consider What's wrong with British Tv. The 1st episode was complicated with lots of characters a lot of the time dressed in black. Does the writer think everyone knows Jane Austin's history! I don't ! 4 episodes to tell the story with no real understanding of the sisters relationship to the Fowles. This was done in minutes & took on line reading to find out who's who. Thus only 4 episodes is repeated in Tv series in general 6 or 8 being rare. If any drama required or deserved more than 4 episodes it was this. U. S. Tv is streets ahead so I take it it's lack of money or lack of writing skill or other, it effects many dramas. The 1st episode went from a letter to explaining the characters (poorly) to a funeral and finding the letters in half an hour. Not good enough.

Miss Austen

Were we not five minutes into this drama that we, the viewer, were exposed to the heinous crime of racial rinsing of a real historical figure, introducing and pandering to a modern day sensitivity to race and social class is totally at odds with with the sentiments of a Georgian drama. The BBC should be ashamed. How many times must it be said if you want a black character write one in!

Then we had some weird clergyman being a major fan of Jane Austen, and demanding a biography, when she wrote under a pseudonym, was entirely obscure in her lifetime and her first novel had a reading circulation of 400 novels.

Lastly this whole drama rested on Cassandra burning private letters, I say so what, hardly a unique action by a remaining relative. When my mother died I burnt the lot, as much of her later correspondence, in isolation, did not reflect the woman I knew honestly in life. Just look at what Clementine Churchill burnt in the back garden lol! There was therefore so little consequence in 4 hours of viewing it was excruciating.

What I found inexplicable the script lacked uniformity of Georgian speak, sometimes we had turns of phrase ripped from her novels juxtaposed with very modern speak out of place in the setting.

Rarely have I seen such a self-indulgent mess, at best this is a 2 outta 10 meaning skip this tripe!