A moving survey of Austen's life. And the actress, Gwendolen Chatfield, was so perfect as Jane, I believe a movie about Jane's life should be written around her.
3 Reviews
Jane Austen brought to life
jdhb-768-6123428 February 2021
What a compelling documentary about the life of one of England's greatest authors.
Lucy Worsley is always good value on account of her knowledge, understated enthusiasm and presentational style (notwithstanding the negative views of some) and this is an intelligent and highly informative programme. It also gives huge insights into the lives of people in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, highlighting some of the quite intriguing and, for a modern audience, inexplicable class differentials that then existed.
Although Jane had very 'well-to-do' connections' she was still not really acceptable in the best society, even by her own brother. As for being a published author, Jane was simply not allowed to be named as such, given the mores of the time. Her own accounts nonetheless show a woman who had great feelings for those who provided her with support and service, regardless of her own 'superiority'.
From the documentary it seems clear that Jane's novels reflected her own real life experiences which brings them even more into focus and makes her times even more tangible. It was a very different world and we have Jane Austen to thank for giving us such a realistic glimpse of the lives of people of her situation some 200 years ago, not only through her novels but also through her other writings, those of other family members and mundane elements such as her household accounts.
This is fascinating social history and it is so sad that she died so young. Had she been granted a few more years she may even have challenged Dickens as England's greatest novelist and observer of her times.
Lucy Worsley is always good value on account of her knowledge, understated enthusiasm and presentational style (notwithstanding the negative views of some) and this is an intelligent and highly informative programme. It also gives huge insights into the lives of people in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, highlighting some of the quite intriguing and, for a modern audience, inexplicable class differentials that then existed.
Although Jane had very 'well-to-do' connections' she was still not really acceptable in the best society, even by her own brother. As for being a published author, Jane was simply not allowed to be named as such, given the mores of the time. Her own accounts nonetheless show a woman who had great feelings for those who provided her with support and service, regardless of her own 'superiority'.
From the documentary it seems clear that Jane's novels reflected her own real life experiences which brings them even more into focus and makes her times even more tangible. It was a very different world and we have Jane Austen to thank for giving us such a realistic glimpse of the lives of people of her situation some 200 years ago, not only through her novels but also through her other writings, those of other family members and mundane elements such as her household accounts.
This is fascinating social history and it is so sad that she died so young. Had she been granted a few more years she may even have challenged Dickens as England's greatest novelist and observer of her times.
Excellent, in spite of Luce Worsley
paulski1-125 November 2019
In spite of a horrible narrator, Lucy Worsley, this biographical review of Jane Austen's homes is very informative and provides a foundation (no pun intended) for her masterpieces.
Every time I see Lucy Worsley, she seems more focused on her own appearance and presentation rather than on the subject. She does not understand that documentaries do not have actresses.
Every time I see Lucy Worsley, she seems more focused on her own appearance and presentation rather than on the subject. She does not understand that documentaries do not have actresses.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
