MISS AUSTEN: Cassandra's Act of Sisterly Love (Ep. 71)

In episode 71 we talk with Gill Hornby, author of the best-selling novel Miss Austen which has been adapted for a 4-part series premiering on MASTERPIECE on PBS May 4, 2025 (check local listings). MISS AUSTEN seeks to unravel the historic literary mystery by reimanging Cassandra Austen’s act of sisterly love in burning the letters of her famous author sister Jane Austen after Jane’s death in 1817.  ------TIMESTAMPS0:57- MISS AUSTEN series overview and cast3:14 - Introducing novel writer, Gill Hornby4:06 - Motivation for MISS AUSTEN novel -- Cassandra Austen fan girl9:44 - Adapting MISS AUSTEN for the screen11:47 - Women's financial insecurity in Austen's time16:56 - Mrs. Bennet as the heroine of Pride and Prejudice18:14 - Was Sense and Sensibility a dig at Jane and Cassandra's sister-in-law?20:16 - Sisterly bond of Jane and Cassandra Austen22:57 - Cassandra as Jane's "great wife" behind the writer26:50 - Casting Dr. Lidderdale as Black physician28:58 - Jane Austen's global appeal32:32 - Other Austen novels by Gill Hornby34:49 - Where to watch MISS AUSTEN35:23 - Purchase MISS AUSTEN novel from affiliate bookstore35:43 - Podcast subscription information37:07 - DisclaimerSpoiler alert (if you haven't read the novel or seen the series yet)-----SUBSCRIBE to HISTORICAL DRAMA WITH THE BOSTON SISTERS® on your favorite podcast platformENJOY⁠ past podcasts and bonus episodes⁠SIGN UP⁠ for our mailing listSUPPORT this podcast ⁠ SHOP THE PODCAST⁠ on our affiliate bookstoreBuy us a Coffee! You can support by buying a coffee ☕ here — ⁠buymeacoffee.com/historicaldramasisters⁠Thank you for listening!