What the Austen? Podcast

In this spoiler-filled review, I share my thoughts after seeing the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation in the cinema. I discuss what I loved, what worked less well, and why this might just be my favourite S&S adaptation yet!

From the autumnal atmosphere and character portrayals to the hair, pacing, and rather unusual dance scenes, I explore the film's creative choices and how they compare with Jane Austen's novel. At the heart of it all is the relationship between Elinor and Marianne, and whether the film captures the wit, subtext, and narrative voice that make Austen so special.

I also consider whether this adaptation is really for the book-first Janeites, or whether it's hoping to capture the audience who fell in love with the 2005 Pride and Prejudice.

A detailed, spoiler-filled review from one Janeite to another!

In this episode, I’m joined by author Jessica Bull to dive into the fascinating true-crime world behind her new book Pride, Prejudice and Peril 💛We go back to Jane Austen’s own family history and the extraordinary story of her aunt, Mrs Leigh-Perrot, who was arrested and put on trial for stealing a piece of lace. From accusations of theft and courtroom drama to highwaymen, Regency crime and the sensational pamphlets that people were rushing out to read, we explore the real-life stories that fascinated Austen’s world.We also talk about Mrs Austen herself and the creative life she led, including the poems she wrote, and what these glimpses into Austen’s family can tell us about the world that surrounded Jane. It’s a brilliant foundation for talking about Jessica’s Miss Austen Investigates series and the way she transforms these fascinating historical details into irresistible mystery stories 🔎📚We get into how much of the Regency’s obsession with crime and scandal makes its way into the books, what it might have been like to live through a very public trial, and why the people and events surrounding Jane Austen can be just as fascinating as the fictional worlds she created.And, of course, we talk all about Pride, Prejudice and Peril, the latest adventure in the Miss Austen Investigates series. Jess has joined me for so many amazing episodes discussing this series: As mentioned in the episode, you can pick up Jessica Bull’s Pride, Prejudice and Peril here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/471852/pride-prejudice-and-peril-by-bull-jessica/9780241773628 Other Books & podcasts mentioned in this episode:Jane Austen and Crime* by Susannah FullertonJane Austen's Book Shelf* by Rebecca RomneyThe Women’s Print History* podcastFollow Jessica Bull:@jessicabullnovelistYou can also check out my previous episodes with Jess, featuring the other books in the Miss Austen Investigates series:Book 1: https://youtu.be/W1IThdNYfMs?si=at4FVB4Q3dqKRATz Book 2: https://youtu.be/Rq4rdYdLHY8?si=ogFpPJp9U3KuncFj Book 3 (Xmas Novella): https://youtu.be/qLZrKTMcjOE?si=a9yYQKa9ha5om_kiFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

What happens to the Bennet sisters who are left behind? 🤍📖

Kitty & Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams is OUT 10th Sept 2026. 

https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/books/kitty-and-mary/

In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Imogen to discuss Mary & Kitty, their brilliant new reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, set six months after the events of Austen's novel and finally putting these two often-overlooked Bennet sisters centre stage.

We talk about the women who are “left behind” once everyone around them starts getting married, and the surprisingly modern pressures that come with feeling as though you’re not following the traditional path. What happens when you can build a perfectly happy life for yourself, but still feel that you’re missing the milestones everyone else seems to be celebrating?

We also get into Kitty’s wonderfully relatable self-improvement lists, the pressure women put on themselves to become more attractive, accomplished and desirable, and how acting gives Kitty a way to explore who she might become. And, of course, we talk about the very different relationship between Mary and Kitty and the special bond between sisters and female friends.

Along the way, Julia and Imogen share how their long friendship led to their first collaboration, what it’s like to write a novel together, and why they chose the epistolary form. We talk about Austen’s own experiments with letters in Lady Susan and the original version of Sense and Sensibility, as well as the literary world surrounding Mary and Kitty, from The Mysteries of Udolpho and Evelina to the Romantic poets.

And then there’s the wider world beyond Austen’s drawing rooms: travel, India, life aboard ships, French attacks on passenger vessels, and even one particularly memorable death involving a pork chop. 😂

It was such a pleasure chatting to Julia and Imogen, and I really hope you enjoy this one.

Sophie’s article on Jane Austen and the Navy: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/library-archive/jane-austen-royal-navy 

Follow @juliagraywrites
Follow @imogenrw
Follow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

Supporting the podcast:

London Nootropics - Adaptogenic mushroom coffee 
Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. 

https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKIN 

The blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.

It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.

____________________

Wilsons Pet Food 

Wonderful fresh dog food, that your dog will love and is full of protein and nutrients. Use code WHATTHEAUSTEN for 20% off.

AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

What happens when one of Jane Austen's most overlooked characters takes centre stage? 🤍📖As I mentioned in the episode, I loved Catherine's book Miss Bates, and I highly recommend people pick it up: BOOK🇺🇸 United States: 7 July 2026 OUT 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 27 August 2026In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Cliff to discuss Miss Bates, her debut novel and brilliant reimagining of Emma through the eyes of one of Austen's most misunderstood women. We explore the realities of women's lives in the Regency period, including poverty, illness, violence, dependence on men, and the limited choices available to women.We also talk about the idea of women in midlife becoming invisible or even feared, how Miss Bates offers a compelling neurodivergent reading, and what it means to navigate a world that isn't built for those who are perceived as different. Along the way, we discuss seeing Highbury from a very different perspective, Emma Woodhouse through Miss Bates' eyes, and how revisiting a beloved classic can reveal the stories that were there all along.It was such a pleasure chatting to Catherine; I really hope you enjoy this one. PS. I'm still working my set-up, and clearly this camera option, although clear, is not great for angle, and also it's a bit glitchy. Noted for next time. Follow @catherinecliffwritesFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂____________Supporting the podcast: London Nootropics - Adaptageic mushroom coffee Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. LINKThe blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.____________________Wilsons Pet Food Wonderful fresh dog food, that your dog will love and is full of protein and nutrients. Use code WHATTHEAUSTEN for 20% off. AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

The *Sense & Sensibility* trailer has arrived, and we had thoughts! 🎬In this bonus episode, Caily and I share our reactions to the first look at Focus Features’ new film, from the trailer itself to the posters and the wider promotional campaign. We chat about what’s caught our attention, what has us intrigued, and what we’re hoping to see as the film’s release gets closer.Please note: there are **book/story spoilers** in this episode. Everything shared is just our own personal opinions and thoughts, and we’d love to hear yours too!Apologies for the reduced video quality in this one. I had to use a backup file because the original recording became corrupted. Thank you for bearing with us!