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....😂

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