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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: The Real Jane Austen

Book of the Week: The Real Jane Austen: Episode 5

Factual: Life Stories

The Real Jane Austen

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Real Jane Austen, Episode 5

The only known picture of Jane: a watercolour painted by her beloved sister Cassandra.

Written by Paula Byrne.


Reader Emma Fielding


To mark this month's bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice, this new biography examines the forces that shaped the interior life of Jane Austen. The woman who emerges is far tougher, more socially and politically aware, and altogether more modern than the conventional picture of 'dear Aunt Jane' would allow.


Today, a pair of topaz crosses - given as a gift to Jane and her sister Cassandra from their sailor brother Charles - find their way into her fiction, and the only known picture of Jane, a watercolour painted by her beloved sister, reveals the enduring intimacy of their relationship.


Abridged by Elizabeth Reeder.


Produced by Allegra McIlroy.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Paula Byrne explores the forces that shaped the interior life of the popular novelist

Paula Byrne explores the forces that shaped the interior life of Britain's most beloved novelist

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