It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen has inspired generations of new writers. Her memorable characters, quick wit and sharp observations on social life mean that she remains one of Britain’s best-loved classic authors.
Her timeless novels have been reworked in many forms, including the decade-defining TV moment involving Colin Firth in a wet shirt, the newspaper columns that eventually became Bridget Jones’ Diary and the classic Bollywood film Bride and Prejudice. Austen’s work has been so influential that writing inspired by her could almost be considered a genre in its own right.
As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, join three fantastic female writers who have each been inspired by Austen’s stories, albeit in very different ways. Natasha Farrant and Jo Baker have both revisited Austen’s works from different character perspectives, whilst Ayisha Malik’s romantic comedies bring Austen’s forward-thinking feminism into the world of Muslim dating.
Expect a fun-filled discussion of everything Austen, as we ask what it is about her stories that keeps us coming back for more.