'Masterpiece' BBC period drama that left viewers 'heartbroken'

BBC's Period Drama "Miss Austen" Receives High Praise

The BBC's four-part period drama Miss Austen, starring Keeley Hawes, has been celebrated by audiences who call it one of the best productions by the network. Fans describe the mini-series as an "exceptional" portrayal of its era.

A Fresh Look at Cassandra Austen's Life

The drama explores the life of Cassandra Austen, sister of the famous novelist Jane Austen, with Keeley Hawes in the lead. The story follows Cassandra as she confronts her past while trying to protect her sister's legacy. The narrative unfolds primarily through flashbacks, providing insight into personal and family struggles.

Plot Overview

Set in 1830, the story begins with Cassandra visiting the Fowle household, where Reverend Fowle is dying. She promises to help his daughter Isabella find new housing while searching for letters Jane Austen had written years before to Fowle's wife Elizabeth, intending to destroy them.

Meanwhile, Mary Austen, widow of Cassandra and Jane's brother James, pursues the same letters to write a biography about her late husband. When Cassandra finds the letters, they trigger memories of her own past, including her engagement to the late Tom Fowle, family grief, and Jane's development as an author.

Cast

Fans called it "the best of the BBC" and praised it as an "exceptional" period drama.
The Express reports the letters revealed "her betrothal to the late Tom Fowle, James' union with Mary, family members they mourned and Jane's creative evolution."

Author's summary: The mini-series Miss Austen offers a poignant and fresh portrayal of Cassandra Austen’s efforts to preserve her sister’s legacy amidst personal hardship and family history.

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The Mirror The Mirror — 2025-11-01

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