Yes, this week we're marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. She was born on 16 December 1775 and when she died, at just 41, she left us with six novels of wit, wisdom and social commentary.
Marking her contribution, there's been a flurry of dramatisations, talks and travelogues on the radio and in newspaper and magazine articles (not so much on television, to be fair, but apparently we are due at least two new dramatisations on Netflix and the BBC in 2026).
There are worse things with which to be inundated and though I keep saying I'm not a Jane Austen fan (the Brontes were always my preference), I've been avidly watching, listening and reading about her brother, her sister, her faith, and the various additions to the 'Pride and Prejudice' story even with Jane as a character in her own right in murder mysteries etc etc.
So I'm very much looking forward to the Jane Austen Day in Aldeburgh on Tuesday and I'm planning to read my favourite Austen, 'Persuasion', as my Christmas treat.
Of course I'm also eagerly anticipating our visit from Rachel Parris in just a few weeks (scroll down for details). She's sure to entertain and delight with her passion for the author, telling us all about her incredible improv group Austentatious and her novel 'Introducing Mrs Collins'. A ticket for this event is surely the perfect Christmas treat for yourself and a friend, and very much on trend!
Familiar and cherished literature can often prove the perfect antidote to present day worries and concerns. And the clothes, houses, manners (though perhaps not the patriarchal society) of Jane Austen are just right at the moment, I think. So I hope you'll join me in immersing yourself in Austen this week - and perhaps you'll let me know your favourite of her novels (I promise to hear you out if it's 'Emma'!).
Thank you for reading.