Gill Hornby: ‘Jane Austen created the six best novels in the English language’
The writer on her third novel, Miss Austen, being turned into a TV drama, what we get wrong about the much-loved author – and why she would never write a book with her husband, Robert Harris
Former journalist Gill Hornby, 65, published her first novel in her early 50s but it wasn’t until writing her third, Miss Austen (2020), that she hit her stride. Centred on Jane Austen’s beloved older sister, Cassandra, it probes the mystery of why she destroyed hundreds of their letters, and became a bestseller praised by Janeites. Now, it’s been made into a four-part BBC drama to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Jane’s birth, with Bafta-nominated Keeley Hawes playing Cassandra. Hornby has since written two further novels set in the extended Austen family, the latest of which, The Elopement, will be released in May. She lives in Kintbury, Berkshire, with her husband, the author Robert Harris.
What’s it like seeing Miss Austen on screen?
Obviously the grammar of TV is so different, and Cassandra in the novel is much older. I don’t object to that at all and Keeley Hawes is absolutely marvellous, her performance is so clever and quiet, but the revelation is Patsy Ferran as Jane Austen. She has every quality that I don’t think has ever been shown before in a performance of Austen – that quirky awkwardness, the intelligence that shines out of her.
Miss Austen starts on BBC One on 2 February, with all episodes on iPlayer
Continue reading...Topics
-
Book excerpt: "Tartufo" by Kira Jane Buxton
In her new novel, the author of "Hollow Kingdom" and "Feral Creatures" captures the comedy of truffle-mania in a tiny Tuscan village, upon the discovery of the world's largest truffle.CBS News - 15h -
There’s a word for people who prefer phones to meeting friends: addicts | Martha Gill
Ditching hanging out for isolated scrolling on our sofas is a dangerous habit that warrants help on a par with gambling. Over the decades, research has chipped away at our most cherished ideas ...The Guardian - 1d -
These are the best-paid programming languages for 2025
The software developers market is hot. Find out which software languages will earn you the most money this year.VentureBeat - 5d -
Parkrun comes of age: six of its best international 5ks
The free running event turns 21 this year — and its continuing global expansion makes it an excellent way to see another side of a cityFinancial Times - 5d -
Graham Norton on latest novel "Frankie" and the art of storytelling
Talk show host and bestselling author Graham Norton joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his fifth novel, "Frankie," which follows the extraordinary life of an 84-year-old Irish woman. Norton also ...CBS News - Jan. 13 -
NFL coaching carousel: Ranking all six head coaching vacancies, plus providing the best candidates for each
There's some bad jobs out there, but there are only 32 of them, soooooo....CBS Sports - Jan. 7 -
HTML Is Actually a Programming Language. Fight Me
In fact, HTML is the most significant computing language ever developed. Underestimate it at your peril.Wired - Jan. 6 -
I was lost in the cesspit of social media. Then Jane Austen showed me the way out
Why spend every evening fighting trolls on X when you could be working your way through the greats of literature? No more online rage, recriminations, doom-scrolling …. For about as long as I’ve ...The Guardian - Jan. 6 -
Novel test can detect different types of asthma via nasal swab
A new test can differentiate between various types of asthma via a nasal swab. Researchers hope it can eventually help match patients with better treatments.NBC News - Jan. 2
More from The Guardian
-
Palestinians to return to northern Gaza after deal on Israeli civilian hostage reached, says Qatar
Benjamin Netanyahu confirms Qatar statement, with Palestinians set to return to north on Monday and Arbel Yehoud to be released on Thursday. See all our Middle East coverage Mediator Qatar has ...The Guardian - 5h -
Jewish non-profit chief says Musk will spur violence with his ‘Nazi salute’
Amy Spitalnick of Jewish Council for Public Affairs warns far right will take action as ‘license for violent extremism’. The head of a prominent US Jewish civil rights body said Elon Musk’s ...The Guardian - 17h -
Colombia rejects US military flights with deportees and sets off feud with Trump
Trump had called for ‘retaliatory measures’ including 50% tariffs on Colombia after Gustavo Petro blocked two aircraft. Colombian president Gustavo Petro blocked two US military aircraft carrying ...The Guardian - 4h -
Chiefs return to Super Bowl after breaking Bills’ hearts in another thriller
Buffalo Bills 29–32 Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City will face Philadelphia in Super Bowl Them again. The “three-peat” is alive for the Kansas City Chiefs after they narrowly overcame the ...The Guardian - 1h -
South Korean president indicted for insurrection over martial law decree
Impeached leader Yoon Suk Yeoul could face years in prison after six-hour imposition which set off political upheaval. South Korea’s prosecutors indicted the impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on ...The Guardian - 17h
More in World
-
China manufacturing activity contracts for first time since September
Industrial profits fall for third year as US trade tensions cloud economic recoveryFinancial Times - 33m -
Dana Perino: the Fox News host ready for Trump 2.0
Presenter whose colleagues are in line to join the new cabinet says the US is in the midst of ‘political realignment’Financial Times - 55m -
Czech coal and gas investor Pavel Tykač sees vindication in Trump’s White House return
Prague-based Sev.en is planning to double carbon-intensive investments outside the EUFinancial Times - 55m -
Serco workers plan to strike over UK navy contract negotiations
Prospect union says proposed reductions to existing £1.2bn deal threaten Britain’s nuclear deterrentFinancial Times - 55m -
Shippers Wary of Red Sea Routes Despite Houthi Pledge to End Targeting
The world’s top three container operators said they fear instability in Gaza and broader regional tensions mean continued danger.The Wall Street Journal - 56m