The Radio 2 Book Club

Celebrating Jane Austen


Listen Later

Sara welcomes Rachel Parris and Jessica Bull to the Radio 2 Book Club for a celebration of Jane Austen.

Jess writes the 'Miss Austen Investigates' series, whilst Rachel performs in the improvisational group Austentatious - and has just published her first novel, inspired by an Austen character.

They chat with Sara about when their love of Austen began, their favourite books and adaptations - and - how she has inspired them to write.

Our two guests also recommend us a book they have been reading and enjoying recently - and - we get to hear a snippet of a new audio abridgment of Pride & Prejudice - read by the legendary Julie Andrews.

Here's some more info on Jessica's book - 'The Austen Christmas Murders':

The festive season is fast approaching.

Jane Austen fears that without her lively siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year.
But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Parsonage, Jane soon forgets her woes. For who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve?
Jane quickly learns of a missing young bride, who after fleeing her wedding breakfast, was never seen again. Locals have long believed she haunts the woods nearby.

Could Jane have found her at last? Or does the truth of this mystery lie closer to home?

Over the twelve days of Christmas, Jane will embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders…

And here's a little more info on Rachel's book - 'Introducing Mrs Collins':

Charlotte Lucas has never been a romantic. Practical to a fault, she accepted Mr Collins's proposal with clear eyes and a steady heart, trading passion for security. Life at Hunsford Parsonage may be quiet and predictable, but it is hers to manage - and she's determined to make the best of it, whatever Elizabeth Bennet may think.

That is, until an unexpected guest at Rosings Park turns Charlotte's careful world on its head. He sees her, challenges her - and a spark is lit. But true contentment is not only about who you choose to love, but who you choose to be. For the first time, she wonders: has playing by the rules kept her on the sidelines of her own life?

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Radio 2 Book ClubBy BBC Radio 2

  • 3.7
  • 3.7
  • 3.7
  • 3.7
  • 3.7

3.7

3 ratings


More shows like The Radio 2 Book Club

View all
Ask Penguin by Penguin Books UK

Ask Penguin

158 Listeners

Desert Island Discs by BBC Radio 4

Desert Island Discs

1,978 Listeners

Bookclub by BBC Radio 4

Bookclub

243 Listeners

The Book Club Review by The Book Club Review

The Book Club Review

133 Listeners

The Waterstones Podcast by Waterstones

The Waterstones Podcast

36 Listeners

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year by Bauer Media

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

69 Listeners

Bookshelfie: Women’s Prize Podcast by Women’s Prize Podcast/ Bird Lime Media

Bookshelfie: Women’s Prize Podcast

45 Listeners

Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club by Plosive

Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club

62 Listeners

The Rest Is Entertainment by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Entertainment

829 Listeners

The Louis Theroux Podcast by Spotify Studios

The Louis Theroux Podcast

413 Listeners

Off Air with Jane & Fi by The Times

Off Air with Jane & Fi

158 Listeners

Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth by Gyles Brandreth / Plain Jaine Media

Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

478 Listeners

Take Four Books by BBC Radio 4

Take Four Books

5 Listeners

A Good Read by BBC Radio 4

A Good Read

42 Listeners

Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball by Persephonica

Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball

181 Listeners