“How could Jane Austen write so convincingly about love and heartbreak if she never fell in love?”In this episode, I’m joined by author and literary critic Paula Byrne to explore Jane Austen’s love life, beyond the well-known stories.You might already know about the dashing Tom Lefroy, made famous in Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. Or perhaps you’ve giggled at the tale of Harris Bigg-Wither, whose proposal Jane accepted only to change her mind and flee less than 24 hours later.But what if there was another man in her life... one whose story is filled with passion, longing, and heartbreak?Paula and I dive into the mysterious seaside romance Jane is believed to have experienced in the summer of 1801. Could this be the man who truly captured her heart? Paula's new novel Six Weeks by the Sea is her fictional reimagining of this emotional and enigmatic chapter of Austen's life.📖 Where can you find Paula? Six Weeks by the Sea – Out 28th August (UK) / 5th August (US)Author of Jane Austen: The Genius of Jane Austen (featured in the BBC documentary)Belle: The True Story of Dido BelleAnd many more acclaimed biographies and novels.@paulajaynebyrne on Instagram and XFollow me on Instagram: @whattheaustenWhat the Austen? is available wherever you get your podcasts.