Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 5

The only known picture of Jane: a watercolour painted by her beloved sister Cassandra.

Written by Paula Byrne.

Reader Emma Fielding

To mark this month's bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice, this new biography examines the forces that shaped the interior life of Jane Austen. The woman who emerges is far tougher, more socially and politically aware, and altogether more modern than the conventional picture of 'dear Aunt Jane' would allow.

Today, a pair of topaz crosses - given as a gift to Jane and her sister Cassandra from their sailor brother Charles - find their way into her fiction, and the only known picture of Jane, a watercolour painted by her beloved sister, reveals the enduring intimacy of their relationship.

Abridged by Elizabeth Reeder.

Produced by Allegra McIlroy.

15 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Jan 2013 00:30

More episodes

Next

You are at the last episode

See all episodes from Book of the Week

The Topaz Crosses

The Topaz Crosses

Broadcasts

  • Fri 18 Jan 2013 09:45
  • Sat 19 Jan 2013 00:30

Listen to more Audio Books

Listen to more Audio Books

Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Subscribe to the Short stories podcast

Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Finding Your Story

Finding Your Story

Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?

麻豆社 Arts: Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.