Ask Penguin Is Jane Austen's legacy more than just romantic love? With Andrew Hunter Murray and Gill Hornby
Oct 15, 2025
Gill Hornby, a celebrated writer and journalist, and Andrew Hunter-Murray, a witty broadcaster and comedian, delve into Jane Austen's enduring legacy. They explore themes of love, class, and the significance of minor characters. Their lively debate includes favorite novels, the myths surrounding Austen's life, and the innovative narrative styles she employed. Plus, Andrew shares insights on the improvisational show Austentatious and their recommendations for modern reads that Austen herself might enjoy.
50:10
Donkey Cart And Domestic Life
- Andrew Hunter Murray recalls seeing the family's donkey cart at Jane Austen's house on a past visit.
- He says household exhibits like the cart and preserves show how rural and self-sufficient their life was.
Austen's Timeless Comic Voice
- Gill Hornby argues Jane Austen is possibly the best line-by-line comic writer in English literature.
- Her combination of wisdom and timeless comedy explains why readers still laugh at her jokes today.
Narrator Is The Comic Motor
- Andrew Hunter Murray highlights Austen's narrator as the core comic engine missing from many adaptations.
- The narrator's voice provides ironic commentary that films often cannot convey in under two hours.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Being in Jane Austen's Drawing Room
01:59 • 1min
Why We Keep Returning to Jane Austen
03:15 • 3min
Favorite Austen Novels and Misconceptions
06:00 • 2min
Standout Austen Characters and Their Roles
08:05 • 3min
Austen's Use of Ensemble and Minor Characters
11:26 • 2min
Myths About Austen's Life and Spinsterhood
13:10 • 5min
Austentatious and Modern Austen Parodies
18:24 • 2min
Best and Most Influential Austen Adaptations
20:09 • 2min
How Austen Uses Different Romantic Tropes
21:51 • 3min
Emma's Narrative Innovation
24:52 • 2min
Austen's Dialogue and Distinct Voices
26:39 • 24sec
Religion and the Clergy in Austen's World
27:03 • 55sec
Power Dynamics in Austen Romances
27:58 • 2min
Persuasion's Letter Scene and Quiet Strength
30:25 • 3min
Marriage, Consequences, and Austen's Realism
33:20 • 23sec
Which Unfinished Austen Work Should Have Been Completed?
33:43 • 37sec
Austen-Themed Travel Recommendations
34:21 • 3min
Will Austen Endure for Centuries?
37:34 • 2min
Modern Writers Who Echo Austen's Concerns
39:19 • 3min
Best Austen-Inspired and Retelling Novels
42:33 • 3min
Books with Chaotic Family Dynamics
46:00 • 1min
Which Modern Books Would Jane Austen Read?
47:06 • 2min
Outro
48:59 • 1min
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Longbourn
Jo Baker
Jo Baker's 'Longbourn' reimagines Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' from the perspective of the servants at Longbourn Estate.
The novel delves into the lives of the Bennet family's domestic staff, revealing their struggles, secrets, and desires.
Baker explores themes of class, social hierarchy, and the untold stories of those who serve behind the scenes.
Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she paints a vivid portrait of Regency England from a fresh and often overlooked viewpoint.
'Longbourn' offers a compelling and thought-provoking reinterpretation of Austen's classic.
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Godmersham Park
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Jill Hornby
In 'Godmersham Park,' Jill Hornby explores the lives of the Leigh and Austen families, intertwining historical events with fictional narratives.
The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, class distinctions, and the social expectations of women during the Regency era.
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Hornby paints a portrait of a world where secrets, ambitions, and societal pressures shape the destinies of her characters.
The novel highlights themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, capturing the spirit of Jane Austen's world.
It celebrates the strength and determination of women navigating the constraints of their time.
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The Rectors Daughter
F.M. Mayor
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the shuttle
Frances Hodgson Burnett
'The Shuttle' by Frances Hodgson Burnett explores the transatlantic experiences of American heiresses marrying into the British aristocracy.
The novel portrays the cultural clashes and social dynamics between wealthy American women and titled but impoverished British aristocrats.
Burnett examines themes of wealth, power, and identity as the characters navigate love, betrayal, and the complexities of their new lives.
The story captures the opulence and decadence of the Gilded Age while highlighting the challenges faced by women in a changing society.
'The Shuttle' offers a compelling perspective on the intersection of American and British cultures.
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Wives and Daughters
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Elizabeth Gaskell
'Wives and Daughters' by Elizabeth Gaskell portrays the life of Molly Gibson, a young woman growing up in a rural English town.
The novel follows Molly's journey as she navigates social expectations, family secrets, and romantic entanglements.
Gaskell explores themes of class distinctions, the role of women, and the complexities of human relationships with warmth and insight.
Molly's character embodies kindness and integrity, as she learns to navigate the challenges of her community and family.
The story captures the essence of Victorian society and the enduring power of compassion and resilience.
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The Elopement
null
Jill Hornby
#14554
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Commonwealth
Ann Patchett
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett is a story that begins at a christening party in the 1960s where an uninvited guest, Bert Cousins, sets off a chain of events by kissing Beverly Keating, leading to the dissolution of two marriages and the blending of their families.
The novel follows the lives of the six children from these families as they spend summers together in Virginia, forging strong bonds despite their parents' dysfunction.
The story spans five decades, exploring themes of family, love, loss, and the ownership of stories, particularly when one of the children, Franny, shares their family history with a novelist, leading to a bestseller that exposes their personal stories to the world.
Patchett's writing is characterized by its balance of humor and heartbreak, vivid character descriptions, and poignant observations on relationships and life.
#11599
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering
Andrew Hunter Murray
The book follows Al, a charming and skilled 'interloper' who lives in wealthy people's second homes while they are away.
He adheres to strict rules to avoid detection, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he and his friends break into the wrong place, leading to a murder.
The story is a fast-paced, witty, and entertaining crime caper that also touches on the serious issue of housing crises and homelessness among young people.
#96
• Mentioned in 134 episodes
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.
The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.
#1317
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Published in 1811, 'Sense and Sensibility' is Jane Austen's first published novel.
It tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who, along with their mother and younger sister Margaret, are forced to leave their family estate after their father's death.
The novel explores the contrast between Elinor's practical sense and Marianne's emotional sensibility as they experience romantic relationships and heartbreak.
Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, who is secretly engaged to another woman, while Marianne becomes infatuated with the unscrupulous John Willoughby.
Through their experiences, Austen delves into themes of love, social class, and the balance between reason and emotion necessary for personal happiness.
#1114
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
Persuasion
Jane Austen
Published posthumously in December 1817, *Persuasion* is Jane Austen's last completed novel.
The story revolves around Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who, at the age of 19, was persuaded to break off her engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of wealth and connections.
Eight years later, Anne and Captain Wentworth, now a successful naval officer, meet again, setting the stage for a second chance at love and marriage.
The novel explores themes of love, social class, regret, and the consequences of pride and persuasion, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of the Regency era in England.
#1181
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
Emma
Jane Austen
juan perez
The novel follows Emma Woodhouse, a beautiful, clever, and rich young woman who has lived nearly twenty-one years with very little distress.
Emma decides to take up matchmaking, despite the advice of her friend Mr. Knightley.
Her attempts to match her new friend Harriet Smith with various men lead to complications and ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.
The novel explores themes of education, courtship, and social class in Georgian-Regency England, highlighting Emma's journey of self-discovery and learning from her mistakes.
#8190
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Sanctuary
A Meditation on Home, Homelessness, and Belonging
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
This book examines the interface between inner and outer sanctuary, highlighting how they affect one another.
Drawing from her life as a Zen Buddhist priest and her ancestors' experiences as slaves in Louisiana, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel explores the tension between oppression and finding home within one's heart.
The book uses intimate personal stories and deep reflection to guide readers in cultivating a spiritual path, especially in challenging times.
It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both physical and spiritual homelessness and finding refuge in a world filled with oppression and disconnection.
#2884
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey is a coming-of-age story that satirizes the Gothic novels of the late 18th century.
The novel follows Catherine Morland, a young and naive girl who loves reading Gothic novels.
When she is invited to stay at Northanger Abbey, the home of the Tilney family, her imagination runs wild with expectations of mystery and horror.
However, the reality of the abbey is far from her Gothic fantasies.
The novel explores Catherine's growth as she learns to distinguish between fiction and reality, and it critiques the societal norms and expectations of her time.
Written by Jane Austen, the book was completed in 1803 but published posthumously in 1817 along with Persuasion.
#1794
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen
monica arcija
The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park.
Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund.
The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas.
Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund.
#69724
The Last Day
Andrew Hunter Murray
In 'The Last Day', Andrew Hunter Murray crafts a compelling narrative set in 2059, where the Earth's rotation has ceased due to a celestial event.
The story follows scientist Ellen Hopper as she unravels a government secret while navigating a world divided into eternal light and darkness.
The novel explores themes of survival, oppression, and personal relationships in a post-apocalyptic world.
#1070
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
Bleak House
Charles Dickens
Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique.
The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past.
The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.
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Miss Austen
Jill Hornby
Why do we still love Jane Austen’s novels 250 years later? What makes her stories continue to inspire readers and creators today? And if Jane were alive now, which book would you recommend she read?
In this special episode, recorded at Jane Austen’s family home in Alton, host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Miss Austen author and president of the Jane Austen Society, Gill Hornby, alongside author and creator of the West End show Austentatious Andrew Hunter Murray, to explore Austen’s legacy and provide some regency-inspired book recommendations.
Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: Jane Austen Episode
Visit Jane Austen’s home: janeaustens.house
To put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks
Gill Hornby is a writer and journalist. Her novels Miss Austen and Godmersham Park were Sunday Times bestsellers, and Miss Austen was adapted into a four-part BBC drama starring Keely Hawes as Cassandra Austen. She is also the President of the Jane Austen Society.
Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer, broadcaster and comedian. His first novel, The Last Day, was a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller, and one of the top 10 fiction debuts of 2020; his second, The Sanctuary, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month; and his third, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic literature. in 2011, Murray was a founding member of the West End comedy show Austentatious.
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