Bettie's Books

BOTWWritten by Paula Byrne.Reader - Emma Fieldingblurb: In this new biography, best-selling author Paula Byrne explores the forces that shaped the interior life of Jane Austen, Britain's most beloved novelist: her father's religious faith, her other brothers' naval and military experiences, her relatives in the East and West Indies, her cousin who lived through the trauma of the French Revolution, her residence in Bath, her love of the seaside, her travels around England and her long struggle to become a published author.The woman who emerges in this biography is far tougher, more socially and politically aware, and altogether more modern than the conventional picture of 'dear Aunt Jane' would allow.28th January is the bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice.Abridged by Elizabeth Reeder.Produced by Allegra McIlroy