Reading Jane Austen

Ellen and Harriet are a mother and daughter who have been talking about Jane Austen together since Harriet was first old enough to read her. In this podcast, we will be doing a close reading of the books.In each episode, we will look at a few chapters. As well as talking about anything that strikes us in the chapters, we will also pick a favourite sentence, have a discussion about one of the characters, and then Ellen will give a social historian perspective about some element of the nineteenth century that seems pertinent, and Harriet will talk about the chapters in pop culture adaptations of the book.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

emmy5230

Great show!

Each episode is packed full of in-depth, thought-provoking and well sourced information along with the hosts’ own reflections. I listen to each episode multiple times. On par with The Thing About Austen podcast. Thank you so much for this gift 😊
CiaoRachele

Lovely!

This is such a wonderful podcast. The hosts are so thoughtful, thorough, and attentive to the texts. Delightfully entertaining and educational!
Mcher611

Wonderful mother daughter discussions!!

Finding new ways of looking at Jane Austen’s work from their close readng!!
SacTownGrandma

My favorite podcast

This is the podcast where I make coffe, get comfortable, and listen carefully to every word. The care and intelligence with which Ellen and Harriet examine the canon is exquisite, from explanations of what was happening in the historical period to examinations of specific sentences for clues and plot points. The breadth of their knowledge and understand is absolutely wonderful; I cannot express adequately how grateful I am to the work they put in to share their appreciation of the novels and of Austen’s skill and cleverness with us.
DB NP

Just what I’ve been looking for

As someone who has just started reading Jane Austen in my 30s, I’m having a bit of a deep dive and am in want of people to talk to about it all. With this podcast I feel I am getting the commentary, historical context and analysis of adaptations that I’ve been craving. Thank you for the smart and engaging content!
JJ Jadeway

Charming

Very enjoyable listen. Both hosts are warm and engaging. Lots of interesting historical asides and insights as well. More so than on some other podcasts, our hosts appreciate that, for example, P&P was penned with a light touch and tongue firmly planted in cheek and is not serious social criticism a la Dickens (e.g., Mr. Bennet’s teasing of Mrs. Bennet is playful banter of a particularly British kind, not some sort of villainous 19th C misogyny as it is sometimes represented as by US podcasters.) Happily, our two hosts capture the essence of Austen’s writing nicely.
HarbinLaoshi

Harriet and Ellen Know Their Jane!

I love this show. The mother daughter duo offer not only wonderful insights into Jane Austen’s novels and world, but also are a great example of a working partnership with chemistry and mutual admiration. I always learn something new and interesting and thoroughly enjoy their repartee. Well done!
pointilissma

Gentle insight

Offers intelligent discussion of a complex author. One of my favorite relaxation treats. Like sitting down with old friends!
lship88

Very enjoyable and informative

Glad I discovered this podcast
macnsak

Nice

Adds to the pleasure of the stories.
DeedeeB.

A treasure!

I am a lifelong Austen fan, and I’ve been so delighted to listen to these very smart and engaging women share their thoughts and ideas. Thank you, Harriet and Ellen, for sharing this wonderful podcast!
Anita - R

Actual conversations

Ladies, your podcast is so well done, and thank you. I enjoy it so much that you engage in actual conversations, stick closely to your topic, and invite all of us eavesdrop for a while.
Sarah.67

Delightful!

I am really enjoying this podcast! I love the knowledge they share about different things from the time period. And I enjoy their insights and discussion! It’s a delight to listen to!
PhysicsFriend

I love this podcast!

These ladies are intelligent, well informed, and easy to listen to. They do not giggle or laugh all the time (like some podcasters I have heard), and when they disagree they do so very respectfully. I appreciate their research, their organization and their love of Jane Austen. I look forward to each new “Reading Jane Austen” podcast.
Joe Mondo

Don’t Be Fooled by the Graphic! Fantastic Austen Podcast!

To my own surprise, this is a really fantastic Austen podcast. The icon graphic and opening music suggested something dowdy, but Ellen and Harriet have a completely enjoyable, highly informed and intriguing podcast. Even covering multiple chapters at a time they provide a lot of insight and context. I’m completely impressed.
dofgv

Easy listening

I love listening to this podcast as I do chores or get ready for bed. Harriet and Ellen are easy to listen to and I love their insights into the history or the time as well as the story itself.