In this episode, we’re joined by pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason to explore Jane Austen’s creativity beyond the written word and through music. We talk about Jeneba’s recent project Jane Austen’s Piano EP (Available on Spotify and Apple Music now) and her extraordinary experience playing the Clementi pianoforte at Jane Austen’s House, reading directly from Austen’s own sheet music.

Together, we unpack the role of music in Austen’s novels, not merely as social decoration, but as a vital form of expression and emotional release. Consider music as a language Austen spoke fluently and something that's been captured by many adaptations over the years with some outstanding scores like the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. The conversation also draws surprising and delightful connections between Austen’s writing and the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, particularly the way her novels move like concertos: balanced, playful, and emotionally precise.I hope you enjoy this new reflection on an art form that was as special to Austen as writing itself, even if it was practised for personal pleasure and shared most often with those closest to her.

She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music by Gillian Dooley

I mention this book in the episode, and it’s one I thoroughly enjoyed and used while preparing for this discussion. It’s full of fascinating insights into Jane Austen’s relationship with music, some of which were completely new to me, alongside striking analysis of how music appears throughout her novels. I’d really recommend this read if you enjoyed the episode or if you’re a lover of music.

Ways to support the podcast, and yourself through things I use and love:

Tembo - Saving for a house?

I know that for many of us, saving to buy our own home can feel like a far-off dream. For the past few years, though, I’ve been using the Tembo app to help me save for my first home, and it’s made the process feel easier, more consistent, and genuinely enjoyable because I can see real progress month by month. The app also offers helpful advice and guidance on recent policy changes, along with recommendations for mortgage brokers, pricing, and interest rates. If you’re saving too, I really recommend giving Tembo a try.

And if you sign up using my link, you’ll get a joining bonus.

Wilsons Pet Food (Hoggle’s recommendation)

Wilsons are offering 20% off when you use my code: whattheausten at checkout 🤍

Hoggle really struggled with his digestion when he was a puppy, and I tried so many different options, from raw food to fresh food. In the end, neither of them really suited us or our lifestyle and the storage alone was a nightmare.This has been such a good fit for us. It’s full of nutrients for your dog, gentle on digestion, incredibly easy to store, and so simple to use day to day. A natural, healthy dog food that genuinely takes the stress out of mealtimes 🐾🤍

250th Birthday Edition: What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan: ⁠https://amzn.to/4sA9fbG⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by John Mullan to explore the remarkable range of Jane Austen’s novels and the beauty of her unique literary style. We talk about how free indirect speech shapes our intimacy with characters like Emma Woodhouse, drawing us into her mind while quietly revealing her blind spots. We also explore why Mansfield Park feels so different from Austen’s other novels and yet has a lot of depth to unpack.

Along the way, we reflect on the enduring magic of Pride and Prejudice: why it feels so alive and so perfectly balanced. From irony and voice to structure and silence, this conversation celebrates the many ways Austen writes.

Whether you’re a lifelong Austen reader or returning to her novels with fresh eyes, this episode is an invitation to notice, to linger, and to fall in love with her work all over again 📖🤍

Ways to support the podcast, and you through things I use and love:

What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan on audible: https://amzn.to/4qkDe60

Like so many of you, I love listening to Jane Austen’s novels as audiobooks, so I wanted to share a few of my favourites that are currently available on Audible. It honestly helps me get through so many more books, and it’s especially brilliant when I’m rereading Austen yet again for the podcast. I’ve used Audible for many years now, and if you’d like to join, you can use my affiliate link below. You’ll get access to all these Jane Austen listens, and it helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you, which I’m always so grateful for.

PurePet Food (Hoggle’s recommendation)

Get 75% off your first box! If you use Hoggle’s code: ISABELLE79097

Hoggle really struggled with his digestion when he was a puppy, and I tried him on lots of different options, from raw food to fresh food. Neither of them suited us or our lifestyle, and the storage alone was a nightmare.

He’s been on PurePet for two years now and absolutely loves it. I even took it with us when we walked the West Highland Way.

It’s full of nutrients for your dog, incredibly easy to store, and so simple to use. You just add water to rehydrate it, and you’re good to go. A natural, healthy dog food designed to take the stress out of mealtimes. Simply add water and stir to quickly rehydrate the food, creating a nutritious meal your pup will love.

I thought a fun Christmas episode would be to discuss Regency Christmas traditions. From mistletoe to ghost stories, we get into the festive Regency spirit on the podcast.

Author Jessica Bull is joining me to share her insights and to talk about her new Christmas novella, which falls into her Jane Austen Investigates series, The Austen Christmas Murders.

I hope you enjoy this episode, and as Jane Austen herself wrote, “Merry Christmas, but no compliments of the season.”

Wishing you a wonderful festive period full of love and light!

Jessica Bull:
@jessicabullnovelist
https://jessicabullauthor.com/