Celebrating 250 Years of Jane Austen: Classic Reads and Modern Reimaginings

Did you know that 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen? One of Britain’s most celebrated novelists, Austen originally published her books anonymously, simply signed “By a Lady”.

At a time when women had limited control over their own lives, Austen wrote complex, strong-willed female leads, focusing on their interior worlds and the challenges of navigating Regency England. Her work continues to inspire authors today, sparking countless adaptations and modern reimaginings across genres, from romantic comedies to sci-fi and fantasy epics.

To celebrate her legacy, we’ve put together a list of must-read Austen classics and fresh takes on her iconic stories!

Classic Austen

Emma

Emma Woodhouse is rich, clever, handsome, and single. Perfectly content with her lot, she spends her time meddling in the love lives of others – despite the warnings of a good friend. But her carefully laid matchmaking plans soon unravel, with unforeseen consequences…

Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of settling for an uninspiring marriage, much to her mother’s dismay. Mr Darcy, meanwhile, seems too proud to care about anything at all. But first impressions can be deceiving, and the ultimate will-they-won’t-they romance unfolds in this witty, sharp, and beloved novel.

Sense and Sensibility

Sisters Marianne and Elinor are forced to leave their family estate for a rural Devonshire cottage after their father’s death. Passionate Marianne is swept off her feet by the dashing John Willoughby, despite cautious Elinor’s warnings. But in a world where reputation is everything, love isn’t always straightforward…

Modern Reimaginings of Austen

Death Comes to Pemberley – A Murder Mystery Twist!

Elizabeth and Darcy’s peaceful life at Pemberley is shattered when Elizabeth’s sister arrives on the eve of their grand autumn ball, screaming that her husband has been murdered. A gripping mystery and sensational trial ensue in this thrilling take on Pride and Prejudice.

Miss Austen – A Tale of Lost Letters & Secrets

Based on the real-life mystery of Jane Austen’s letters, which her sister Cassandra burned, this novel explores sisterhood, love, and hidden truths. Twenty-three years after Jane’s death, Cassandra faces a dilemma: protect reputations or preserve history?

Longbourn – Pride and Prejudice from the Servants’ Perspective

Downstairs at the Bennet household, housemaid Sarah has her own dreams, struggles, and heartaches. When an intriguing new footman arrives, life below stairs is thrown into complete upheaval in this beautifully written, behind-the-scenes look at the world of Pride and Prejudice.

Eligible – Pride and Prejudice in the Modern Age

Liz and Jane return home from New York to help clear out the family house and drag their three younger sisters out of arrested development. Between old family tensions, their mother’s relentless matchmaking, and an unexpected encounter at a backyard BBQ, this fun, witty retelling proves that Austen’s themes are as relevant today as ever.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – Regency Romance Meets the Undead!

Elizabeth Bennet is as skilled with a sword as she is with her wit, fighting off a mysterious zombie plague that’s sweeping through England. But as the haughty Mr Darcy arrives, is he friend or foe? This quirky, action-packed mash-up delivers all the romance of the original – with added brain-eating drama!