As regular readers/listeners of Pemberley & Beyond will know, my last experience of stepping outside my comfort zone of Pride & Prejudice retellings ended in disaster. Nonetheless, I fell head over heels for the beautiful cover of Emma of 83rd Street when I saw it in my local library. I know that there’s that old chestnut about not judging books by their cover, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for a fun cover!
When I beheld it, I thought to myself… could this book break the curse of terrible non-Pride and Prejudice retellings?

Join Cat on Pemberley and Beyond for a special bite-size episode celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary through the anthology Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years. This captivating collection of essays, short stories, poetry, and art showcases how Austen’s wit, wisdom, and social insight continue to inspire readers, writers, and artists around the world.

In this episode, Cat explores standout pieces from the anthology, from Tallulah Riley’s modern reimagining of Charlotte Collins in Charlotte to Jen Francis’s essay Austen’s Onscreen Evaluation, which examines the evolution of Austen’s adaptations from BBC period dramas to potential TikTok musicals.

Acknowledgement:
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free copy of Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years through NetGalley.

**You listened and spoke! I listened and re-recorded!

Re-uploaded with better quality audio**

What if Mary Bennet had turned her intellect to science… and the reanimation of the dead? In this Halloween-inspired episode, Cat reviews Melinda Taub’s recently published The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet. A witty, gothic, and gloriously queer reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.

Expect thoughtful discussion as we explore Mary’s transformation from overlooked sister to determined scientist, the moral quandaries of creation, and the quiet ache of forbidden love.

Plus, in Hocus Tropus, Cat pairs this tale with Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson: another story where knowledge, danger, and desire intertwine.

For those who love Jane Austen with a twist, a touch of the macabre, and a pot of strong tea.

With thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC copy of this novel in return for an honest review.