Kia ora
I'm thrilled to make two huge announcements.
One: Call it Hope is so close!
- We have a final cover and have listed it for digital preorder (release date is 13 March 2026)
- It's on Goodreads and Storygraph if you'd like to add it to your reading list (if you ask nicely, and promise a review in return, I could be persuaded to send you a digital copy)
Two: The first monthly virtual Austen meeting is on Monday (24 November 630pm NZ time)
- We'll be discussing Austen inspired murder mysteries - why are there so many?
- If you'd like to sign up for $10/month (subscription) go here: https://gobrunch.com/events/mvwopo/mqqvlo
The link will take you to GoBrunch. Click the Austen meeting box to pay on Stripe. Once you’ve paid, the original link will take you to the room with a pop up saying the date of the next meeting.
- Meetings will be every 4th Monday at 630pm and be a mix of questions with set topics
- If you're keen on the retreat you can get 30% discount on monthly meetings
With the state of the world at the moment, these projects are keeping me happy, I hope you'll find joy in them too.
Ngā mihi nui,
Frances Duncan (she/they)
Austen News
The birthday party for Jane Austen (250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth) is 16 December 2025 in Wellington.
Purchase tickets for 2026 before the end of the year, use Code EARLY for 15% off selected events.
Our theme for 2026 is Diversity. In addition to our regular meetings we’ve got some exciting things planned - books, holidays and virtual catchups. All the details are below.
March 28 online
Jane Austen & Bodily Diversity, Kathleen James-Cavan
May 23 in person
Beyond the Bookshelves: Diversity in Austen Retellings, Rachel Pilios
July 9 online
What if Wentworth Was a Woman? Amy Blythe
July 26-31 in person
Persuasion: Linger & Gaze Retreat in Australia
August-October online
Group Read of Emiko by Chieri Uegaki
Mini (10 weeks 30 mins)
Regular (10 weeks 60 mins)
September 26 in person
October 17 in person
Book Club: Emiko by Chieri Uegaki
December 14 in person
Persuasion: Linger & Gaze Retreat in Australia July 24-31
There's space for 3 more Austenites who want to reconnect with Persuasion and escape the winter. Expect beach walks, naps, book discussions, and adaptation viewing.
- to help you say yes, I’m offering 30% off access to the virtual monthly meetings
- don’t wait, it’ll be at least 2 years before we do this again (if we do!)
- get in at a lower price, for future retreats we’ll have a better idea of all the costs
A society digital print of Sense and Sensibility
We're planning to create an aesthetically pleasing, collaborative edition featuring:
- Unique cover illustrations and internal design by society members
- An introduction written by a member (or members)
- Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions posed by members
0 comments