Spirituality in Jane Austen

I've returned to Jane Austen a number of times this year, both fully (Persuasion) and in pieces (Pride & Prejudice). Her characters and her wit: two things I'm glad I've been able to really meet and know, two things I can't wait to keep visiting and revisiting and discussing.

And then there's this:

Which led to this:

Which was so very wonderful wonderful wonderful. I found myself sitting between two lovely older women, and when it came time for small group discussion, we covered quite a bit of ground: how the concept of civility has changed with time, what correspondence means now, what modern versions of Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Willoughby might look like, our favorite tea -- it was a lovely world to step into.

This podcast is a nice way to spend an hour, as is always the case when thoughtful minds come together to discuss Jane Austen. And at a time of the year when the world feels a touch more spiritual than usual, the theme feels rather timely.