‘Loving longest’: Women, constancy and care in Persuasion. 

Join acclaimed author Emily Howes for a fascinating conversation about Persuasion and how it deals with women’s relationships, the intricacies of class and social mobility, and the expectations around caring and care.

Emily will consider comparison points in Persuasion and her novel The Painter’s Daughters which tells the story of Peggy and Molly Gainsborough and explores sisterhood, sex, control and individuality.

Emily will be in conversation with author, broadcaster and biographer Lucinda Hawksley.

Photo by Katrina Campbell

Emily Howes has worked as a storyteller, theatre maker, performer, writer and director in stage, television and radio. Her first novel, The Painter’s Daughters, won the Mslexia Novel Award judged by Hilary Mantel, and was named as one of the Sunday Times ten best historical fiction novels from 2024. Her second novel, Mrs Dickens, will be published in 2026. In addition to her writing work, Emily has a Masters in Existential Psychotherapy and works as a psychotherapist in private practice. She lives in London with her children.

Details:
Date: Sunday 21 September
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £15

🏠 This event does not include House admission. Please purchase admission separately or use your Annual Pass if you wish to explore the House.

 This event is part of our Persuasion Festival, running from 12 – 21 September 2025