Becoming Meg Dashwood

by Rebecca Humphries, Emma Thompson (Narrator), Erin Doherty (Narrator)

Executive produced by, and starring, Emma Thompson, 'Becoming Meg Dashwood' picks up where Sense and Sensibility left off. A bold imagining of what it might have meant to rewrite the rule book in 19th century England.

‘When you are thirteen years old, Margaret, you will witness your sister Marianne being made a fool of for love. You will make an oath that you will never love a man and lose yourself.’

Marriage is not for Margaret Dashwood. Where others see duty, Margaret sees entrapment. And rage.

But when an invitation from family friend Mrs Jennings hurls her into the chaotic heart of Covent Garden, Margaret discovers an intoxicating world beyond afternoon tea and polite society. Here she meets three women who live Nelly, an impulsive actress; Hester, a witch who works in the textile factory; and Inge, a sex worker who loves money and knows exactly how to get it. Here, Margaret’s rage is celebrated, along with her musical talents, and in their fierce company she is reborn as artist, and woman of hidden fires.

All four women dare to imagine a life dictated by pleasure, politics, and possibility. But such a life demands sacrifice. Especially when Meg’s feelings for Nelly - tender, electric, terrifying - begin to deepen. How does one fall in love, when that love has no name?

Becoming Meg Dashwood is a riotous, rebellious period drama. A pleasure story, not a love story.

Except, of course, that it is.

Starring Emma Thompson, Erin Doherty, Naomi Ackie, Liz Carr, Jessica Gunning, Paterson Joseph, Golda Rosheuvel, Greg Wise, Hedi Honert and Imelda Staunton. Plus a full ensemble cast starring Alex Austin, Robyn Holdaway, Rebecca Humphries, Gordon Kennedy, Clare Lawrence Moody, Ashley McGuire, Timothy Renouf, Sam Swann, Delilah Tahiri, Harry Trevaldwyn, Harley Viveash, Martha Bobroff, Ella Read and Chloe Raphael.

Featuring a dynamic new score by Natasha Khan, known as Bat for Lashes, written by Rebecca Humphries and directed by Jo Tyabji.

An Audible Original produced with Thomas Carter Projects.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Feminism, Historical Romance

Audible Audio

Published October 6, 2025

Reviews

[Lisa Guiry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. This was so fun. How could you not love Emma Thompson! 🥰

[Grace Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

once I separated it completely from it's source material, I rather enjoyed myself

[Mahayana Dugast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely funny and fabulously entertaining. I love Emma Thompson.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re reading this book hoping that it’s going to be the Dashwood’s answer to The Other Bennet Sister, you’re going to be very disappointed.
If you’re in the mood for a queer, feminist, modern take on the life of Meg Dashwood, read on.

[Han Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I’d listen to anything with Emma Thompson in.
A fun story, focusing on the youngest Dashwood sister and the friendships she forms, whilst challenging expectations of how women should live - and who they should love.
Fantastic music too!

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up because Emma Thompson. Might have been better without all the noise.

[Quinn's Quippy Quotes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was bad, but it wasn't great. I loved the "Netflix vs of Bridgerton" twist on this one, but it was just sad to see the Dashwood family fall apart.

[Chanda Chitoshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book.

Short, entertaining, and I loved the cast

[KaytiLeefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming, sweet, sad, human, and the ending is gorgeous.
Yes, it's not exactly feasible or plausible, but I loved it!

[Stephanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting 'sequel' to Sense and Sensibility. I enjoyed the concepts of the plot and the voice actors were excellent. The main issue I had was that it was quite hard to follow how much time had passed in some cases and it wasn't until quite near the end that that became obvious. I felt that author remained true to the original characters natures which very much pleased me.

[Alena Gromova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Очень люблю все эти спин-оффы и сиквелы Джейн Остин, где главное аудиоспектакль, а не история. Отлично заходит, когда не могу выбрать, что послушать. Здесь прекрасный многоголосый перфоманс с Эммой Томпсон, Эрин Доэрти и компанией.

[Raluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know if I would have liked it all the same if I had read it with the voices inside my head instead of the ones that read it to me, but all the same a nice story about what it means to be a woman in this world, about the compromises between ideals and reality and how sometimes it pays off to fight to reshape reality according to your ideals.

[LISA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great narration, very entertaining. Would I have enjoyed it as much in book form, probably not.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

do you want QUEER do you want RIDICULOUS do you want a full cast dramatisation of glorious fanfiction with EMMA THOMPSON then yes you want this

delightful delightful delightful (ridiculous)

[Leanne Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun escapism, but not my usual cup of tea. Some great character gaps exposed and narration was top notch.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A radical departure from—and a modern response to— Austen's Sense & Sensibility ; Humphries writes an irreverent, chaotic, erotic, reactionary, promiscuous, and queer coming-of-age story that rejects the staid, mannered grace and marriage plots of Austen's Regency romances. The story picks up shortly after the end of Austen's novel, with Margaret's coming out into society as a marriageable young woman. Let loose in London, Margaret falls in love with impolite society, where she becomes enamored with independence and pleasure, embracing a life as a bohemian, in which she is permitted to be herself and determine her own fate.

Enjoying this audio drama may require separating yourself from an attachment to the original novel. At first, the tone is quite jarring. As a sequel to Sense and Sensibility it was, at times, disconcerting. This story for Margaret Dashwood could never have been possible in Austen's universe, though it portrays aspects of her historical world. Indeed, it opens up an entirely new perspective on the world and times that Austen's characters live in, transitioning from the Regency era to the Victorian period, tapped by a modern urgency and sensibility. Once one lets themself relax into the humor, and accepts the abrupt contrasts to what is expected in an Austen story, this variation is enjoyable, insightful, and thrilling.

Performed by a full cast, including Emma Thompson (who is also an executive producer), Imelda Staunton, and Greg Wise—all of whom starred in Thompson's 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility — it would be hard not to enjoy. The production is spirited, delightful, and of stunning quality.

I appreciated the premise as to how Marianne being changed by her disappointed romance might affect Margaret, the already adventurous, and unconventional, youngest Dashwood sister. But I felt the narrative's treatment of the more typical options available to women in the period was a bit too harsh, and a disservice to the characters' fates in Austen (Marianne, in particular); celebrating alternative options should not exclude respect for traditional choices.

Likewise, Margaret's precipitous immersion into her new feminine community—and Mrs. Jenning's irresponsible laxness that conveniently sets up the plot—was remarkably implausible. For much of the story, it was challenging to suspend disbelief that this could be the continuation of Sense and Sensibility . I personally lamented the estrangement within the beloved Dashwood family. One can easily imagine a different satisfying story for Margaret, perhaps one in which she realizes her joy in exploring the world through travel. In some ways, this might have been an even more outstanding story had it not laid claim to Austen's characters—because the heart of the story itself is wonderful— and trying to reconcile it with Austen in some ways detracts from it; but it would not have attracted the same audience. And, perhaps, then it would not have been as impactful in its startling contrast, and it inclusively extends the Austen world admirably for modern readers.

The abrupt seeming renunciation of Meg's identity in the final part, with its reconciliation between Austen's story, characters—and marriage plot—was another destabilizing twist that made all seem like a fever dream, but with a perfectly lovely literary echo. There was no lack in sensation or drama! I felt positively enthralled and dizzy, listening to this production straight through. The conclusion was both heartwarming and satisfying.

A daring, defiant, angsty, and thought-provoking sequel to a classic. The performances were stellar. While, I didn't find it entirely successful as a Sense and Sensibility variation, it was a most powerful, intriguing, and fresh story, and an enthralling production. And, in the end, I was head-over-heels in love.

Note: contains explicit content and language, as well as violence.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this 3.5 out of 5.

I have one question related to this book. What the heck happened to Marianne? I demand justice for her in this book because she does not come across well. At first, I thought that she was just suffering from postpartum depression, but her behavior seems more than that, given its duration and the way that she interacts with Meg and others.

I did enjoy the complex characterization of Meg. She followed along with Austen's other characters of being strong-willed, but in this book, Meg is allowed to be completely her outspoken, Bluestocking self. It did make me sad that she and Marianne, and Eleanore drifted apart a bit due to their age differences and different stages in life. However, I think that the ending provided a lovely rounding of the story.

I did feel that there were a few too many side characters in this book in comparison to the length of the book. I understand that there is a nod to Austen's propensity to introduce a ton of side characters that help drive the narrative, but a few of them blended.

If you love Austen's original works, this is a fun read, as many of your favorite elements are present. However, you may struggle with the depiction of Marianne and Eleanore through the perspective of their younger sister. Nevertheless, it is a fun extension of Sense and Sensibility.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Classism
Moderate: Death, Grief
Minor: Sexual content, Lesbophobia, War

[Jake Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this production! It was so funny and witty at times and overall made me feel like I was tagging along for Meg’s journey through the highs and lows. However, despite being wildly brilliant and the actors thoroughly deserving all the praise given to them, there were a few things I found strange. Firstly, Ambrose doesn’t really get a comeuppance. The parallel between gay and lesbian relationships is also questionable, as when a male dancer from the company is locked up for sodomy after being caught with another male benefactor of the theatre, Nelly and Meg laugh at how pale Ambrose looked at the news. Nelly’s reassurance that the dancer probably wouldn’t hang since they don’t really do that much nowadays wasn’t much comfort given the situation. I did adore the Anne Lister and Ann Walker cameo of sorts, even if it did feel a little out of the blue. That said, I didn’t entirely buy the connection between Meg and Nelly at times. Nelly was great as a character but rather shite, for lack of a better word, as a love interest. I also find it confusing as to why Meg chose to write to her younger self at fifty as an exercise; was it Nelly’s suggestion? I truthfully can’t even remember. Despite these faults, it was a rather fun listen.

[Sarah Oakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAAAAAAA AMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZING... did I mention this was AMAZING

🌹Lets Just start with the cast of narrators, Emma Thompson (I.LOVE.HER.BEYOND.WORDS!), Imelda Staunton, Greg Wise, Erin Doherty with music touches from Bat for Lashes (The Den song is such a delicious shanty) oh and how they all delivered the script with such gumption and perfection.

🌹This immensely entertaining piece of art is a continuation of Sense and Sensibility...the story has been picked up a few years down the line to give life to the youngest Dashwood sister Margaret or "Meg".
We follow Meg who slips into the underbelly of London where she takes up with some absolutely exquisite characters and some old faithfusl also feature such as her sisters and Mrs Jennings...

🌹I honestly cannot recommend this audiobook highly enough and its included for free in the audible plus catalogue!
Emma Thompson describes Meg as a reckless, roaring heroine... and that sums her up...she bucks the trend of the usual Austen heroine and unearths the girl power of the 1790s.
The whole cast dance around your ears and bring you right into the story with them.

Bloody fantastic!

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Meg Dashwood is a warm, witty and surprisingly heartfelt coming-of-age story that blends identity, friendship and self-discovery with a light, engaging touch. Rebecca Humphries writes with a sharp observational humour that makes Meg instantly relatable — flawed, funny and trying her best to navigate the messy in-between stage of being an adult without quite feeling like one.

What I enjoyed most was the voice: Meg feels authentic, and her inner commentary often made me smile. The book touches on self-worth, boundaries and the slow, sometimes uncomfortable process of figuring out who you are outside other people’s expectations. It wasn’t always the direction I expected it to go in, but the emotional beats landed well and there’s genuine warmth beneath the humour.

I would’ve liked a little more depth in places, particularly around some of the supporting characters, but overall it’s a charming, thoughtful read with a very likeable heroine. A solid four stars — funny, honest, and ultimately uplifting.

[Trudie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic performance!

Loved:
- All the performers. Especially Emma Thompson, Imelda Staunton & the actor who played Marianne (she sounded so like Kate Winslet did in the film)
- The length: such an easy audiobook to listen to and a nice story
- The morals of the story - love, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, being ahead of your time
- There’s one part near the start where Mrs Jennings talks about why Mr Jennings liked her in the first place and I thought that was lovely and quite Austen in style

Didn’t love so much:
- I absolutely adore Sense & Sensibility, and whilst I liked the link I didn’t like the role Colonel Brandon & Marianne played in this. Theirs was meant to be a love story and it ended up not being so much in this
- I think this would have been an unlikely set of events to happen in the early 1800s (more the part where Mrs Jennings leaves her unchaperoned at a party) and that means she can move to London undetected

[Abstract Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came here for Emma Thompson…

… I stayed here because this was just marvellous! I am becoming such a fan of the full cast productions, where we also have all the background soundtrack, making the novel reading experience even more as if watching a film. Considering how few good film or tv productions there are these days, having this fabulous substitute is just fantastic.

Emma Thompson was absolutely stunning from the introduction and the description of the “trigger warnings” :) the lady is an absolute delight to listen to and is a mistress of her craft. A gem of our generation. The rest of the cast was great too and the production really complimented all the performances.

What a find! Highly recommend!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick listen. I had about an hour of the audible left and it took a turn I didn’t want to go down.

Fascinating walk through the ‘Sense and Sensibility’ time period. An interesting take on a sister in this original story.

Many, many political points in this book.

I did love the solidarity of the women in the ‘Den’, going through very difficult times and challenges for all women in 1827 (and many more years to come…).

I have respect for all individuals whether I agree with their life-choices or not. I know the circumstances we are placed in impact our decisions.

I chuckled out loud a few times. I understood some of the feelings expressed so eloquently. I listened carefully to the words conveyed. I was enlightened in many ways and shocked in others.

[Stephanie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this imaginative continuation of Margaret Dashwood's story, told from her point of view. The volatileness of youth and burning conviction of beliefs resound through the narrative.

I love Emma Thompson's acting, and I feel she will always be Eleanor Dashwood forever in my mind. My memories of her role made it a little difficult to hear her voice the headstrong Meg. A full cast is delightful, hearing the distinct tones and timbers of each individual.

I give this performance 4 stars, only because I do not enjoy the "breathiness" of the actor's dramatization of the unfolding scenes heard in the background of Emma Thompson's descriptions.

[Tracy Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Audible originals where the novel feels more like radio theater. Being partially narrated by Emma Thompson was an added plus. Unfortunately this was more of a 3.5 fir me.

The book takes place in 19th century London. Meg Dashwood is a late 20s woman who has chided traditional female protocols of finding a mate early in life, committing ones life to serving your male spouse and providing children. Meg takes a trip to London and stumbles on a group if women who feel as she does and create a world of their own.

This is for a mature audience with themes on sex and sexual attraction and a woman who feels differently than the norm.

[TrixieB · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW Pointless death, sexual exploitation by an employer, fat phobia, use of the word sl*ve for no reason

The death was actually traumatic.

Also some problematic language. Working hard is not akin to being enslaved and it is racist AF when White women make that comparison.

I really loved getting another side to Mrs Jennings.

I did not love that everyone expected Meg to bend herself to suit her mother's need for married daughters. Toxic, which is the point of the story I think.

But the pointless death was graphic, jarring and horrible. The book would have been better without it

[Catherine Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austen purists won’t be happy but this is a great production and Emma Thompson and a fabulous cast do bring it to life. The music is also wonderful.
A book of2 halves - the first funny, capturing Austen’s sharp wit and uplifting in its mood.
The second half is darker, more miserable and heavy.
Be warned, if you want to believe the Dashwoods sailed off happy into the sunset, this is not one for you. I was a tad sad to discover life after marriage for them but otherwise an enjoyable and immersive listen.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little darker than I expected in a Jane Austen continuation story - warning, not every character is going to make it out alive! And most of the men here are, urgh, the worst men. But an excellent use of the themes of pursuing freedom, choice, liberation - and love. And I loved that we get more of the underbelly of the times rather than just the fancy, posh parts that stories like Bridgerton leans into.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and enjoyable listen to this audible drama. Fabulous audio sound and music, with multiple voice narrators, one for each character. I felt as though I were in a theater, watching a performance. Anyone who loves Sense & Sensibility will love this coming of age story of the youngest Dashwood sister, Meg, in this show that is a sequel to Sense and Sensibility. It explores what happens after the novel concludes. 

[Annkathrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the idea of this fanciful but fun story, though wasn't fully convinced by its execution. For me, the occasional non-standard / anachronistic language and grammar was an unwelcome distraction; often a hazard with modern takes on Austen, it can pull you out of the story and grate on the ears. But if you can avoid comparing it to the original books, overall it's engaging, with an interesting cast of characters, and a diverting listen.