Jane and Cassandra Austen were the closest of sisters from early
childhood. Cassandra was the most important person in Jane's life; Jane
looked up to and adored her older sister, who was devoted to her in
return. As well as sharing the same education, interests, friends and
Christian faith, the inseparable sisters supported each other through
various emotional crises and family troubles. Most importantly,
Cassandra, who was privy to Jane's imaginary world, supported and
encouraged her in her writing. The Austen Girls explores the lives of
the Austen sisters and traces their relationship throughout Jane's life
and literary career, until Jane's premature death at the age of
forty-one. It also looks at Cassandra's life after the loss of her
sister. 'I Jane Austen of the Parish of Chawton do ... give and bequeath
to my dearest Sister Cassandra Elizabeth every thing of which I may die
possessed, or which may be hereafter due to me... I appoint my said dear
Sister the Executrix of this my last Will & Testament.' Jane Austen, 27
April 1817. The bequest included the manuscripts of Jane's unpublished
and unfinished novels.