"Persuasion" by Jane Austen
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This was Jane Austen's last book, but being so short and sweet it could serve as a nice introduction to her other novels. The story revolves around Anne Eliot. She comes from a distinguished family, however her father has long been living beyond his means and the family is forced to make reductions in their extravagant lifestyle. Anne begins to see the fallacy behind her family's pretenses and starts to place less weight on their ideas and opinions and more on her own. Her transformation is especially clear when she comes into contact with a former love who she rejected eight years ago after being persuaded that the match was not ideal. Now he is much more rich and "suitable" but no longer interested. Moving from regret to jealousy to acceptance, Anne experiences a far wider range of emotions than we see in other Austen characters. At 27, Anne is also far older and more mature in outlook. She hopes for a second chance at love, but is not expecting it.
Austen wrote Persuasion while suffering from an illness that would be her last. Many say that the book is unfinished--judging from the length, Austen probably did not have time to add her usual embellishments to the story. However this does not detract from the story, which is simple yet honest. A refreshing departure from Austen's usual stories of love in the first blossom of youth. It is a pity that she could not explore this theme more.
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I must disagree of this being a good introduction to Jane Austen's works simply of it's complexity compared to her other novels. Nonetheless, this is her finest -for me at least.
Hmm, you could be right about it not being the best intro to Austen. But I found this book a little less polished than her others. I think there is a lack of dialog in this one--my theory is that she didn't have time to go back and add it in. But as far as plot goes, I really love that she portrayed an "older" woman here and not the usual barely 20 girls that populate her other books.
I agree with the comments that this is not a good introduction to Jane Austen's works. Not because it lacks polish (I quite disagree with you there), but that it is more mature and solemn than her other books. Persuasion stands out with it's unpretentious grace. My equal favorite with the obvious Pride and Prejudice.
Hi Girlie books Girls! Thanks for such wonderful collection!!
I think Persuasion is my favourite Austen, but I would probably recommend Pride and Prej as an introduction to her work. I've been dipping into Deidre Le Faye's collected volume of Austen letters recently and in one letter she refers to Persuasion as 'a little something she is preparing for publication.' Oh, to be such a great writer that you can refer to Persuasion as 'a little something!!'
Truly Persuasion is the best Austen for me. I also agree one should not be introduced to it first. I started with Emma first and trust I was appalled at the character not the book. It took me some time to pick up another Austen but then I was hooked, line and sinker onto a witty and playful writer.