Persuasion is Jane Austen's last novel, published posthumously in 1818. The story follows 27-year-old Anne Eliot, who is much older than the central characters in Austen's other books. Having fallen in love with and persuaded to reject a poor naval officer 8 years ago, Anne re-encounters him as a wealthy captain. She is then forced to deal with her regret for past actions and growing jealousy as he courts another woman. This ebook is also part of The Complete Works of Jane Austen.
I've read pride and prejudice, sense and sensibility, emma and persuasion, and so far I prefer persuasion. Anne's thoughts are very present in the narrative. While it may be hard for the reader to understand how anyone could put up with such an annoying (and unfair) sister and father, and rather snooty best friend, when we see it from Anne's perspective, we understand a bit more about suffering and regret. It is a keen study of how the best of us can still make mistakes and misjudgements.
With the bit I know about Jane Austen's life, I like to imagine that Persuasion was also written with a touch of her own experiences. Almost like a wish fufillment kind of thing, because the ending where Fredrick and Anne are finally together is a sweet ending, with a very mature passion.
I've read pride and prejudice, sense and sensibility, emma and persuasion, and so far I prefer persuasion. Anne's thoughts are very present in the narrative. While it may be hard for the reader to understand how anyone could put up with such an annoying (and unfair) sister and father, and rather snooty best friend, when we see it from Anne's perspective, we understand a bit more about suffering and regret. It is a keen study of how the best of us can still make mistakes and misjudgements.
With the bit I know about Jane Austen's life, I like to imagine that Persuasion was also written with a touch of her own experiences. Almost like a wish fufillment kind of thing, because the ending where Fredrick and Anne are finally together is a sweet ending, with a very mature passion.