Persuasion by Jane Austen

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Persuasion by Jane Austen

I just finished reading Persuasion in Austen’s birthday month, and like all of Austen’s novels, it’s about love, social graces, and civilities of the early 1800s England. Poor Anne was PERSUADED to reject a marriage proposal eight years prior from the man she truly loved on the grounds that he didn’t have money or significant social connections. Forget love, go for the gold!! 

So Anne trudges along in a family of dolts: her dad is a silly vain man. How vain is he? So vain that he practically had a horror room of mirrors in his old bedroom, an overabundance that prompted the current tenant to haul a bunch out to make it habitable. His youngest daughter, Mary, is a look-at-me girl. She wants to be the center of attention, and doesn’t have much patience for her own children. The oldest sister is dad’s favorite and he’s not hiding that fact. She’s spoiled and arrogant and could care less about anyone but herself. 

It's a glorious day when Anne’s true love, Mr. Frederick Wentworth returns after an 8-year absence, but now the dance of pretenses and propriety begins. Anne watches as he seems to be courting Louisa, and then the tables turn and he watches as William Elliot tries to charm Anne. The reader waits to see how the star-crossed lovers finally overcome all obstacles and get together.

It’s a lovely, warm story and I enjoyed it—but not as much as Pride and Prejudice, and not even as much as Northanger Abbey. I can’t compare it to Emma, because I read it so long ago that I can't remember it. I’m due for a re-read on that one. Still, Persuasion is definitely worth reading!

(read in 2025)

Happy Reading!
Annette

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