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    Persuasion
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    Persuasion
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    Persuasion
    Ebook290 pages6 hours

    Persuasion

    By Jane Austen and Golden Deer Classics

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Emma is a comic novel by Jane Austen, first published in December 1815, about the perils of misconstrued romance. The main character, Emma Woodhouse, is described in the opening paragraph as "handsome, clever, and rich" but is also rather spoiled. Prior to starting the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like."
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOregan Publishing
    Release dateJul 20, 2017
    ISBN9782377874804
    Author

    Jane Austen

    Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels—Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion—which observe and critique the British gentry of the late eighteenth century. Her mastery of wit, irony, and social commentary made her a beloved and acclaimed author in her lifetime, a distinction she still enjoys today around the world.

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    Reviews for Persuasion

    4/5

    6,824 ratings230 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I liked this one a lot. I liked that it wasn't about an ingenue; I liked the hints of the world beyond the social circles; I liked the maturity of the relationships; I liked the way Austen slipped in a bit of intrigue.
    • 3/5
      Hard to connect or care about the personalities or any of the characters:Anne = weak, timid, always holding back, submissive to other's needs and desires, no backbone -yet loved for her "accomplishments" (which are oddly invisible) - and so fearfulNo wonder Captain Wentworth was attracted to the spirited Louisa.And him = he appears as a 'cad' for his relentless attending to women he did not really want to love,with his last-minute letter a bit of a long plot stretch given his on-going silence.Worse stil is the toleration of the repellant, plot dragging Mary...not that the plot was much going anywhereexcept in the tedious concerns and pretensions of the middle class.Jane should have kept this one in her desk.
    • 3/5
      Published in 1817 shortly before Austen's death, this novel is a satire on vanity and persuasion. It is also the story of missed opportunities and second chances. Anne Elliot is the middle of two sisters. Elizabeth, the oldest, is only concerned with her status in the community and that of her father who has been given the means to maintain his estate but fails to manage it. In the novel he must rent it out in order to keep it.Anne is the protagonist and eight years earlier turned down the man she loved because her advisor told her he had no money and no prospects. Now he has returned a rich war hero and she is reluctant to approach him to tell him she still loves him. She has another rich gentleman suitor who seems to have it all but her warning bells suggest not all as it seems.As the novel works its way to the denouement, we are treated to many foolish folk who judge others by their social and financial status and not on their character and as a result suffer indignities and failure because of their treatment of others.A little wordy and slow going sometimes but generally a fun read. I did not enjoy this title as much as Pride and Prejudice.
    • 5/5
      I read this in an annotated edition which provided some background regarding the Royal Navy, social customs and Bath that enriched the story for me.
    • 4/5
      Written in 1816. Anne rejected a suitor eight years ago due to her family and friends not thinking him good enough. Now he is back... A good read.
    • 5/5
      In time for the 200th anniversary of her death I decided to read the last Austen novel I had yet to read. Austen's prose is here at her most polished and her sarcasm at it's most subtle and biting, but she proves once again that the ending was not her strength. As progressive and liberal as her characters were, her endings seem very XVIII century, not even XIX century. I was still glad to enjoy Austen's beautiful style.
      After reading all the novels here is my ranking:
      1) Emma
      2) Pride and Prejudice
      3) Sense and Sensibility
      4) Northanger Abbey
      5) Persuasion
      6) Mansfield Park
    • 3/5
      As an audiobook I found I enjoyed this more than Little Women.
    • 5/5
      This is one of my, possibly my absolute, favourites of Jane Austen's major works (I've not managed to read everything, yet...) It's not the wittiest, I think, though the humour is very much in evidence, but it's the sweetest romance.Anne Elliot, having fallen in love as a young woman, but having dutifully declined a proposal of marriage, lives with her older sister, Elizabeth, and father, the baronet Sir Elliot at Kellynch Hall. Unlike Anne, they are very vain about their place in the peerage, but are careless about the duties of a landowner. Her younger sister, Mary, is married into the Musgrove family, and is also proud of the notice due to an Elliot of Kellynch Hall. When the Elliots decide to move to Bath, Anne stays first with her sister Mary and the Musgroves, and then continues on to Bath. At both these places, she finds herself thrown into company with the man she still loves. Her feelings for him have not changed, but he - now a man of fortune - is no longer interested in her. How will Anne find the happiness in life that she so richly deserves?I do like this book, mainly, as I said, for the romance. But I like the comfortable family life portrayed in this Austen, which, offhand, I don't think we get in any of her other books. The Musgroves senior and the Crofts enjoy life, and are happiest when they have lots of other people around them who enjoy life, too.Although Anne is neglected by her own family, her friends see her value, and she is not as timid or put-upon as Fanny, of Mansfield Park. As a heroine, she has a quiet, purposeful dignity.And I think, of all the Austens I've read, this has the happiest ending.
    • 5/5
      I say this a lot, but it's been a very long time since I read Persuasion. I know the movie (Ciaran Hinds & Amanda Root, the only one worth watching) very very well, and it was a pure joy to be reminded of how utterly and beautifully faithful it is to the book, and another joy to be reminded of all of the elements that did not make it into the film. Karen Savage's reading was lovely and just enhanced my enjoyment of the story.Sparing Goodreads my ponderings on the Defense of Frederick and Why I Hate Lady Russell; they can be found on my blog.
    • 4/5
      A story about love in adult age, about falling in love and waiting to be prepared to live that story. The narrator, as always, is witty and ironic as she can be. "..Two ittle inches of ivory.." yes, of course
    • 5/5
      Summary: When Anne Elliot was nineteen, she was in love with a young naval officer named Frederick Wentworth, but was talked out of it as being an imprudent match by friends and family. Now, eight years later, she is still unmarried, and still in love with Frederick - who is now Captain Wentworth, recently returned to shore with the large fortune he made in the war, and looking to settle down. When they are forced back into each other's company, things are strained between them, and she fears that by her earlier weakness, she has lost him forever. For how can they overcome eight years of heartbreak and regret to be together once more?Review: I always feel like a bit of a fraud reviewing Austen, or any classic, since so much has been written about it already - who cares about my opinion when many generations of masters theses have been written on the book by people better educated than me?Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed Persuasion, perhaps not quite so much as Pride and Prejudice, but certainly more than Emma. (I read Sense and Sensibility so long ago that I really can't compare it.) Persuasion's a more mature, sober book, less sparkly and quick-witted, but still an effective send-up of class, vanity, social climbing, and the strictures of society... plus it's one heck of a compelling romance.Anne Elliot, while not a particularly lively heroine, was immensely sympathetic. First, being a unmarried lady of eight-and-twenty myself, I was rather predisposed to identify with her (although I got somewhat tired of hearing about how her - and by extension, my - bloom of youthful attractiveness was in danger of disappearing at any second and therefore she'd never get married and her life would have no meaning.) I also think that most people have, if not a long-lost love that they look upon with regret, at least someone in their past that they look on with nostalgia, and a hint of "what if...", and that makes Anne's plight recognizable and relatable. Finally, I've long acknowledged my inordinate fondness for boys on boats ("Sometimes you're just in the mood for the British Navy."), so Captain Wentworth is an eminently swoon-worthy leading man.There are two things that I did wish were a little different. First, there's no secondary romance involving sympathetic characters. Anne's story is enough to fill the pages, but in the other Austen I've read, there is a secondary couple who deserves (and of course gets) their happy ending. In Persuasion, Anne's not surrounded by any other particularly sympathetic young people, and so there's no other couple to root for. (Certainly no one to equal, say, Jane and Bingham from Pride and Prejudice.) My only other quibble with the book is that the pivotal scene at the end of the book is mostly lacking in dialogue, choosing instead to have the narrator explain to us how Anne and Frederick made up without actually letting us hear it. That's a shame, because Austen can certainly write wonderful dialogue, and by not including it at the end, it felt like we were being kept at a distance from the most important part of the story. Still, overall I thought this was a wonderful book, and most definitely one I will return to. 4.5 out of 5 stars.Recommendation: Oh, c'mon. It's Austen, it's a classic, it's not as intimidating as you might think, and it's a wonderful story of love and faithfulness and hope in the face of all seeming lost. Read it, if you haven't already.
    • 5/5
      Although Jane Austen is more beloved for "Pride and Prejudice", "Persuasion" is my favorite of all her novels. It is the story of a twenty-seven year old woman who, eight years prior to the start of the novel turned down the offer of marriage by the man she loves. Now he has come back to England from the war, but he doesn't seem to be in love with her anymore. Anne, the main character, is poignant and insightful and for some reason I identify with her. She is quiet and sensible, not as daring as Elizabeth Bennet, and much more reserved yet I love her character. Persuasion is moving and reflective of an older Jane Austen. If I was forced to choose I would probably state "Persuasion" as my favorite book.
    • 4/5
      Persuasion to me has seemed a little bit like the country cousin out of the Austen novels. Pride and Prejudice is the popular one, with all the movie adaptations and the novelizations and the good press. Emma is sort of a runner-up. It also has some good movie versions and a lot of humor and lighthearted fun. Sense and Sensibility is also popular.But before last year, I knew nothing at all about Persuasion. I wasn't sure what the plot was; I never saw it on the big screen; I couldn't even tell you the main character's name. Then I saw the BBC version, the one with Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot. I was mesmerized.In case you don't know the story either, Anne is the middle daughter in a very proud, very vain family. Anne has always been overlooked. She fell in love with a young navy officer when she was young. She was 'persuaded' to end the engagement, hence the title. They were both young, neither had any income, and her family was opposed to the match.Eight years pass. She has not forgotten him, but has convinced herself that he has forgotten her. Then events conspire to bring them together again. Will she get a second chance?I really loved the story. I only gave it 4 stars, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because the ending was a little weak. Austen didn't seem to find the right way to wrap things up and just sort of tacked on the last chapter. Then I have to admit that I preferred the more romantic ending in the TV version too. But it was really well done and I loved it.
    • 3/5
      Oh! The trials and tribulations of love in the 19th century! We learn from the start that our heroine, Anne, was persuaded by her mother's best friend to not marry the man to which she had become engaged, Captain Wentworth. Intrigue ensues when Anne's former lover returns from abroad after eight years have passed. Is the spark still there, is there another love, will they become a couple again? These are the pressing questions that the reader must page through 272 pages to discover. While we wait to find the answer, the reader follows the well heeled characters through their daily lives of visiting friends, romping through meadows and just being coy .Although, Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors I found Persuasion to be too Harlequin Romance fluff but it may have been devoured be the working classes of the day, to see what keeps the upper crust busy during their days and nights.
    • 5/5
      This is probably my favourite Jane Austen. Its been quite awhile since I read it but something about poor Anne Elliots plight touched me in a way that, while I enjoyed them, none of Austens other novels did. Annoyingly whenever I atempt to describe it to anyone I become disgustingly girly and start talking about unrequited love, and longing and will they/won't they...this doesn't do it any justice whatsoever! A great love story.
    • 5/5
      While Pride and Prejudice is the most well known and celebrated of Austen's works, Persuasion is my personal favorite. Once again a tale of love and bad timing it is not an overheard comment as in the case of Elizabeth and Darcy but the 'wise' words of an older relative that created the fateful romance. Like all of Austen's works, this is wonderfully written, with rich characters and a wry sense of humor.
    • 5/5
      I love Persuasion. It is my favorite Jane Austen, and I love Jane Austen. Persuasion is a bit quieter and more introspective than her other books. I ache all the way through it and never want it to end. It touches that part of you that longs to be completely understood and appreciated for who you are.
    • 5/5
      I think this is my favorite Austen. I know, I know, there are many who would argue for the Elizabeth/Darcy love story, but for me, Anne is the ultimate heroine. Her wildly eccentric father, the sisters who don't really care for her, and Captain Wentworth. Ahhh, Captain Wentworth. No matter how many times I read it I still feel so sorry for Anne--until she gets the letter. The letter to end all letters. If you haven't read it, do it. You will not regret it.
    • 5/5
      WARNING: CONTAINS VERY SLIGHT SPOILERSOh, how I loved this book. I have just officially found my new favourite Austen novel. And the ridiculous thing? Once again, I was guilty of repeatedly skipping over this one on my shelves because it might be, well, a bit boring... Since I started getting stuck into Mount TBR I'm learning that some of my favourite books of the year/ever turn out to be ones I had repeatedly rejected, underestimated and shoved to the back of the queue.Anyway. Anne Elliott. What a girl. Although the style of this novel was a little archaic, and sometimes I had to go back and reread a particularly convoluted sentence or two, Anne Elliott captured my heart completely. She has all the virtue of Fanny Price and none of the weakness. She's loyal and loving and perceptive - but she has a much deeper inner strength, and doesn't have to sit down in a rose garden every time she ventures out of doors for two minutes. Yet again Austen's world has translated into a story this modern girl adored and understood completely. Within a chapter or two I was swept up in the heartache of Anne's separation from her beloved Captain Wentworth seven years ago, and her horror at having to meet him again, knowing that she was still in love with him. Her humiliation was heartbreaking, her dignity enviable. I watched their slow reconciliation with bated breath, tried to figure out the good guys from the bad guys... and I must admit, the Captain's heartfelt, desperate letter to Anne as he clutched at his chance to marry the woman he loved made me cry. I have never cried reading Austen before - only watching it!I also recommend the Sally Hawkins/Rupert Penry-Jones adaptation, which against my better judgement I watched immediately after finishing the novel. I wasn't disappointed at all - although a few details had been switched around or made a little more concise, much of it was quite faithful, particularly the dialogue. Anne's misery is perhaps even more heartbreaking as a visual representation than it is in Austen's polished prose, and I cried all over again...
    • 5/5
      I believe this is one of Jane Austen's greatest works. Absolutely beautiful- I read it in one sitting. That's about 4 hours in Starbucks.
    • 1/5

      4/10.

      The story of a singular sister in a family of delusional lunatics and her attempt to find love with the bloke she fancies who she spurned years before. Nonsense as per.

    • 4/5
      Austen's lovely novel of second chances - a wonder.
    • 4/5
      Persuasion is a classic, and a charming one! It follows twenty-something Anne as she navigates the path to almost certain spinsterhood. She had a love once, but gave it up due to the expectations of her family and their certainty she could get a "better match." Fast forward: she didn't. But...she might have a second chance.Anne's "late in life" (for the time period) love story is the main plot driver in the book, however my favorite part was her observations, and the comments of, her family and friends. The book is quite savage toward the stuffy upper crust and it was actually laugh out loud funny at parts. It is partially set in Bath, England, where Austen did live, and I think a lot of the author's own feelings toward the people around her were coming out here in a thinly veiled way. Great, short read!
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed this book so much more on my second read. In my opinion, it still doesn't beat Pride and Prejudice, but it it a good one!
    • 3/5
      When Louisa stumbled, I sighed and, yet, continued through the remainder of the book. I knew that Mr. Scott would be unmasked and that all would be well. The flimsy layers did trouble me greatly. I don't know whether it is national chauvinism or some maudlin coddling but how is it that most consider Austen to be superior to Balzac?

      On a personal level, this was likely the only book given to me by the mother of a woman I was seeing.
    • 5/5
      Lovely and fun book of Victorian era.
    • 4/5
      A typical Austen and I quite enjoyed it. This one focuses on Anne Elliot and her former flame Frederick Wentworth as they rekindle the love they once felt for each other. The maturity of the characters was a refreshing change from Austen's usual young heroine finding the love of her life. This isn't my favorite Austen, which will probably always be Emma (I just love the growth she experiences throughout the novel and the book as a whole was simply hilarious), but it was still a great read.I don't know what to say about this that hasn't been said before. The first half I felt was a bit slow but the pace picked up quickly in the second half. Louisa's injury and the scandal with Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay had me doing a double take (that just came out of nowhere) and every time Mary opened her mouth, I found myself mysteriously overcome with a severe case of the giggles. Overall, this book earns a high recommendation from me!
    • 4/5
      I think this is my favourite Austen novel. There is something so romantic and appealing about the story of Anne and Wentworth. Getting back your lost love like that. But it's not too syrupy which such stories can often be.
    • 5/5
      Persuasion is in my own mind, Austen's greatest literary work. It was her final novel completed before her death and published posthumously. The passion between Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth is palpable and the "letter" at end always makes my eyes well up with tears. Some scholars say Austen based the character of Anne on herself, and I believe it as she is at her most passionate in this novel. Like most of her novels, it deals with the social issues of the time, and though the ending is predictable, at times it doesn't seem so which makes for a suspenseful read.
    • 5/5
      Loved it. Typical Jane Austen. Can't get enough.