Austen’s last, most mature work, and my personal favorite next to Pride and Prejudice. Suffused with autumnal imagery, it’s a novel of leave-taking, of advancement and return — a sequel to a marriage plot that didn’t work out. Also, the novel is an interesting reflection of the literary changes from the Age of Reason to Romanticism, and tellingly portrays Austen’s own developing sentiments. But most importantly, it’s a compelling story of forgiveness, rebirth, and second chances. Structurally Austen’s masterpiece. Regarded by most critics as one of the greatest novels of the 19th century; regarded by me as one of the greatest novels of all time!