Review: Bookshelf, Library Bag, Donation Box

[Shanea]

I didn't see a review topic, so I decided to just make one.
This is a Donation box book for me. I feel like I haven't posted anything in the forums in ages, but I honestly don't have that much to say about "Persuasion." If I could think of one word to describe this book I would have to go with tepid.
Jane Austen is not one of my favorite authors, but even knowing that it just left me bored for the most part; most of the characters were not that interesting, and the ending was predictable, leaving me very few reasons to feel invested in the story. Maybe the other ending that I've read mentioned is better, but the version I read was just bland.

[Karena]

Thanks Shanea, I was going to make one and I had forgotten. I appreciate it.

[[deleted user]]

I had already (re)read the book earlier this year. For me it will always be a Bookshelf book (5 stars out of 5). It is my second favourite Jane Austen novel (after "Pride and Prejudice"). And I find the letter written by Captain Wentworth towards the end of the book among the most beautiful expressions of love in literature. Literally melts me down and 'pierces my soul'. :)

[Mart]

This is a Bookshelfer for me.
I've never read any Austen before, but having lived in the UK now for 20 years I've kinda soaked up the period drama thang by osmosis and was pretty sure of what to expect - or so I thought ... While the plot was fairly straight forward, when it came to the characters Ms. Austen didn't shy away from baring her teeth and taking a bite at the crass and petty snobs that filled her society. I thoroughly enjoyed the way she took the piss out of the families and their obsession with class and correctness, and exposed their hypocrisy: she did it with a keen eye and a wonderfully subtle wit. (I listened to the audiobook narrated by Juliet Stevenson, and her voicings really did help to grasp the characters' natures.)
So, overall, once again CWatC, many thanks for furthering my horizons! Cheers!

[Mart]

(PS. I meant to also say that I really enjoyed the rich and complex language, and that I just realised that of the books we've read here in group, it's the 19th century ones that I've rated most highly ie. Persuasion, A Christmas Carol, Anna Karenina and Sherlock Holmes - who woulda thunk that I'd be a 19th Century kinda guy ...? Cheers!)

[Pam]

Along with all of Jane Austen's books, PERSUASION is definitely a Bookshelf book.

[Alana]

Well, it's an Austen, so it's automatically bookshelf, but if I'm really honest, it would probably be a donation box. Not my favorite, not the worst.

[Carolien]

Bookshelf. I enjoyed this one more than some of her other books. I suspect it's one of those books that I will reread in about 20 years' time and enjoy again.

[Julie]

This was one of Austen's books that I had not read yet. It was a delight and a bookshelf book for me. I enjoyed the historical context and the characterization.

[Valerie]

Once again, I'm a dissenter! This was my first, and will be my last, Austen. (Apparently, this is her best novel!?)

I only persisted because it was being read for this group. I did enjoy the ending, but it couldn't come fast enough!

As usual, I'm glad this group has "forced" me (ha, ha) to read classics I should read - however, this is definitely for the donation box.

[Holly]

I've been meaning to read this book for ages. I just don't have enough Austens under my belt. Might give it a go due to these comments!

[Jeane, Book-tator]

Valerie wrote: "Once again, I'm a dissenter! This was my first, and will be my last, Austen. (Apparently, this is her best novel!?)

I only persisted because it was being read for this group. I did enjoy the end..."

Valerie, out of curiosity who said this was her best novel? I believe it was her last, but I don't think that it's her best. I think P&P is her best, or maybe that is just because it was my favorite by her. I have read 5 of her 6 novels, and I implore you to not give up on her yet. Please read P&P or Emma, before you go and throw it all away.

[Jeane, Book-tator]

I would have to say that while it was not my favorite Austen book, the way she is able to write in such a way to give subtle (although, not as subtle in this book as in her others) jabs at the aristocracy. Bookshelf for me as well.

[Alana]

I think if we surveyed 7 people on their favorite of the 7 Austen novels, we'd get 7 different answers :). I don't think Persuasion was her best, but it wasn't bad, either. Certainly a keeper on the bookshelf :)