I was not enamoured with Persuasion

[cloudyskye]

Thank you, kellyjane, for this insight. Jane working in Cassandra's story and giving it a happy ending sounds quite plausible - and sad.
Persuasion will always be my favourite among Jane Austen's novels, and Frederick Wentworth my favourite hero. I can't tell how often I've read and re-read that letter.
And I'm still waiting for a film version I can really get on board with. My expectations are probably quite unrealistic. ;)

[kellyjane]

Yes, very sad in a way, and also very touching because Jane Austen's last inspired effort, her final gift of head and heart combined into a creative whole, her last birthing of wish into elegant form, would have been, in this surmise, a loving tribute to a beloved older sister upon whom she had relied profoundly throughout her lifetime. I suspect that Cassandra had been the essential model for the characters of Elinor Dashwood, Jane Bingley, and then Anne Elliot at the close of Jane Austen's life.

And the letter to Captain Wentworth, how achingly beautiful! All of Jane Austen's works are dear to me; 'Persuasion' for me reads like a swan song, though I find myself wishing that she would have had the time and means to polish it comprehensively. I can't imagine that she would have altered the tone of the story-telling: but maybe would have breathed life into some of the hollow patches, smoothed a few crudities, and adjusted some of the plot points a little (such as, for example, representing Captain Wentworth as so totally at a loss when Louisa Musgrave fell, when he was a Navy Captain accustomed to decisiveness in the life-and-death furor of battle situations). Her crafting was so impeccable, that probably she would have scrupled to make just such minor adjustments here or there: but the story stands lovely in any case, which we must hope would gratify her to know if such were possible.

I am always almost fearful of film adaptations: I am like the girl who dips her toe into the pool, but as ready to resume my reading chair as dive on in. For your sake as well as anyone likewise amenable myself included, I will cross my fingers! :-)

[cloudyskye]

That's very well put! Jane Austen's swan song. She definitely died before her time.
I understand what you say about film adaptations. I'm willing to give them all a chance, certainly, only in Jane Austen's case nothing but perfection will do. ;)

[Tandie]

Oh, I do love Persuasion. So much longing, unrequited love. In the end, the lovers end up together. There were wrong decisions, a wounded and prideful male ego, an ardent love letter...There were missed years, but it's not like those crap books where they end up together when they're elderly.

You simply can't compare Jane Austen's novels with each other. They're all unique. P & P is a witty social satire and has my literary boyfriend, Mr. Darcy. Emma is a funny comedy of errors. Northanger Abbey makes fun of gothic novels. Persuasion is moody & romantic, delayed gratification. Mansfield Park has a lame heroine & a hero who's a putz. I love them all. Okay, not Mansfield Park. Even bad Austen is good though!

[Aria]

I adore Persuasion because it truly is more relateable for me. Often times the women in stories are more like Elizabeth Bennet and even though I love her character, it can feel a little discouraging to someone like me who tends to be more reserved. It is the outgoing personality that is glorified, but Persuasion shows the beauty and strength that is also present in a character like Anne. I do not agree that the characters are less developed or even shallow, it is the simplicity in their desciriptions that creates a real quality and a depth.

[McGee Magoo]

Persuasion is my all-time favorite Austen. I think everyone's criteria for what makes a book great is different, and I understand that a depressing story or a tragedy would be enough to turn a reader off. Lord knows I love a funny, upbeat love story. But I find that when my heart-strings are tugged, that's when a story sails into greatness for me. This is not the story of the funny, confident, youthful Lizzie experiencing her first love; no, this is Anne's story and Anne did not have the quick reconciliation with her lover as Lizzy did. Anne had years to face the consequences of her decision and though she was not happy, she did not whine or place blame, she was graceful and kind. And Wentworth didn't have the luxury of being her social superior as Darcy was to Elizabeth, he wasn't in a position to press his suit a second time hoping for a different answer. They both had to accept and move on. Which, in my opinion, makes their reuniting more sweet and poignant than Darcy and Lizzie's.

[Anita]

The letter from Frederick to Anna left me in tears. This book didn't need to be witty. It accomplished its cause. The love is not always predictable, and she made sure we understand the seriousness of people's actions throughout this book.

[Annia]

I love Persuasion. It's my favourite JA novel. It was the first one I managed to read as well.
I had a lot of issues with reading Jane Austen but when I was 16, after years of false starts, I finally managed to read them all.

[Ashwini]

Hi all, new here,sorry to interrupt. I think this book is meant to be read by a Austen fan and with a different mindset, you have to be in a mood to read it. I feel it was a very experimental book. A little bit of social commentary, a weaker heroine,details on persons, backgrounds and life at that time. It is for more mature and older readers, who identify with the issues. In the weakness of the heroine is her strength, of believing that you are just a very average person, listening and under obligation to listen to others. The heroine is stronger in the end. Also the language can be a bit heavy in this book, i have re read some paras many times. But it is a good read!

[Goddess]

Emma and P&P are chick lit (of their era).

Persuasion is considered her mature book. Hence, it's very different in that respect. It's my fav Austen book :-)

[Goddess]

Evelyn - you summed it up great:

"Anne is much more realistic."

And although I love Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, I actually prefer Captain Wentworth!"

[Marte]

Persuasion is my favourite of Austen's! I hated Emma, it was boring, fair and square. Persuasion was just so mature, and lovely! Lots of love and tragedy, not like Austen's other works.

[Mathis]

As I gave it some time and thought, I understand the story a lot better, especially the emotional aspects of it. Oh! the longing and the heart ache how beautiful it was drawn out between Captain Wentworth and Anne. Yes! definitely one of Jane Austen's most mature novels, which needs to be read with a serious eye and an open heart. Such an unforgettable story.

Definitely appreciate this slim gem a lot more thanks to everyone's comments, negative and positive. Everyone made such valid points. You guys really had given me something to think about.

[Jackie]

Brenda wrote: "Mathis, I'm sorry you don't like Jane Austin's best book. Persuasion is my all time favourite. I have not read Emma, but have seen the movie of it and I would have locked the meddling know it all ..."

I have to agree with Brenda. "Persuasion" is my favourite Jane Austen novel. I don't think Anne is a weak character; due to her position as a younger, unmarried daughter, she doesn't have a lot of power or influence directly, but has a lot of quiet strength of character. The other characters subtly rely on her to do things and sort things out. She is also loyal, visiting her old friend in Bath, although her family want her to come with them to meet an aristocratic relative. Hope you give it another try.

[Hayley]

Who wants to relate to a heroine who thinks she already has it all figured out? Anne Eliot is by far my favourite Austen character. She's so much more real than any of the other characters, to me at least. If this is, as someone noted, her 'rough draft', then I'd say Austen should have stopped editing her other works sooner. Persuasion is not only my favourite Austen novel, it's on my top ten of favourite novels of all time. Pride and Prejudice doesn't make it into my list, though I did love it too of course.

[Heidi]

Asel wrote: "I love, love, love Persuasion! I am so sorry to hear that others disliked it, maybe a second read through will change your mind? The characters are older than in her other novels, they are subdued ..."

Me too. It's by far my favourite. Maybe because I'm a tad older? I don't think Anne is weak at all. You have to remember the period. Her strength is all on the inside, an everything is very subtle.

[Grace]

Having just finished Persuasion I have to say I have very mixed feelings. During reading I found it hard going and rather slow, with little but my own stubbornness driving me on. Many of Austen's other works I can read in one sitting where as this took me a week. And Anne is far from my favourite heroine and I feel lacked a certain spark

However upon letting it sit in my brain for a little while and indeed from reading some of your comments I feel I may have judged it a little harshly, there are some beautiful moments, Wentworth's letter being my favourite and as others have said the social commentary laced throughout this book it brilliant and scathing in equal measure

I think it perhaps deserves a second reading that will hopefully restore it further in my eyes

[Melissa]

Grace wrote: "Having just finished Persuasion I have to say I have very mixed feelings. During reading I found it hard going and rather slow, with little but my own stubbornness driving me on. Many of Austen's o..."
Oh, I do so hope that you'll give it another chance. It felt to me a more mature Austen, a more mature love story - and oh, so beautiful. I'll always love Elizabeth Bennet perhaps as my favourite Austen heroine, but Anne and Captain Wentworth hold such a special place in my heart. My favourite book in the world. It feels more heartfelt than the others to me {though perhaps I'm just drawn to angst with a happy ending}.

[Sandra]

I just finished reading this book for the first time. I did not find it the same compelling read as Austen's other stories. It was a bit of a disappointment for me, given that I have read all of her books with the exception of Northanger Abbey, which I will get to in the next month or so.

I did feel the heroine, Anne Elliott, was wimpy. She did have a bit of a sense of humor which was evident upon occasion, but overall, you couldn't be truly sympathetic toward her. True she had a ridiculously spoiled sister and an inept father, but not the kind where you want to hate them, and thus route for the heroine.

In the end it was a 3-star read for me.

[[deleted user]]

I did not particularly like this book the first time I read it, mostly because Anne was so weak. However, I've read it three times now in about 5 months (I'm doing it in Literature at school, or else I probably would not read any book this much!) and I absolutely love it now!
At the beginning Anne is a (may I say?) soppy kind of character, but she gets things done and she doesn't flop down in a faint or go into hysterics. After Louisa's fall, I like her a lot more. She's a strong person, she just needed time to adjust and realise where she is and what she wants. Then she becomes quite firm but not in a flighty way as is Louisa.
I think it's a very funny book - the part that springs to mind now is Sir Walter Elloit. Despite being self-absorbed and snobby, he is a very funny man to read about. I love the part when he enters high dudgeon about "Miss Elliot's shrubberies" and the various meetings between himself and Admiral Croft. The way in which Austen illustrates how two people will be so very differently set in their views is amazing and hilarious!

[Robin]

I think you need to see the dvd of Persuasion to see if you want to venture and read Persuasion. That's just my take on this.

[Carolj]

I have forward notes by Gillian Beer in my copy. It says that Fanny, beloved niece of Jane Austen took up a long engagement because JA liked the young man, and as such Fanny used her Aunt's endorsement to decide. JA then felt the weight of her 'persuasion', having realised her niece was going into the long engagement , not because she loved him and would continue loving him, rather that it was socially convenient, to avoid shame.

[Rosemarie]

I really enjoyed "Persuasion" it's my #2 favorite ,"P+P" being #1 for me. When I read it I picture this hidden passion that has been suppressed because that's what ladies do. And duty, ladies are dutiful. Yes, it took Anne awhile to "break free" and grab on to her chance at happiness but she finally did and that's what I find so satisfying.

[Elaine]

IUHoosier wrote: "Persuasion is my favorite Austen book, tho it wasn't the first time I read it. I agree with Lauren and Hillary - come back to it in a few years and you'll probably get more from it. I read it the..."

I'm with you on this--it's also my favorite Austin book. To me, it's obviously written by a more mature woman, someone who has known disappointment and heartache. I love the way Anne grows, slowly and clear-eyed.

[Denise]

This is my favorite Jane Austen book also. I fell in love with it the first time I read it. The movie of it just put a bow on it for me though. I think the letter is my favorite part also.

[Nathalia]

Have any of you seen the 2007 BBC Mini Series adaption of "Persuasion"? I love the book, and I found the Series made a good job of the casting and adaptation. It made me love Captain Wentworth and Anne, while I formerly only loved Anne and sympathised deeply with her troubles.
There is also a movie called "Austen Regrets" (it's been uploaded on Youtube, methinks), about the time while Persuasion was written. I don't know how accurate a portayal it is though.

[Melissa]

Nathalia wrote: "Have any of you seen the 2007 BBC Mini Series adaption of "Persuasion"? I love the book, and I found the Series made a good job of the casting and adaptation. It made me love Captain Wentworth and..."

Captain Wentworth was already beloved to me {He and Mr Knightley are my favourite Austen heroes}. But this movie - Oh! Love! Except the ending. It was very "Hollywood" and they changed it too much for me. The rest of the movie is bliss though.

[Robin]

Miss Austen Regrets was a good movie. It showed her in a factual light not some made up character.

[Akanksha]

When I first read the synopsis of the story, coupled with the knowledge that it was written by the author of my all-time favourite "Pride and Prejudice" and the brilliant "Emma", I couldn't wait to get started. I must say I was disappointed. As much as I love Jane Austen and the genius rebellious streak in her that lights up her best works, I could not believe this was her work. And it had nothing to do with the fact that this was a deviation from the witty, charming satires that she always excels at. This had a darker mood, dealt with feelings on a deeper level and was, undoubtedly, the work that best reflects the mature side of her literature. Having said that, I still find that there is just that Austen-element missing.

[Tracy]

When I was studying abroad in London, I took a course where we read all of Jane Austen's books (in order they were published.) At that time, I couldn't finish Persuasion, and therefore didn't mention it in my final exam essay questions. The professor encouraged me to go back and read it - it took me years to do so, and now in my mid-forties, I think I finally can appreciate the subtle nuance of Persuasion. It's very different in tone from many Austen novels - the emotions run quite deep. And when Anne and Captain Wentworth finally do come together - I cry every time.

[Leslie]

This is my favorite Austen book after Mansfield Park. Partially because the story is so beautiful. Partially because it's the a copy of the book is the first gift my husband gave me when we first started dating. So it holds a special place in my heart.

[Hayley]

Leslie wrote: "This is my favorite Austen book after Mansfield Park. Partially because the story is so beautiful. Partially because it's the a copy of the book is the first gift my husband gave me when we first s..."

Your husband sounds like a dream. :)

[Barbara]

Isabel wrote: "I agree. After I read Persuasion I started reading Northanger Abbey, and they are really different! But she wrote both of the books in 1818."

Actually, Jane wrote Northanger in 1799 or so. It was one of her first completed novels. It was just published in 1818. I like Northanger, but it's clear she was much younger when she wrote it. That's the explanation for the style difference. (source: wikipedia)

[Leslie]

Hayley wrote: "Leslie wrote: "This is my favorite Austen book after Mansfield Park. Partially because the story is so beautiful. Partially because it's the a copy of the book is the first gift my husband gave me ..."

:) Thanks... I think he's the best.

[Carola]

I have been reading this book for a week. It's so slow that I get easily bored while reading it. That is why I have had to stop reading to pick it up again from where I've it left off one or two days later. I am about to start the volume II (page 90) and nothing interesting has happened yet. English isn't my mother language, so this book was supposed not only to entertain myself but also help me to improve my vocabulary in english. I am rather disappointed. I loved Pride and Prejudice SO much that I thought I was going to enjoy this book as much as the aforesaid novel. 2 stars.

[Erica]

This is one of those books that has to be read a few times to really appreciate. The conversation between Anne and Captain Harville near the end of the book is a work of art. I love where Anne says, "All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one, you need not covet it) is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone." That basically sums up her character and what makes me like her. Her faithfulness is rewarded by finding a man who feels the same way. Great story!

[Kirsten]

I love Persuasion. It is my favourite, and that is because of Anne. I love her deep, sensitive, constant inner beauty. She never loses faith in Wentworth 's goodness rather questions whether he could still have feelings for her. That shy reserve is so much more real than some of the more bold characters Austen has written about. I relate to her as a more mature heroine who at first doesn't seem that captivating but as the novel progresses becomes more so . In fact we are like Wentworth spending the entire book to come to the conclusion that she is still the beautiful, worthy person that she had been to him at eighteen. Indeed even moreso because her love has been so constant and has grown in the realisation that although only eighteen at the time she first fell in love time has taught her that that love was her enduring one.

[Marren]

It is ok, that you were not "enamoured" over Persuasion. It is my favourite Jane Austen and it is more than Captain W's letter at the end.

No wit/humour: helloo Mary Musgrove nee Elliot and her vain father Sir Walter Elliot.Listen to the conversation of the two.

Anne was not smart? Did you realize how Anne could comprehend people's expressions? Did you realize how she cornered by Mrs Musgrove, Mary and Charles answered so "politically correct." She could have dropped a grenade in Uppercross if she answered differently.

Watch Austen's use of scenery. From Kellynch to Wintrop to Lyme to Bath and she did it so effortlessly!

I could go on and on and on and on and on....

[Leeann]

Evelyn wrote: "Brenda, I agree with you about Emma! As much as I want to like her, she's too confident that she's right about everything (although of course she isn't!) In my opinion, Anne is much more realisti..."

I agree completely with this statement!

[Amanda]

Xenia wrote: "I actually prefer Persuasion over Pride & Prejudice. For one the hero and heroine are older which is a welcomed and refreshing change. I agree that Anne was weak minded but she did grow a bit str..."

It is lovely to hear an opinion like my own. I liked persuasion very much. It is, indeed, one of Austen's more mature works. Anne is not witty or playful; She is thoughtful and can take charge of a dire situation. Of course Captain Wentworth's letter was wonderful.

[Jessica]

I loved 'Persuasion'- It is one of my favourites, the writing was fantastic, and the plot too! I also enjoyed the characters...

[Teresa]

I can never decide between this, Emma, or P & P as my favorite Jane Austen. Anne comes into her own in this novel, and it's a wonderful thing to behold. She may have bowed to the wishes of others in the youth, as we are told about, but as we meet her in her 27th year, she is handling her mistakes, her disappointments, the demands of her family, and her own desires as only someone with a strong and resilient personality can. I love rereading this one. Okay, so maybe this is my favorite!

[Melinda]

I enjoyed it, but not as well as Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The Masterpiece Theater movie version from 2007 is really good.