Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Title: Persuasion

Author:  Jane Austen

Narrated by:  Greta Scacchi

Publisher: Audible

Length: Approximately 8 hours and 13 minutes

Source: Available for free from Audible as a member.

Do you reread books?  I love to reread some of my favorite books.  I feel like I get something new out of them every time I read them.  I read all sorts of new things into a book when I read it in my forties compared to when I was in my twenties.

Persuasion is a book that I have read many times in my life.  I enjoy it every time I read it.  I listened to a new audiobook version this time from Audible that was narrated by Greta Scacchi.  Persuasion was Jane Austen’s final novel written before her untimely death at age 41.  In this novel, Anne Elliot’s family has fallen on hard financial times.  They must “retrench” and rent out their estate while they move to Bath.  Admiral and Mrs. Croft rent their home and Mrs. Croft’s brother, Captain Wentworth, comes to visit.  Eight years previously, Anne was persuaded by a family friend to reject Captain Wentworth as he did not have wealth or status.  Will Anne find her self-worth?  Will Anne and Captain Wentworth find their way back to each other?

My thoughts on the novel:

·       Persuasion is tied with Pride and Prejudice as my favorite Austen novel.  I love that Anne is a mature character (at the old age of 28) and can look upon her past decisions and grow from them.  She is relatable as the overlooked middle child who is a hard worker but taken advantage of and neglected by her family who do not see her true worth.

·       I love second chance romance.  The romance builds through the novel as Anne still has feelings for Wentworth, but it seems that he is moving on with the young Louisa Musgrove.  There are hints throughout the novel that Wentworth still loves Anne, but it’s not until his letter to Anne in the end that his true feelings are known.  I think his letter is one of the most romantic letters in literature. 

·       Austen writes such well developed characters that have both positive and negative attributes.  Her characters are so good that I recognize people that are like her characters in my everyday life.  I am secretly thinking to myself, that guy is Sir Walter Elliot.

·       Sir Walter Elliot, Anne’s father, always makes me laugh. He is so proud and conceited.  He is also a terrible father.   

·       I love her witty humor and her social commentary.  Should one marry for love or for money?  Do women have the luxury of that chose in the Regency era?

·       I think this novel is an interesting look into what life was like right after the Napoleonic wars had ended in Europe and naval men had returned flush with cash.

·       I really love Admiral Croft and Mrs. Croft.  They are two of my favorite Austen characters and have an admirable marriage.  Mrs. Croft is quite the independent and capable woman.  I love how she has journeyed through so much of the world with her husband. 

·       I read Persuasion with my Back to the Classics Book Club at the Kewaunee library.  We discussed it last month and will be watching the 1995 movie version next week.

·       Greta Scacchi was a good narrator that made the story an easy listening experience.

Favorite Quotes:

“But I hate to hear you talking so like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures.  We none of us expect to be in smooth water all of our days.”

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.  Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever.”

Overall, Persuasion is a masterpiece and a classic for a reason.  If you have never read this Jane Austen novel, it should be on your list.  I highly recommend it.

What is your favorite movie version of Persuasion?