Persuasion by Jane Austen
Reviewed by Liam O.
Persuasion is about Anne Eliot, a 27 year old English woman, whose family has to move to lower their expenses and get out of debt. When Anne was 19, she was engaged to a naval officer, Captain Wentworth, but her father managed to convince her to call off the engagement as he did not have a fortune. All these years later Captain Wentworth comes back to the neighborhood, with a fortune, but no wife. Anne still has feelings for him and must battle with herself and Captain Wentworth, who seems cold and unforgiving, to find true love or leave heartbroken again. Persuasion isn’t just a love story. Just like the majority of Austen’s books she creates these stories so masterfully; successfully telling an entertaining story while conveying an important message to the reader. Out of all her novels this one is the most nuanced, the main character the most mature. Which is most likely because this was Austen’s last finished novel. The book showcases the changes people may make as they get older, as well as the things that never change in a person’s life.
Beside the plot, there are so many other reasons to read Persuasion. Austen is able to create an aristocratic, but pragmatic world for her novels to unfold in. Reading any novel by Austen will give you a glimpse of what the enchanting but unforgiving, late nineteenth century was like. Not only are Austen’s characters mature, they can teach everyone a lesson about life. In Persuasion, Anne is belittled and ignored by others and takes the reader on a bittersweet journey of social strife and past regrets. In Persuasion especially, every character will give you something to think about, notably the danger of vanity and social pressures. The novel explores the absurd nature of society and the ever changing world from numerous different perspectives (e.g. wealth, status, and femininity). Austen’s writing style is very comical, and she uses each of her characters as a statement. Her dry wit and intelligence are obvious on each and every page making the novel a joy to read.
There truly is no other author that compares to Jane Austen. Her seven finished novels are all masterpieces in their own right, and her writing style and genre is so specific to her no one has even come close to her level of artistry. I would definitely recommend all of her other novels, especially Sense and Sensibility and of course Pride and Prejudice. I believe that anyone can enjoy her novels as long as they have an open mind and some time on their hands. Persuasion is described as a classical romance, but it is so much more. If you want to feel a wide range of emotions, read something that will empower you, and have your thoughts provoked Persuasion is the novel for you. If you enjoy the likes of the Bronte Sisters, Charles Dickens, or Leo Tolstoy you will surely appreciate Persuasion. I also recommend watching the movie after you read the book if you enjoyed it. I personally would give this novel five stars and highly recommend it to everyone. It is my favorite of Austen’s novels and the plot develops like a flower blooming after a harsh winter. If you give this novel your time I know you’ll be as astounded as I am, and will fall in love with Austen and her quirks.