Persuasion

A solid month ago, I finished a first read of Jane Austen's Persuasion. It was a fabulous book - truly. This was a gorgeous copy with a couple dozen illustrations that was the final copy in my Jane Austen set I purchased from Easton Press some time ago. I've read the rest of them, and I do think that Pride and Prejudice is my favorite of the bunch. It's the only one I have read twice at this point (once previously and then again when I got the copy in this book set).

Cover of Persuasion

Spines of Jane Austen Set from Easton Press (sorry about the lighting...)

But I digress. Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot as she navigates her vacillating fondness for Captain Frederick Wentworth, who she was initially engaged to until she ended it at her friends' recommendations. Years later, she appeared to be met with his indifference but, as time passed, their relationship was rekindled and was stronger than it had ever been before.

Selecting a partner is exceedingly difficult and complex. This novel illustrates that along with all of the varied emotions that can be felt on an emotional roller coaster such as this. It's often poignant in its presentation, but appropriately so. Relationships are difficult to form and to maintain. Those that endure, time and tribulations though, can be quite remarkable.

A Walk on the Beach Illustration

A quick (well, perhaps not 'quick' but certainly lovely) quote from the novel follows regarding her thoughts on William Elliot, her cousin. "Everything united in him; good understanding, correct opinions, knowledge of the world, and a warm heart. He had strong feelings of family attachment and family honour, without pride or weakness; he lived with the liberality of a man of fortune, without display; he judged for himself in everything essential, without defying public opinion in any point of worldly decorum."

This initial assessment of William fades, though, as she later learns of some rather cold decisions he made and their results. This helps to clarify for her the feelings she has for Captain Wentworth.

Indeed

I've butchered the story here by abbreviating it and removing traces of subtlety and the emotional weight that goes along with it. It's a lovely novel and was the last of her works published in Jane Austen's life. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well as having enjoyed the rest of the novels in the set I purchased. I'm proud to have them in my collection and am grateful for having the time and opportunity to have read them. I highly encourage reading any of Jane Austen's works.