Book Review: Persuasion

I didn't mean to set out on a quest to finally read all of Jane Austen's books, but it seems that's somehow become what I'm doing. I think I only have Northanger Abbey to go (well, to finish) and Emma, though I'm not sure I'll actually read that one since I feel like I know the story so well already (oh and Sanditon, but does anyone actually read Sanditon?).

Today though, it's Persuasion's turn. This was a quick read for me, but that's because I read it during two flights which was nice because it let me stay caught up in the story for a long length of time.

To be honest I kind of underestimated Persuasion. For one thing, I’ve always had an idea that the characters were a lot older than those of most Jane Austen novels. And to be fair they are. But though the protagonist may have been above the average marrying age of Austen’s time, that’s certainly not true now. Anne was only 27. It was quite amusing to hear her aunt suggest that she could still marry (in one of the movie adaptations) and Anne’s sober reply was “I’m 27,” as if she might as well be 72.

Like most other Austen heroines, Anne sets herself apart from those around her by her strong moral character and propriety. A fancy way to say that she was much more discreet, aware and compassionate than her family. This was one of the best parts of the book for me, as well as Anne’s ability to suffer in silence as she pines for someone who seems to be an impossible suitor (Mansfield Park and Persuasion felt quite similar to me in that regard). I don’t know why, but I kind of like when books take this approach. Just makes the emotional stakes so much higher and makes it difficult to put the book down.

I‘ll avoid sharing spoilers about how the book ends, but I do have to say that there was one particular love letter in this book that makes the case for returning to writing letters instead of texts or calls quite compelling. It gives Pride and Prejudice‘s famous letter a run for its money, honestly. That letter was the highlight the book for me and once again proved why Jane Austen novels will always be classics.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars