Is it heresy to say I found it a tad slow and frustrating to read? I'm a Jane Austen fan - Pride and Prejudice is really good. Based on that, when my PA friends book club had choices I eagerly picked Persuasion. I do suppose it was a good book to read in this time of being rather home bound. The Elliots and assorted friends and family pretty much kill time through the whole book - walking, reading, sewing, and pining and yearning. Hoping for a proper introduction, an invitation, and such concerns over looks and manners. Arrghhh - I wanted to scream.
Then again, I realize Jane Austen was writing for her time and in bringing her observations on vanity and pretension, she truly paints a picture of fashionable society in Bath and Lyme.
p. 34 "There is hardly any personal defect (freckles)," replied Anne, "which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to."
p.141 Good company requires only birth, education, and manners.
Anne Elliott, old now at twenty seven, might have missed her chance for marriage. If only Captain Wentworth....
Now near the end of the book, a letter arrives that brings about a change of fate and fortune. Can it be love? I suppose I softened near the end of the book and was pleased for Anne's sake that her efforts were not in vain. She was not a simpering fool, like so many of the other characters. I was persuaded.
I can well remember tis book from my schooldays. Was a good read then as it is today Joanne.
ReplyDeleteHope you're safe and well.
Yvonne.
It's good to read books from long ago and remember the history of that time. Glad to hear from you
DeleteThis is probably my least favourite. I own it, so I'll probably read it again someday. After all, you can't just read a book once, can you? :-)
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear this was not a fave from you, since you are an Austen fan.
DeleteSome books just don't hold up well. The farther away we get from those time periods the less it resonates.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how sometimes it is the timing too, of when you read a book
DeleteI now worship at your feet. I can hardly read one sentence of Jane Austin. You are amazing, my friend, if not overly masochistic.
ReplyDeleteCheers to you!
too funny. From my PA gang, Lisa LOVES Jane and so she hits us up to read her stuff.
DeleteI know what you mean. The language is hard to understand. All the subtle references meant more then, but not at all now.
ReplyDeleteThe edition I had contained a lot of footnotes - sorta takes the fun out of the read.
DeleteThis is one I haven't read. Like Robyn, I'm not sure I'm up for it. Glad you enjoyed it some by the end.
ReplyDeleteI give you a blessing to not feel beholden. I've saved you some time!
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