Reviews

Persuation by Jane Austen

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jacks_beloved's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I am convinced that Jane Austen was the initiator of all romance genres that find their place in contemporary literature, and this book portrayed second chance romance at its finest.

It has been discussed at great length before that the reason Jane Austen's literature still prevails today, and is a favourite among all those who venture into classical prose, mostly lies in the development of her female characters. They're relatable, intelligent, witty and mature women who put every man surrounding them to shame, which is quite a feat considering the era in which these books are set. All women find resonance in these characters, their disdain for the world and men and patriarchy, and the situations in which they are put due to their unfortunate circumstances. These characters are humourous, loyal and kind. Definitely people I would love to befriend.

Additionally, Austen's male characters are realistic and fleshed out properly. They have faults and are not too ashamed to admit them. Austen's commentary and arguments on various subjects are of course, iconic, and still hold weightage in most circles even during these times.

Overall, the stories, the characters, are the worlds Austen paints with her words are ones that are sure to get the readers immersed. She is an absolute legend.

(Also, the audiobook experience of this book is definitely recommended for the sake of lucidity and better understanding. The narrator conveys the emotions of the characters perfectly).

jesperfahey's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sydapel's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

c8_19's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Loveable characters? No

2.0

Jane, babe...I really want to enjoy your stories, but I'm struggling.

Jane Austen must have known some really insufferable people because she's quite good at writing them. You want characters who are going to annoy the heck out of you pretty much from the start? You get Sir Walter and Elizabeth right away in chapter one, and then Mary isn't far behind to enter the picture. Anne, of course, as our protagonist was written as practically perfect, though I really think that just translates into her being blandly agreeable.

As for the romance itself, it was very off the page. Anne and Captain Wentworth hardly interacted up until the very end, and we, as readers, were only given vague and brief mentions of when they'd previously known each other. It was so passive. I didn't care if they got together or not because there was no emotion or bids for my investment in them being a couple. The plot seem to actually care much more about Mr. Elliot and what is revealed about him.