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johnhodges's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
meggriffin88's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hyunc456's review against another edition
5.0
Persuasion is my second Jane Austen book, after Pride and Prejudice. Stylistically, there are some major differences that I can assume make these books appeal to different groups. If I had to sum it up simply, it would be that whereas Pride and Prejudice excels in wittiness and character development, Persuasion embraces more of a mature, intimate approach, with most of the narration describing the highs and lows of emotion within, to a large extent, mostly static settings and our outwardly composed and beloved character, Anne.
Anne Elliot realizes the love of her life. That is, after she is persuaded by her friends and family to reject him due to his lack of fortune and rank. When Captain Wentworth returns home from the Navy more than seven years later, she's forced to realize her strong feelings for him, yet he's determined to stay distant, appearing to pursue a friend of Anne's instead.
"More than seven years were gone since this little history of sorrowful interest had reached its close; and time had softened down much, perhaps nearly all of peculiar attachment to him — but she had been too dependant on time alone."
Anne's character is the embodiment of delicacy and tenderness, without the aspects of being a pushover. It almost felt like she was too good for Captain Wentworth. The problem in this novel was that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. Anne and Captain Wentworth's relationship was mostly described as an afterthought of what took place seven years before, and present-him was ofttimes too fickle to establish any sort of lasting mutual affection before the (rather letter-induced) finale.
I've got to give it to him, though—his letter was gorgeous, so unfalteringly filled with pained affection, longing, and love. His character had so much potential.
"I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever."
~4.5 stars
Anne Elliot realizes the love of her life. That is, after she is persuaded by her friends and family to reject him due to his lack of fortune and rank. When Captain Wentworth returns home from the Navy more than seven years later, she's forced to realize her strong feelings for him, yet he's determined to stay distant, appearing to pursue a friend of Anne's instead.
"More than seven years were gone since this little history of sorrowful interest had reached its close; and time had softened down much, perhaps nearly all of peculiar attachment to him — but she had been too dependant on time alone."
Anne's character is the embodiment of delicacy and tenderness, without the aspects of being a pushover. It almost felt like she was too good for Captain Wentworth. The problem in this novel was that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. Anne and Captain Wentworth's relationship was mostly described as an afterthought of what took place seven years before, and present-him was ofttimes too fickle to establish any sort of lasting mutual affection before the (rather letter-induced) finale.
I've got to give it to him, though—his letter was gorgeous, so unfalteringly filled with pained affection, longing, and love. His character had so much potential.
"I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever."
~4.5 stars
moonspluvia's review against another edition
3.0
I think it’s gonna be a 3 star for this one, and I am SO sad about it. I had such high expectations for this book- I was literally calling it my Austen book. But I ended up liking it. I didn’t fall completely in love with it, and that was what I was expecting. I guess that’s my own fault but also no!!! I’m gonna watch the 2007 adaptation for persuasion, and I’m thinking I’ll like it better than the book. I’m happy I read this, though and cant wait to read some more Jane Austen in the future!!
afszyd's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
alyssapierce's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I think this is a great book, but I probably read it at a bad time. It was an enjoyable way to distract myself during housework, but obviously had nothing on Pride and Prejudice. Still good though! I hope to give it another shot in the future.
yogabbagabba04's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
byp's review against another edition
5.0
I like this Austen novel because it's about a slightly older person than usual (27 as opposed to 20). Because of that, it has a more melancholy tone.
yajairat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Captain Wentworth's letter... real romance right there! Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Besides the final declaration of love at the end, I also want to point out how Austen reminded us of just how much they loved each other throughout the novel. To be loved is to be seen and known, and you could see how they really saw each other when in the same room. When Anne was reading Capt. Wentworth's expressions, trying to determine which one of the Musgrove sisters he was more attracted to. When Capt. Wentworth helped her while she was distressed with the kids. Small things like seeing the other person, being able to read their moods. I eat that up!
Besides the final declaration of love at the end, I also want to point out how Austen reminded us of just how much they loved each other throughout the novel. To be loved is to be seen and known, and you could see how they really saw each other when in the same room. When Anne was reading Capt. Wentworth's expressions, trying to determine which one of the Musgrove sisters he was more attracted to. When Capt. Wentworth helped her while she was distressed with the kids. Small things like seeing the other person, being able to read their moods. I eat that up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Classism
Moderate: Fatphobia