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rbharath's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ long back, and I will probably reread it sometime soon. I thought of taking up a Jane Austen classic I had not read and chose ‘Persuasion’. It is refreshing to read honest, character driven stories like this, though since I do not often read classics now, the pace took some getting used to.
The story is simple. Sir Walter Elliot, is in his 50s with 3 daughters – Elizabeth, Mary and Ann. Ladu Elliot is no more, and Lady Russell is close to the family. Financials constraints compel the family to move to Bath, quitting their bigger house – Kellynch Hall, which is now being rented out. Ann had earlier liked Captain Frederick Wentworth and they were to be engaged, but she was persuaded that this was not a good match for her. This new rental arrangement brings Ann back in contact with him.
The story centres around Ann and you know about her previous association with Frederick Wentworth before you see more of him in the story. I loved Ann’s character – expectedly the best & nicest character in the story. The writing has that old world charm – quite rare nowadays. A story such as this today would mostly be converted to a psychological thriller with nasty / unreliable characters & umpteen twists. There is a lot unsaid in the relationship – a reflection of the times the story was written in.
A refreshing read.
r0sem4rie's review against another edition
2.0
I’m starting to think Jane Austen sadly just isn’t for me. I so desperately want to love her books but I always find myself wanting more feeling, more emotion, more depth in characters and more vivid descriptions of setting. I really didn’t enjoy this. I found everyone dull and even though I usually like a no plot just vibes book, this was just so boring and so many events seemed unnecessary
rebeccamcparker's review against another edition
5.0
I love the idea of a second chance with love. Another classic I have somehow never read! Watching the movie first helped me easily remember all the characters. So wonderful!
oscarreads's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Jane Austen can never go wrong with me. Even thought I didn’t love it as much as pride & prejudice this was still an amazing read.
Anne and her family were so much fun to read and learn more about. How they all looked over Anne even since they were little kids made me feel for Anne and lady Russell. Mary’s attention seeking behavior made for a good laugh and so was Elizabeth’s and sir Walters desperation for a friend group with high social rankings.
I loved the story and seeing Anne become part of a social group where she’s not neglected was great and it definitely struck a chord with me.
My one complaint is the fact that Anne didn’t really feel present on the page and that the book was more about what happened around her than about her which made the end less satisfying than I was hoping.
Jane Austen can never go wrong with me. Even thought I didn’t love it as much as pride & prejudice this was still an amazing read.
Anne and her family were so much fun to read and learn more about. How they all looked over Anne even since they were little kids made me feel for Anne and lady Russell. Mary’s attention seeking behavior made for a good laugh and so was Elizabeth’s and sir Walters desperation for a friend group with high social rankings.
I loved the story and seeing Anne become part of a social group where she’s not neglected was great and it definitely struck a chord with me.
My one complaint is the fact that Anne didn’t really feel present on the page and that the book was more about what happened around her than about her which made the end less satisfying than I was hoping.
happynjoyfull's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
slenkic's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
carlisajc's review against another edition
5.0
The last time I read this book, I was in middle school. I honestly love Jane Austen so much. These books were written centuries ago, yet I relate to the characters so much. Pride and Prejudice has always been my favorite but I think Persuasion may be a contender. I feel such a strong connection with Anne that I laughed and blushed and hoped along with her.