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A review by bhavani
Echoes of Love by Rosie Rushton
2.0
Let me start by saying that Persuasion is my favourite Austen novel and when I found out that my library's Overdrive collection includes a modern-day adaptation of the story, I immediately included it in my wish list. The best part about Persuasion is its focus on second chances at love and the maturity of its characters. Anne has to overcome her sense of duty and reach out towards what she really wants while Captain Wentworth has to understand the circumstances under which she made her decision all those years ago and learn to forgive her.
That said, perhaps it is unfair to compare Echoes of Love, in my opinion, to one of the most enduring love stories ever written. But when an author is writing an adaptation of a classic, comparisons are inevitable.
While Austen's story endures, it is also woefully behind in terms of representation. This is where Echoes of Love triumphs. It's portrayal of a POC protagonist in Wentworth and by extension, his family, and a person with a disability in Shannon Smith enables the story to be modern and more inclusive than the original. However, the author spent so much time describing Anna and Felix's first turn at a relationship and the ensuing fall out in so much detail that it takes up nearly 75% of the book. What I wanted to read was how they'd find their way back to each other, what would lead them there, and if possible, a new insight into their psyche. Not many authors can succeed at this and I can only think of one, PD James's sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberley.
I would recommend this story for YA readers as an introduction to Austen's story. Read Echoes of Love and if you like it, read Persuasion, which I think has the best love letter in the entire English literary canon.
That said, perhaps it is unfair to compare Echoes of Love, in my opinion, to one of the most enduring love stories ever written. But when an author is writing an adaptation of a classic, comparisons are inevitable.
While Austen's story endures, it is also woefully behind in terms of representation. This is where Echoes of Love triumphs. It's portrayal of a POC protagonist in Wentworth and by extension, his family, and a person with a disability in Shannon Smith enables the story to be modern and more inclusive than the original. However, the author spent so much time describing Anna and Felix's first turn at a relationship and the ensuing fall out in so much detail that it takes up nearly 75% of the book. What I wanted to read was how they'd find their way back to each other, what would lead them there, and if possible, a new insight into their psyche. Not many authors can succeed at this and I can only think of one, PD James's sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Death Comes to Pemberley.
I would recommend this story for YA readers as an introduction to Austen's story. Read Echoes of Love and if you like it, read Persuasion, which I think has the best love letter in the entire English literary canon.