A review by mattiedancer
Persuasion by Jane Austen

hopeful reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

Writing: 5⭐️/5 

While the novel follows the slow-paced writing style one comes to expect from Jane Austen, the writing is fabulously well-crafted. Austen allowed the story to be told through great prose, while also leaving room for bits of humour. A highly enjoyable read.

Characters: 5⭐️/5

I found the characters very well-written and developed. Honestly, several of them were either loveable or hateable. Anne Elliot, our main character, is immediately described as having weathered a deep and fast love years prior, and it’s instantly revealed that the only reason her engagement was broken off was through the persuasion of other people. This immediately created a complexity of emotion within Anne and made her one of the more complex characters in the novel. Throughout the course of the book, you meet Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth Elliot, who are made to feel real by their absolute disdain for everything they believe to be beneath them. Mary Musgrove, a sister to our main character, is a privilege, attention-seeking girl who is brought to life as she attempts to escape the mundanity of her life through drama. And then we have Captain Wentworth, who is the internalizing love interest of Anne, who surprised me constantly at his emotions, actions, and depth. 

Plot: 5⭐️/5 

While this is a slow-paced novel, the precision in which this plot is executed is stunning. The first half of the book is spent setting up a fantastic (and devious) plot twist which is slowly and subtly hinted at and finally revealed at the end of the novel. I thoroughly enjoyed how patient Austen was in executing this, while making sure that the reader was somewhat (subconciously) prepared for the reveal. 

Post-Reading Rating:  5⭐️/5

I re-read a certain chapter immediately after finishing the book. Such a beautiful slow-burn of a romance that delivers beautiful. 

Who Should Pick This Book Up? 

• Anyone who loves slow-burn romances
• Anyone who loves Jane Austen or classic romances
• Anyone looking for a slow-paced novel with great writing

Final Rating: 5⭐️/5