Reviews

Persuasion by Jane Austen

pimplop's review against another edition

5.0

yo estaba bien hasta que leí LA CARTA y quedé derretida por completa

wellcultivatedmind's review against another edition

5.0

I used to think it unfathomable how some preferred Persuasion to Pride and Prejudice. Although it might be related to my increased age, since I didn’t see the initial charm of the book when I read it a few years back, this is now one of my most beloved novels. My only critique is that I wish it were longer. I adore Anne (even more than my beloved Anne Shirley), and my heart sang endlessly for Captain Wentworth.

There were a few points that puzzled me exceedingly. The first being Captain Benwick’s easy attachment to both Anne and Louisa after a supposed undying affection for Fanny; the second was how we dismissed Captain Harville’s loss in Fanny, the novel focused almost entirely on the loss of a lover and ignored the profound yet different loss in losing a sister

I also confess that I disagree with it being one of Austen's darker novels. Being incredibly opposed to anything that strays from light, I found this to match my preference exactly.

beatrice0607's review against another edition

medium-paced

5.0

white_flame69's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

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

4.0

sherriebear's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Second chance romance with a quiet people-pleasing main character

ravensnow's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-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

ravensnow's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.75

bakatan's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

vincederr's review against another edition

3.0

I was Persuaded by my wife to listen to another Jane Austen novel. I can say this was far more enjoyable than the other book on this list. I may not be a romance novel fan. I’m left wondering, what are we doing, what’s the point, and why is there so much exposition. The story follows Anne Elliot who was persuaded 8 years ago to pass on an engagement due to the man lacking status and wealth. Now that same man is back with wealth and status. He’s looking to marry, but it appears that he fancies Anne’s in-laws to her. I enjoy the blunt ways authors from previous generations described people. The book is enjoyable, but the 2022 film adaptation is horrible.

3.5 out of 5

sarahheidt's review against another edition

5.0

Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel. A grad school friend introduced me to it back in 1997, telling me that she loved it because it's *not* like other Austen novels. I now introduce it to my students as a sort of sequel to an Austen novel that didn't end correctly (i.e., with a happy marriage between two previously conflicting protagonists). Get swept up in it. Love its sharpness and its deeply rendered representations of grief and loneliness. Thrill to its ending. And then watch the 1995 film adaptation.