As with all Jane Austen's novels, Persuasion draws much of its appeal from the author's talent for observation and for satire. Notice first how the characters reveal their personalities as much through their speech - both in their choice of words or phrases - as through their actions. Then compare this to the way that Austen herself, either through Anne Elliot or in her role of narrator, condemns or praises her characters. While the story-line is genteel, the tone is one of amused mockery and sharp indignation. It is often her use of one small, seemingly insignificant word or phrase that indicates her true feelings.
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"Now that I'm the same age as Persuasion's spinsterish protagonist Anne Elliot, this book hits much closer to home than when I first picked it up as a preteen. Unlike the isolated orphan girls who take the starring role in other 19th-century English novels (e.g., Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre), Anne Elliot belongs to a family of considerable size (especially if you count her numerous in-laws and honorary family members, such as Lady Russell), and in Persuasion Jane Austen shines a light on both the negative and positive aspects of "belonging" to a group of people whose wants and needs don't always align with one's own. The novel focuses on the constitutionally timid Anne's years-long struggle to weigh her own desires (in particular, her desire to marry the man she loves, Captain Frederick Wentworth) against the competing desires of her selfish and demanding relatives, whose collective obsession with wealth and social status causes them to view the noble-hearted Frederick with unwarranted disdain. Persuasion is a gloomier novel than all of Austen's other five: illness and injury are frequent occurrences, widows and widowers abound, and there's not a single scene in the whole book that arouses laughter or even a mirthful smile. In its own way, though, Persuasion is a Cinderella story with a happy ending, a surprisingly sweet wish-fulfillment dream, in which an older-but-wiser heroine is given the much-longed-for chance to undo the regrettable actions she took at age nineteen."
— Jenna (4 out of 5 stars)
" 3.5 stars. I loved Anne Elliot's character! "
— Clarisse, 2/20/2014" Reading Jane Austen always makes me happy! "
— Michelle, 2/19/2014" I have little doubt that this will stand to be my favourite Austen book. Anne Elliot is the woman you want to be; intelligent, determined, caring, genteel and meditative. She is the twenty seven year old Jane Eyre. The story line was very plausible but nonetheless gripping and enjoyable. (view spoiler)[ I particularly enjoyed her final reconciliation with Mr. Wentorth, as if the 8 years they spent apart did not falter their intimacy. (hide spoiler)] A book I will hold close to my heart. "
— Iman, 2/15/2014" Austen's best in my opinion, and perhaps the only one that can make me still genuinely cry - tears of frustration at the wasted years for Anne and Frederick, and of joy that they can finally be together. "
— M.J., 2/14/2014" My favorite of all of Austen's work. "
— Gina, 2/13/2014" Modern Political Philosophy (Politics 266) #eddievcpp266 "
— Eduardo, 2/12/2014" I am an Austen fan. Her dialogue between the characters is fantastic. This is another book I felt compelled to read after seeing the movie (BBC). The constraints of the society during this time in history make it seem like romantic love was an impossibility. I think I like this book better than Pride and Prejudice because the characters are older and more flawed. "
— Bridget, 2/8/2014" My favorite of all of Austen's work. "
— Gina, 2/8/2014" I enjoyed Persuasion about as much as Pride and Prejudice. I found Anne the most interesting of all Austen's heroines. I really enjoyed reading about an old lady of twenty and eight. The world used to be a horrifying place. "
— Joanna, 2/7/2014" My favorite Jane Austen book. I love the main character. "
— Allison, 2/6/2014" A better work than earlier works considering this is likely unfinished. Still too much whining gentry and marriage. Austen wrote the same story with different characters. That said, the social commentary is more interesting in this book. "
— Robert, 2/6/2014" This book is super-romantic if you are young, white, and upper class! At least it is more gender-equal! "
— Caitlin, 2/5/2014" Besides Pride and Prejudice, my favorite Jane Austen novel! "
— Kelly, 2/4/2014" Anne Elliott is my favourite Austen heroine, far more believable than Elizabeth Bennett. She seems more fallible, less holier than thou... "
— Rachel, 2/3/2014" Sorry, Pride and Prejudice fans, but I consider Persuasion as containing Jane Austen's greatest romance. A story of love tragically lost and the struggle to regain it after almost a decade of distance, it is Miss Austen's last novel and her most mature. The author builds tension and suspense gradually throughout the story and we begin to see the goodness of the deserving heroine Anne Elliott. The romance just ate me alive and the setting of Bath accentuates that. The theme has been used in romances over and over but this one, I believe, is the original and the best. "
— Jeffrey, 2/3/2014" My least favorite of Austen's books. "
— Suzanne, 2/2/2014" Solid read. Still had the same problem as Pride and Prejudice, in that it seemed to drag in the middle. "
— Alyce, 1/31/2014" I'm glad I read this book now rather than when I was younger. I don't think I would have fully appreciated the romance between Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth if I didn't have the perspective on marriage that I have now. And I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much. This is not a playful story like Emma or Pride and Prejudice; the heroine is much wiser and more deserving. This may be my new favorite Jane Austen. "
— ♪, 1/31/2014" I don't remember reading any Jane Austen before. I liked this and would read more, but it strikes me as the fluff/social commentary of her time. I am not sure I got any life-changing perspective from it. "
— Cynthia, 1/30/2014" I was uncertain about this book and it took me a few chapters to get into it since there was a lot of character buildup in the first pages and not much actually happened, but once that was passed I learned to love Anne Elliot much like I have loved Emma Woodhouse, Eliza Bennet, and Fanny Price before her. The love story was complex and beautiful and as usual surrounded by the coincidence so noted in Austen's writing and I enjoyed immensely the unfolding of the Elliot's &c lives. "
— Alyssa, 1/30/2014" My favourite Austen novel of all time <3 "
— Ashley, 1/24/2014" Good (of course), but still like Pride and Prejudice better. "
— Amy, 1/21/2014" Well.. The story was ok but I found it quite hard to read as I am not an english native speaker. Tough ,lovely story, though. "
— Aurora, 1/13/2014" My favorite work by Jane Austen. "
— Chatita, 1/13/2014" Insanely enjoyable if you're looking for a 'less giggily' version of Austen. "
— Simonesouris, 1/11/2014" Dutifully read. Still a Philistine. It's a good thing they are short as I tire quickly and her books begin to sound the same to me. "
— Will, 1/10/2014" My favorite Jane Austen book! "
— Nicole, 1/9/2014" This was my last Jane Austen book to read. I loved it! Next to Pride and Prejudice, my new favorite Jane Austen book! Read it in 2 days! "
— Heidi, 1/4/2014" Another Austin book that can be read again and again. "
— Lucia, 1/4/2014" So ashamed that this is my first Jane Austen...but it won't be my last. I don't think I can adequately express how wonderful this book is. As a reader that adores any HEA, but especially a historical one, Jane Austen's obviously was the mold from which many of my favorite authors were cast. The truth that rings from her work comes from living the time period, but her human observations are staggering. Simply love this. A. "
— Kimberly, 1/3/2014" The only Austen I love. "
— Tessa, 1/1/2014" I love when Austen's characters are more subtle and practical... I find that type of heroine very relatable. It is a struggle to watch a good person be treated poorly, her intelligence and practicality ignored, and her beauty and good nature led astray by others... But, as is often the case with Austen, the world ends as it ought to. Lessons may or may not be learned by the other characters, but the telling of the story always remains beautifully done that I am sad it does not continue on beyond it's end. "
— Erin, 12/31/2013" Loved it but not my favorite Jane Austen. Still enjoyed the book. "
— Ann, 12/31/2013" This is tied with Emma for my second favorite Austen book. "
— Nhu, 12/28/2013" This is only the second book by Jane Austen which I've read. I think this might be the one that made me go from liking Austen to absolutely LOVING her works! I finished it this morning and I already miss Anne! "
— Lovisa, 12/28/2013" So happy I finished this re-read on Valentine's Day! Shapard's annotations aren't consistently interesting, but Persuasion is always a delight. "
— Joy, 12/28/2013" Even though I still prefer 'Emma' and 'Pride and Prejudice' "
— Ibraheem, 12/27/2013" An ok Jane Austen book... "
— Soniya, 12/24/2013" My favorite Jane Austin story. "
— Emily, 12/19/2013" Another favorite of mine of Jane Austen's works! "
— Rebekah, 12/18/2013" This is my favourite of Jane Austen's books. If you haven't read it, then this is a must. It's timeless, and so movingly romantic. "
— Diane, 12/17/2013" Another favorite of mine of Jane Austen's works! "
— Rebekah, 12/15/2013" Enjoyed this one as much as I did Austen's other books! What a different world we live in now, much for the better, much for the worse! I now may have as big of a crush on Captain Wentworth as I do on Mr. Darcy. "
— Colleen, 12/11/2013" My absolute favorite Austen novel! "
— Alison, 12/10/2013" A story of love and the patience it requires. Happily ever after sometimes takes a while. "
— Emilyann, 12/8/2013" This is my Jane Austen all time favorite, I read this book twice every year "
— L., 12/8/2013" Excellent read! Love this work of Austen's, sad it was her final, finished novel. "
— Becky, 12/8/2013" Not my favourite, but I still adore her social observations and wonderful wit. "
— Carey, 12/8/2013" I love it , the way that Jane Austen described the character's feelings, is fantastic. I admire Anne Elliot and the love between her and Frederick Wentworth. "
— Miriam, 12/8/2013" Well. Unlike the other two Austen books that I read, this one didn't make me want to shoot myself. It was similar to the other two stories, yes but it was much faster and not as borrrrrrrrrrrring. "
— amber, 12/6/2013" Still my favourite Jane Austen, and I would argue her best novel for the subtlety and complexity of her characters. Even if some of the sub-plots are similar to her earlier novels, they are more complex and have been clearly thought through in more details. "
— Lise, 12/4/2013" An oldie, but a goodie. I just felt like re-reading this. Then I had to watch the BBC movie with Amanda Root. I love Jane Austen and this is one of my favorites. "
— Apryl, 12/3/2013" The more famous Austen novels I found to be dreadful. Persuasion however, was a nice read. Maybe the Naval theme appealed to the old sailor in me, but her prose was far more biting in places. Oh, it is still Chick Lit, but still a good read. "
— Rob, 11/21/2013" My most favorite JA novel "
— Shannon, 11/11/2013" Actually wasn't quite the story I had always imagined it would be, had a hard time putting it down still. "
— Lesley, 11/10/2013" Loved it , loved it , loved it , "
— Lisaann, 11/4/2013" I wasn't crazy about this book at first. I found it very slow-moving. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I eventually started to get into it. "
— Nakita, 10/27/2013" Stunning portrait of a thinking woman. "
— Janine, 10/26/2013" I simply wish there were more Austen. I have a friend who refused to read Persuasion because she wanted to live in a world in which there was still another Austen book to read out there. "
— Martha, 10/24/2013" This annotated edition was beautifully done. It added to the reading experience for me, making me want to reread more classics this way. I wish there was a Sense & Sensibility edition! Wonderful quality production, nicely written notes, and beautiful pictures. "
— melody, 10/16/2013" Do you need a review? You know it's good. It's Austen. "
— Shirley, 10/15/2013" I love this book, a beautiful, poignant love story of second chances "
— Deirdre, 10/13/2013" My favorite Jane Austen book. I love the main character. "
— Allison, 8/30/2013" Just okay. No P & P... "
— Karen, 8/25/2013" The beginning may start a bit boring but the story matures well if you have the patience. I however felt like the happy ending was rushed considering the long read. :) "
— Carol, 8/7/2013" Persuasion and sense and sensibility are my favorite Austen both are dark and lack the mirth of P&P and Emma but the heroines are more complex. "
— Faith, 8/2/2013" I have never yawned so much in my life. "
— Andria, 7/27/2013" One of Jane Austen's novels that doesn't get enough attention! "
— Noor, 7/1/2013" Read a few years ago, review here. "
— El, 6/3/2013" I've only read two of Austen's novels at this point, but Anne Elliot of Persuasion is, by far, my favorite female lead of that era. It is hopeful and honest and I loved it. "
— Lauren, 5/25/2013" One of my summer goals to read more classics. "
— Jeaneen, 5/22/2013" This is my first Jane Austin book. The sisters and characters are colorful and interesting, and it's also nice to see how society of the early 1800's was. Seems to be a bit of a romance novel, if it were made into a movie, it'd be a chick flick.. Classic story, well written, not for everybody. "
— Lindsay, 5/13/2013" My personal FAVORITE! I have read it so many times I could nearly recite it. "
— Misty, 5/11/2013" Sweet romance along a winding storyline, and a perfect conclusion. A definite winner! "
— Borud, 4/23/2013" I love it , the way that Jane Austen described the character's feelings, is fantastic. I admire Anne Elliot and the love between her and Frederick Wentworth. "
— Miriam, 4/4/2013" I have never yawned so much in my life. "
— Andria, 4/1/2013" My favorite Jane Austen novel. A great book to curl up with in a comfy seat with a warm drink. Moving and poetic. "
— Kristen, 3/19/2013" This is my very favourite Austen novel. She's really hit the jackpot with this one. I read it several times a year. "
— Jenny, 3/8/2013" Probably my favourite Jane Austen book. It isnt sappy, or overly unrealistic like some of her other work. "
— Jennifer, 3/2/2013" Another brilliant book by Jane Austen. I enjoyed it almost as much as Pride and Prejudice. It is beautifully written (as are all of her books) and never failed to bring a smile to my face. Anne Elliot is a beautiful character and I'm so glad she finally got the man of her dreams in the end. "
— Vicky, 2/24/2013" 3.5 stars. I loved Anne Elliot's character! "
— Clarisse, 2/20/2013" Love all Jane Austen books... "
— Malle, 2/6/2013" It took me three years trying to read this. Third times a charm! It's a Cinderella story... "
— Andrea, 1/17/2013" Had a tough time getting through this, but was rewarded with a wonderful ending! "
— Melissa, 12/30/2012" This classic isn't often talked about, among Austen's other more famous works. Definitely worth a read...my absolute favorite of her books. "
— Heather, 12/10/2012" So happy I finished this re-read on Valentine's Day! Shapard's annotations aren't consistently interesting, but Persuasion is always a delight. "
— Joy, 10/31/2012" I read this and Price & Prejudice one after the other and, though I liked both, I preferred Persuasion. Beautiful writing, good characters, happy ending. "
— Xenia, 10/28/2012" Good but definitely not my favorite Austen. That goes to P&P! "
— Amber, 10/27/2012" I'm really convinced Austen was an INTJ after reading this one. "
— Mel, 9/18/2012" She teaches how we use powers of persuasion while engaging us in the historicity of England. One of the best Romantic novels of all time. "
— Bob, 9/11/2012" My favorite book of all time. "
— Jb34, 8/10/2012" Last novel published. Seemed more grown-up than P&P, meetings between the two characters weren't as effusive as I'd expect. Still,a more mature work, beautifully written. Worth savouring at its own pace. "
— Oana, 8/4/2012" I actually loved this one more than Pride and Prejudice. Read it! "
— Brit, 8/1/2012" Anne and Captain Wentworth deserved to be with each other and the ending was pleasing wnough to like the book. "
— Neha, 7/19/2012" Anne is an underrated heroine. Her loyalty and her ability to stick by her principles are virtues that every good woman should aspire to. She also represents the woman who is able to get what she wants without hollowing out and losing herself. My favourite Austen book. "
— Soona, 7/9/2012" It's been so long since I read this that I didn't remember any of it. That part was fun. I thought it was a quick read, but not as funny as her others. In fact, hardly funny at all. But still good. "
— Joelle, 6/23/2012" So happy for Anne. She deserves all good coming her way "
— Kati, 6/10/2012" I can't call this my favorite Jane Austen novel, because Pride & Prejudice is as perfect a book as I have ever read. However I loved this book- and found it only after I had read all of her others. Glad I did. "
— Rosy, 5/22/2012" My first Jane Austen novel! Pretty good! "
— Chelsea, 5/8/2012" This is my favorite Jane Austen book, because it is a book about second chances. Seriously, this book made me want to go to Bath to walk the streets that Anne and Frederick have trodden. Or maybe re-read this while I'm there ;) "
— Ycel, 4/24/2012" I'm just going to say it: better than Pride and Prejudice. "
— Carli, 4/21/2012" not really my style, but it's Jane Austin! "
— Clarissa, 4/20/2012" Enjoyed Ms. Austen's book quite a bit. "
— Dianne, 4/12/2012" The letter that Frederic wrote to Anna brought me to tears! Wonderful :-) "
— Anita, 2/27/2012" The beginning may start a bit boring but the story matures well if you have the patience. I however felt like the happy ending was rushed considering the long read. :) "
— Carol, 1/31/2012" Who doesn't like a good Jane Austen romance? This is a great one, especially because of the hero of the story, Captain Frederick Wentworth! The story is gripping, heartbreaking, and wonderful, all at the same time! "
— Deborah, 1/16/2012" And they all lived happily ever after <3 (fearful of a new war) :D "
— Raghd(inia), 12/19/2011" Excellent read! Love this work of Austen's, sad it was her final, finished novel. "
— Becky, 12/8/2011" My favorite Jane Austen book! "
— Nicole, 11/25/2011" My favorite of all jane's novels. I am absolutely in love with Captain Wentworth, especially when played by Ciran Hinds. "
— Katherine, 10/21/2011" This classic isn't often talked about, among Austen's other more famous works. Definitely worth a read...my absolute favorite of her books. "
— Heather, 10/17/2011" poor anne elliot, her youth 'gone' & romantically destitute, is the most of moving of austen's heroines. (ps. shame there's no "re-read" button here. this is my fourth time around the block with "persuasion"). "
— psm, 10/11/2011" Love, love, love Jane Austen. "
— Louwana, 9/16/2011" More simple, restrained, character-fueled story-telling from a quiet master. "
— Jeff, 9/15/2011" A great Austen novel which portrays the virtues of patience and faithfulness beautifully. I loved it! "
— Rachel, 9/7/2011" Surprisingly, this turned out to be one of my favorite Austens. It's true that Anne Elliott is one of her more meek and mild characters, but she has a lot more resolve than Fanny Price, more rationality than Lizzie Bennet, and is more sincerely romantic than Emma Woodhouse "
— Nellie, 8/25/2011" my favorite jane austen of them all. "
— Tracey, 8/8/2011" The contrast of the characters all playing a part in the love story of two was beautifully done. It was a interesting, curled up in the sofa read. Highly recommended! "
— Anna, 8/6/2011" I loved this book! This was my first Jane Austen book and it won't be my last! wonderful for readers like me who love character development and a good romantic plot "
— Beth, 7/7/2011" my favorite jane austen books. perhaps not as witty as 'emma" or vivacious as "pride and prejudice," but sweet and poignant and reflective. "
— lowercase, 7/7/2011" although not my favorite Austen novel, I really liked this. Anne Elliot has Austen's usual protagonist's feistiness (although nothing like Emma) and she's likable. I did find it frustrating that Anne is somewhat negative and depressed for 2/3 of the book- but the end makes up for it! "
— Caroline, 7/7/2011" I think this is the best of all her books. More mature, and more depth to the story. Beautiful. "
— Bekka, 7/6/2011" My favourite Austen book. The characters are vivid, the writing is sharp, the dialogue is witty, and Anne's combination of heartbreak and hopefulness assured this book's prime place in my shelf. "
— Lena, 7/6/2011" Everything I would say about this book that makes it great, you probably already expect because it is Jane Austen. It is a more mature, emotionally intricate book than her others. "
— Annie, 7/4/2011" I believe this is Jane's best work. It steers away from the more "fluffy" aspects, and gives you a true contention on what it is like to live with regrets. It is endearing to watch Anne grow into and independent woman. "
— Candess, 7/4/2011" This is one of my favorite books by her. "
— Susan, 7/3/2011" This reminds me of the stereotypical Cinderella story- uncaring father, selfish sisters, limited means, and a handsome "prince"- set in Regency England. All in all a good book. "
— Jessie, 7/3/2011" Great work of fiction. It shows the mature side of Jane Austen. "
— Darrelyn, 7/1/2011" Help! I can't stop reading Jane Austen. Better late than never right? "
— Kari, 6/29/2011" In many ways, Persuasion is a lot like Northanger Abbey. But, from my superficial knowledge of romantic relationships, I thought that Persuasion felt more authentic. "
— Ke, 6/29/2011" Ranked #3 in my top 10 romance list "
— Danielle, 6/28/2011" One of Jane Austen's novels that doesn't get enough attention! "
— Noor, 6/28/2011" I enjoyed this, but it's not my favorite Austen novel. That doesn't mean I didn't like it, however. "
— Jess, 6/28/2011" its a lovely story but like with all Jane Austen books you have to read them slowly and take your time :). "
— Kera, 6/23/2011" good book, loved the chemistry between cap'n wentworth and anne but found the ending quite abrupt "
— Samira, 6/3/2011" I have to pay close attention to get through her books. this one is really good! "
— Kathy, 5/30/2011" This is my favourite Austen book. I love the character of Anne and her relationship with Wentworth is so beautifully told. I must have read this 20 times. "
— Jenny, 5/27/2011" Ho dei bei ricordi legati a questo testo.... "
— Daniele, 5/26/2011" Of all Jane Austen's books, I think this remains my favorite. Not that I don't love P-squared (as my husband refers to it), but there is something that I found truly identifiable in Anne Elliot's character. Definitely recommend. "
— Harpmary, 5/23/2011" I liked this book better then any others by Jane Austin. I feel that she was a seasoned writer by this time. "
— Michael, 5/17/2011" Austen at her best, a great book to start out on a journey through all her books. "
— Denise, 5/17/2011" Beautiful writing and story. "
— Leigh, 5/17/2011" Austen at her best, a great book to start out on a journey through all her books. "
— Denise, 5/17/2011" I liked this book better then any others by Jane Austin. I feel that she was a seasoned writer by this time. "
— Michael, 5/17/2011" I liked this book better then any others by Jane Austin. I feel that she was a seasoned writer by this time. "
— Michael, 5/17/2011" Beautiful writing and story. "
— Leigh, 5/17/2011" Austen at her best, a great book to start out on a journey through all her books. "
— Denise, 5/17/2011" I liked this book better then any others by Jane Austin. I feel that she was a seasoned writer by this time. "
— Michael, 5/17/2011" Beautiful writing and story. "
— Leigh, 5/17/2011" Austen at her best, a great book to start out on a journey through all her books. "
— Denise, 5/17/2011" If you love P&P or Emma and haven't yet read this one, you need to. Austen's last is by far the most passionate. "
— Meghan, 5/16/2011" If you love P&P or Emma and haven't yet read this one, you need to. Austen's last is by far the most passionate. "
— Meghan, 5/16/2011" If you love P&P or Emma and haven't yet read this one, you need to. Austen's last is by far the most passionate. "
— Meghan, 5/16/2011" If you love P&P or Emma and haven't yet read this one, you need to. Austen's last is by far the most passionate. "
— Meghan, 5/16/2011" I love this book so much. I had just gotten to the final 10% this morning when -- alas! -- it was time to go to work! But now I'm through it and happily basking in the glow of a satisfactory conclusion. "
— Ruthette, 5/15/2011" I love this book so much. I had just gotten to the final 10% this morning when -- alas! -- it was time to go to work! But now I'm through it and happily basking in the glow of a satisfactory conclusion. "
— Ruthette, 5/15/2011" I love this book so much. I had just gotten to the final 10% this morning when -- alas! -- it was time to go to work! But now I'm through it and happily basking in the glow of a satisfactory conclusion. "
— Ruthette, 5/15/2011" I read it in high school and loved it but not as much the second time around. My reasoning on the first read: Anne was a strong heroine. My reasoning on the second read: Anne was a weak heroine. Go figure. "
— Lauren, 5/14/2011" I read it in high school and loved it but not as much the second time around. My reasoning on the first read: Anne was a strong heroine. My reasoning on the second read: Anne was a weak heroine. Go figure. "
— Lauren, 5/14/2011" I read it in high school and loved it but not as much the second time around. My reasoning on the first read: Anne was a strong heroine. My reasoning on the second read: Anne was a weak heroine. Go figure. "
— Lauren, 5/14/2011" While I'm yet to be prised away from the charms of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is making a case for a strong second. In fact, given time they may even tie, thought I will probably always prefer Elizabeth's company to Annes. "
— Neridah, 5/11/2011" While I'm yet to be prised away from the charms of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is making a case for a strong second. In fact, given time they may even tie, thought I will probably always prefer Elizabeth's company to Annes. "
— Neridah, 5/11/2011" While I'm yet to be prised away from the charms of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is making a case for a strong second. In fact, given time they may even tie, thought I will probably always prefer Elizabeth's company to Annes. "
— Neridah, 5/11/2011" My favorite Austen. It is so wonderfully awkward and I find it a book that the modern girl can still relate to even though it's been nearly 200 years since it was published "
— Dvora, 5/10/2011" My favorite Austen. It is so wonderfully awkward and I find it a book that the modern girl can still relate to even though it's been nearly 200 years since it was published "
— Dvora, 5/10/2011" My favorite Austen. It is so wonderfully awkward and I find it a book that the modern girl can still relate to even though it's been nearly 200 years since it was published "
— Dvora, 5/10/2011" My favorite Austen novel, hands down! "
— Anna, 5/9/2011" Enjoyed reading it. I've seen all the movie versions of Jane Austen novels and thought it high time that I actually read her books! "
— Priscilla, 5/9/2011" My favorite Austen novel, hands down! "
— Anna, 5/9/2011" Enjoyed reading it. I've seen all the movie versions of Jane Austen novels and thought it high time that I actually read her books! "
— Priscilla, 5/9/2011" My favorite Austen novel, hands down! "
— Anna, 5/9/2011" Enjoyed reading it. I've seen all the movie versions of Jane Austen novels and thought it high time that I actually read her books! "
— Priscilla, 5/9/2011" I just love this story. I love Anne and Capt. Wentworth and the maturity that this story is written with. A love story that gets me every time. Oh, and that letter at the end that Capt. writes to Anne, HOT! :) "
— Katri, 5/8/2011" I just love this story. I love Anne and Capt. Wentworth and the maturity that this story is written with. A love story that gets me every time. Oh, and that letter at the end that Capt. writes to Anne, HOT! :) "
— Katri, 5/8/2011" I just love this story. I love Anne and Capt. Wentworth and the maturity that this story is written with. A love story that gets me every time. Oh, and that letter at the end that Capt. writes to Anne, HOT! :) "
— Katri, 5/8/2011" My favorite Austen novel - unique from the rest! "
— Susie, 5/7/2011" My favorite Austen novel - unique from the rest! "
— Susie, 5/7/2011" My favorite Austen novel - unique from the rest! "
— Susie, 5/7/2011" i think my favorite Austen novel!! "
— Jesika, 5/6/2011" i think my favorite Austen novel!! "
— Jesika, 5/6/2011" i think my favorite Austen novel!! "
— Jesika, 5/6/2011Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.
Anna Massey (1937–2011), the daughter of Hollywood actor Raymond Massey, was born in England and enjoyed an award-winning career on stage, in movies, and on television. Her stage roles earned her the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award, the London Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, and a nomination for a Tony Award for her only Broadway appearance, in The Reluctant Debutante. Her television awards include the UK’s BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress and the RTS Television Award. Her best-known film roles were as Helen in Peeping Tom, Babs in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, and more recently in The Oxford Murders and The Machinist. She received critical praise from AudioFile magazine for her narrations, especially of Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, and Wild Swans by Jung Chang.