3 Review(s)

The last of Jane Austen’s novels written just before her death, and published posthumously, Persuasion is a simple story of two lovers reunited by fate. Narrated in the usual witty and slightly ironical tone, the book features for the first time, a central female character that is past her prime. Anne Elliot, daughter of the pretentious and snobbish Sir Walter of Kellynch Hall, is apparently destined for spinsterhood. Twenty seven years old, and without any favorable prospects, Anne mourns the loss of her former suitor Frederick Wentworth, to whom she was briefly engaged. Considered unworthy by Sir Walter, Elizabeth – Anne’s sister – and Lady Russell – who acts in place of Anne’s mother, Frederick's poor status deprives him of the joy of marrying for love, and the nineteen year old Anne is forced to break the engagement. In a turn of fate however, Fredrick is brought back into Anne’s life when her father’s estate – Kellynch Hall – is put up for lease, and the tenants turn out to be relations of Frederick; who is now a decorated and rich naval soldier. Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817), is widely considered as the most widely read English novelist. Her romantic novels, which depict the landed gentry of England, are revered for their wit and social analysis. Her works in order of their publication include, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma. Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both published posthumously as a single bound volume by her younger brother, along with a biographical note. Several movies, radio shows, plays, and television series have been made based on her novels.