Has anyone ever read Persuasion by Jane Austen? Its the next book on my reading list and I just started reading it. I though maybe someone hear might have read it or be in the process of reading it and could help me through it or give me your opinions. Anyone?
Persuassion is normally understood to be the most mature of Austens six novels. It was the last book she completed before her death. It is also the only book of the six where the traditional "courting" period doesn't take place. Anne and Captain Wentworth had already went through all of that, so this novel does differ greatly from her others. Personnally, I love Persuassion. I love the tradegy and heartbreak throughout the book and the pining. Anne Elliot is one of my favourites
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is just starting out with Austen. Try P&P, S&S or Northanger Abbey first.
do you think that the issues (social and moral) of her books (set in the olden times) can relate to the issues in our society today?
Of course! That is perhaps why her books are still being read and adapted for TV and movies over 200 years later.
I live in the UK and I know that many of our traditions and ideas of what is socially acceptable still remain the same as those portrayed in Austens novels - especially simple things like boy chasing girl, girl acting indifferent, introductions (perhaps not to the same severity as enlightenment england, but still...) and family dynamics.
I believe Austen was quite a surveyor of human nature and condition and it is these aspects that never change and she has created characters that are timeless.
I am a complete Austen geek! I am always reading one of her books or her letters or searching for decent completed versions of her last two, unfinished, novels. (...and in between it's Harry Potter!).
and I know that Pride and Prejudice has been over-expossed, but there is good reason for it. It is a fantastic and enduring story. Elizabeth Bennett is, by far, my favourite! (with Anne Elliot and Fanny Price a close second and third! - yes I am in the minority that likes Mansfield Park!). Darcy is my dream man!
and for anyone who isn't big on reading - I would HIGHLY recommend the 1995 BBC mini-series of Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 movie BLOWS!), the 2007 ITV version of Northanger Abbey, both 1995 versions of Emma are great and Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility is outstanding! The BBC version of Persuassion is also quite good, and the ITV version isn't tooooo bad. Mansfield Park, however...avoid the ITV version with Billie Piper like the plague. The movie with Frances O'Connor is, although not very true to the book, is wonderful! I think Mansfield Park is a book which would struggle to succeed on screen if it was kept true to the book.
I'd recommend it to anyone, Austen fan or not.
