Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Anne Elliott is the only sensible member of her family. Her father, Baronet Walter Elliot, is vain both about his appearance and his station in life. He's more concerned about those than his estate's finances which has led him into too many debts. Her younger sister Elizabeth shares her dad's vanity. Her other sister Mary has married and moved out, though she can't manage her kids because she's too self-involved. Aunt Anne can keep them in line when she visits. Distant cousin William Elliott is the heir apparent to Walter's estate (since he only has daughters) though William is estranged from the family. Anne's mother died when she was young, though her mom's best friend, Lady Russell, has been a surrogate mother to Anne. The only difficulty with Lady Russell happened seven years before the start of the book. Back then, Anne fell in love with Frederick Wentworth, a junior naval officer who proposed marriage. Anne accepted. The family did not like the situation. Even Lady Russell objected based on his lack of accomplishments, his unsure future, and his lack of social standing (he is not from a prominent family). Anne reluctantly agreed to break off the engagement, leading to heartbreak for both parties.

As the story opens, the financial difficulties have come to enough prominence that Anne and Lady Russell (along with the family accountant) convince the father to move to more modest accommodations in Bath and rent out the house to a respectable person. They find Admiral Croft, who is highly suitable--Navy men are well-organized and scrupulous. Anne's main concern is that Mrs. Croft is Wentworth's sister, so it seems like the exes could run into each other. She spends some time with Mary's family, a less trying experience than the anticipated meeting with the now Captain Wentworth. He's worked his way up the ranks and is now quite well to do, even if he does not have a family social standing. A lot of minor female characters are fascinated by him since he is handsome too. Most of the young people decide to visit the coastal town of Lyme where some friends of Captain Wentworth are living. A tragedy ensues, forcing many different romantic and social entanglements for the characters.

While Pride and Prejudice is a comedy of manners, this is more a drama of manners. Austen's wry writing style is well suited to describing the situations and the character's attitudes toward each other. Anne is a fascinating and sympathetic character. She does the best she can but she is very reserved and shy, not asserting herself like she should (which is probably an attempt not to be like the slightly overbearing and pompous father). She steps up to the situation when needed (like during the tragedy) and her goodness provides avenues for success even against her neglectful relatives. The tale is delightful and full of good insights about human nature and human society.

Highly recommended.

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