Persuasion by Jane Austen

The classic novel Persuasion, Jane Austen's final novel, is one every Austen addict will love. Although Austen's most popular work may be Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion has the same funny satire, interesting and at times crazy characters, and the same endearing romance, but with a different sense, maturity and wisdom. Persuasion is the story of a young girl, Anne, who falls in love with a man whom her family believes is below her. This man, Captain Wentworth, has no money and is of no status, so Anne is pushed by her family to turn down his marriage proposal, and she does. This is a choice she regrets the rest of her life, because even though she was young, in Anne's mind, Wentworth was and always will be her true love. Persuasion describes what it is like to put your family's wishes and desires for your life above your own, but also the hope of second chances, and it is a classic novel I would recommend to everyone who enjoyed Pride and Prejudice.

Reviewed by BHS student E. Kerr