Persuasion

Written by Jane Austen

Narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano and The Spire

There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison”

― Jane Austen, Persuasion

Welcome to the world of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors in the English language. Austen's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and romantic storylines that have captivated readers for generations.

Persuasion is a novel by Jane Austen that follows the story of Anne Elliot, an unmarried woman struggling to reconcile her feelings for a man she met and fell in love with eight years earlier, Captain Frederick Wentworth. The fast-paced novel explores themes of love, class, and social expectations in 19th-century England. Austen uses Anne's character to highlight the societal limitations placed upon women during this time. Women were expected to marry for financial security and status, rather than for love. Anne's struggle to navigate her desires and the expectations of her family and society highlights the conflict that many women faced during this period. In addition to exploring themes of love and societal expectations, the novel also delves into the class system of England at that time. Austen uses the characters of the landed gentry and the navy officers to comment on the societal changes that were occurring during this time period. Through these characters, Austen highlights the shifting power dynamics and changing social structures of the time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: Mar 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887678344

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels—Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion—which observe and critique the British gentry of the late eighteenth century. Her mastery of wit, irony, and social commentary made her a beloved and acclaimed author in her lifetime, a distinction she still enjoys today around the world.

Reviews for Persuasion

[lisa2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’m embarrassed to admit that this is my first Austen, at least I don’t remember reading any of her books, although I have seen many of the movies based on her books. I’ve wanted to read all her novels. It’s all the more astounding that I’ve managed to not do so given that in high school and through my first two years of college I majored in English/English literature. I’ve always known that there are gaps (an abyss) in my education, yet this particular one does surprise me.I suggested this particular Austen to my book group, partly because it’s the favorite of so many I know, and partly because I knew a bit about it, but except for Northanger Abbey I knew less than I knew about her other novels.This edition of the book has an introduction by Amy Bloom and she tells the entire plot, but atypically I didn’t care at all knowing the book’s story before I read it. I pretty much knew it, and I guess I feel I should have read it long ago. The edition also has the originally written final two chapters, inserted after the rest of the book's text.But, if not for needing to read it for my real world book club, I’d have put it down and picked it up another time. Actually, I think I’d like to read Austen’s books on the order she penned them. But the main problem is that I’m in a reading slump and this is a case of a good book at the wrong time. It didn’t help that while reading I was often listening to the (very modern) college guys upstairs and other modern and annoying sounds. I should have probably made a point of reading this in the park or some other more suitably atmospheric place. The most ideal years for me to have read this was probably 25-35; that doesn’t mean I won’t have other ideal timea in the future. I can see giving this book 5 stars but I don’t think it’s destined to be one of my favorites.Apt title. Beautifully written. Wicked wit! It’s also funny and bright and poignant. But mostly waiting waiting waiting waiting waiting waiting waiting…and I kind of got impatient with everybody. So, I really like and admire Anne, a lot, and I love how Austen skewers the society that was familiar to her. Nobody really escaped my periodic irritation though, nor did the situation. I don’t have patience for certain types of plots, and I’m not big on romance stories, although this one wasn’t as “romantic” as I’d expected. Despite the ending, I did find this story a sad one, most likely because of my own current frame of mind: wrong timing for me. Also, I am aware of Austen’s condition when she wrote this novel. I do hope to pick it up again someday, along with all of Austen’s books.As I was reading I felt sometimes as though I was reading a play. It read that way to me. I could “see” it all. I can see why Austen’s novels translate so well to film.

[debbiemccauley-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Written in 1816. Anne rejected a suitor eight years ago due to her family and friends not thinking him good enough. Now he is back... A good read.

[thereadingrebel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anne Elliot is a sweet intelligent girl with a foolish vain father,a selfish witch of a sister,a married sister who thinks she is sick all the time and calls her to visit and take care of her all the time,her mother is died,she has a god-mother who loves her but doesn't understand her,a brokenheart because she was persuaded by her family to break off an engagement to the only man she ever loved because he didn't have enough money for her family,and now her family has fallen into debt and must rent the family home and move to Bath a town she hates.To top all this off the renters are the sister and brother-in-law of her ex-fiance who has come back form the war very rich.She is still in love with her ex-finance Captain Wentworth but does he still love her and if can he forgive her for breaking his heart?Persuasion is all about second changes and anyone who has gotten one will connect with Anne and Wentworth.The title has just as much to do with Anne not marrying Wentworth 8 years ago as it does with her trying to persuade herself she doesn't still love him and she will not think of him again.Austen's most romantic work is my third favorite and her swan song.She died before it was published.Her favorite brother Henry published Persuasion along with her first finished but never published novel Northanger Abbey.Her last novel is one of her best and I can't help wishing that there had been many more.

[westwest-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In time for the 200th anniversary of her death I decided to read the last Austen novel I had yet to read. Austen's prose is here at her most polished and her sarcasm at it's most subtle and biting, but she proves once again that the ending was not her strength. As progressive and liberal as her characters were, her endings seem very XVIII century, not even XIX century. I was still glad to enjoy Austen's beautiful style.
After reading all the novels here is my ranking:
1) Emma
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Sense and Sensibility
4) Northanger Abbey
5) Persuasion
6) Mansfield Park

[sturlington_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although also a romance like Austen’s better known novels, Emma and Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is a subtle one, with a theme not of whirlwind passion but of constancy and devotion. The main character, Anne Elliott, was very much in love with Captain Wentworth as a young girl, but was persuaded by friends and family to reject him as a husband. Broken-hearted, Wentworth went to sea, and the novel actually begins when he re-enters Anne’s life eight years later, having made his career and his money.Anne is a character to whom the reader can easily relate: introspective, analyzing everything and flawed, able to make make mistakes and recover from them. She narrowly averts an unhappy life by not letting her friends and family persuade her again to marry her cousin, who has money and manners but turns out to be quite despicable. And while Captain Wentworth does not have the dash or charm of a Mr. Darcy, he is Anne’s one true love, as prone to the follies of a broken heart as she is subject to the strong influence of those around her.The underlying theme is about choices and following one’s heart. If Anne had only listened to her own feelings instead of allowing others to sway her, she would have found happiness sooner. Despite what seems like an afterthought of a speech at the end of the novel, when Anne justifies her earlier behavior, this seems to be a strongly feminist novel, advocating the rights of women to choose their own way in life and their own partners for life, rather than be guided solely by considerations of fortune and class.This is also one of Austen’s funnier novels, particularly the scenes featuring Anne’s sisters and father, who are incredibly self-absorbed. Their dialogue - constantly misreading the situation in their own favor or stating something when the opposite is true - brings a welcome lightheartedness to the story.

[kateingilo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

my least favorite of Austen's books. I have very little sympathy for Anne.

[january_f_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Best. Letter. Ever! Who needs Mr. Darcy when there is Captain Wentworth!

[kristysp · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reading Jane Austen is like drinking a perfectly made cup of tea, late in the afternoon. Her prose is so smooth and comforting and perfectly elegant. I really enjoyed Persuasion, more than I expected to. Austen seemed to really explore the motivations and interactions of her characters. The breathless and romantic ending was delightfully swoony as well. :)

[casanders2015 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yet another classic story of romance by Jane Austen! This book wore me out with all of it's glances, looks, innuendo, nuances, and implications of the smallest of actions that build to a climatic romantic ending. If you like Pride and Prejudice, this last written novel is a must. The reading is not easy to follow the meaning if you are unfamiliar with the verbiage of the era.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've been a Jane Austen fan for a long time. I've read her six completed novels and have loved all of them, but in very different ways. Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility introduced me to the brilliant author. They are beautiful odes to love conquering all and the huge blessing it is to have a sister you love, no matter how different you are. Their main characters are shaken by misunderstandings and steered by naïveté.Northanger Abbey and Emma feature somewhat silly girls that let their imaginations run away with them. You somehow still love them, because though they may be simple or selfish, they really do have good hearts. Mansfield Park is Austen's picture of perfecting one's character. Fanny is just so damn good that it's a bit frustrating. Of course all of these books are much more complicated than my quick sentences allow me to explain. So you should read all of them! But Persuasion, this book is different from all the rest. Maybe it's because it was the last full novel she wrote. Maybe it's because she had experienced a bit of love in her life by that point. Whatever it is, it gives this book a depth and soul-shaking intensity that makes it my favorite. The premise is simple. Anne falls in love with Wentworth, but her family says he's too poor and persuades her not to marry him. All of this happens before the book begins and in the opening chapter we are 8 years in the future. Anne is still single and Wentworth returns to her town. Now they are both older. Any feelings they share or don't share aren't based on infatuation or young love. They are both mature and have had years to decide what they really want out of life. This slow burn is intoxicating. If you've never read Persuasion you're missing out. I love Austen's more celebrated novels (P&P and Emma), which have been made popular by movies and modern remakes (aka Clueless), but it's Persuasion that won my heart.

[sandra.pinkerton83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lovely and fun book of Victorian era.

[haymaai · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In reading Jane Austin’s last published novel, Persuasion, I was so disengaged with the novel even midway through the story, but I kept plodding on, hoping to find some redemption, while wishing for the story to come to its final pages. Because I was so enamored with Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, I was surprised that this later novel never quite pulled at my emotional heartstrings. In this novel I felt that Austin introduced numerous characters to the story, but she never offered much detail to describe each one. As such, I was never able to visualize each character, and I felt only a superficial connection to the characters and to the plot. I will say that Jane Austin was a gifted writer, and that her prose flowed elegantly at times throughout the novel. Using dialogue to express the thinking of her characters, Austin occasionally used these opportunities to offer a social commentary about matters of the heart. For example, when Anne was discussing with Captain Harville the issues of constancy and devotion regarding love, she said, “God forbid that I should undervalue the warm and faithful feelings of any of my fellow creatures. I should deserve utter contempt if I dared to suppose that true attachment and constancy were known only by woman. No, I believe you equal to every important exertion, and to every domestic forbearance, so long as—if I may be allowed the expression, so long as you have an object. I mean, while the woman you love lives, and lives for you. All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one, you need not covet it) is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone.” In this conversation, Anne was undoubtedly referring to her long, unrequited love for Captain Wentworth, upon which the story evolved.

[mchrzanowski_7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After watching Mansfield Park on DVD last night, I had the whim to read this novel. I have the movie on DVD (actually two versions) but oddly enough, had yet to read the book. I thought that it was quite lovely. Its not my favorite Austen novel (Mansfield Park is my favorite), but it is close. I think the story could take place today and it would have the same meaning. That is what is great about many of Austen’s novels. They have meaning for us in our lives today.

[themulhern · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The humour is a bit broader than I remembered. Many nice phrases are turned. At bottom, this a comic romance, with a happily ever after (unless killed or maimed in a naval engagement) ending. It has the difficulties, followed by the happy reconciliation of countless others like it. But it is very sprightly, and quite cynical about family connections. Anne's relations have no redeeming features beyond being well groomed and preserved.

[lauralkeet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I often find it difficult to review great classic literature -- what can I say that hasn't already been said? And so it is with Persuasion, one of Jane Austen's later works. This novel tells the story of Anne Elliot, an unmarried woman in her late 20s. Several years before, she was persuaded to break off a relationship with Captain Wentworth, and they went their separate ways. She now plays second fiddle to her sisters: Elizabeth, the eldest, has assumed the "lady of the house" role opposite their widowed father. Mary, the youngest, is happily married with young children. Anne moves between both worlds -- navigating the simple country pleasures of Mary's life, and tolerating her father's insufferable vanity and social climbing. Although it seems Anne is often taken advantage of, Austen makes it clear that she is the stronger character in all of her relationships.The story progresses, in typical Austen fashion, on a course that eventually brings Captain Wentworth back into Anne's life. Yet the couple are constrained by the conventions of the day, which make it nearly impossible for two people to express feelings to one another. Much time is spent watching, and second-guessing, the actions and motives of others. How frustrating this must have been! Austen is masterful in describing the tiny movements and expressions that carry so much meaning. As Anne and the Captain slowly dance around each other, Austen uses Anne's family to serve up some delightful satire of society and vanity. To date I have read all but one of Austen's six published novels, and consider Persuasion my favorite.

[andersonden · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Austen is the master (mistress?) of long sentences - and subtlety. Always fun to read.

[missjomarch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a good read but I didn't like it as we'll as Pride and Prejudice. A nice romance between Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth, their lost love and journey back to each other. Falling in love with reading is made easy when Jane Austen has written the book.

[pamkaye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Persuasion is a sweet & subtle love story. It is a story of family. It is a story of heartbreak.I found Anne Elliot to be a very sweet girl. She is quiet and happy to stay in the background, but strong enough to be there whenever someone needs her. Her father and sisters are obnoxious with their caring only about their station in society and appearances. Anne was once in love with Captain Wentworth. But she was forced to break off their engagement, because his station in life wasn't suitable.Eight years later, he comes back into her life. He has bettered his circumstances considerable, and her family hopes to make a union. Anne doesn't believe The Captain cares about her anymore, so as Anne usually does she hides in the background and lets her sisters and cousins vie for his attention.

[librarylou · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Another Austen, same old same old, nothing happens till the end of the book... yes its me again, the Austen hater! Apologies to all Austen fans

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Definitely one of my favorite Jane Austen novels! The heroine, Anne, is 28 and single. Persuaded by her close friend, Lady Russell, Anne breaks off an engagement to a charming man because it isn't proper or a good match. Eight years later their paths cross again, but this time he is a man of fortune and more than a respectable match. No one knows of their previous engagement except for Lady Russell, so Anne must suffer in silence at every dinner party and outing that he is at. Her heart is aching for him, but he seems to have no more regard for her after she broke his heart and in turn focuses his attention on one of her brother in law's sisters. Filled with classic Austen characters, this book is enjoyable from beginning to end and moves rather quickly compared to some of her other novels. I can't wait to check out one of the movie adaptations!

[jonfaith · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Louisa stumbled, I sighed and, yet, continued through the remainder of the book. I knew that Mr. Scott would be unmasked and that all would be well. The flimsy layers did trouble me greatly. I don't know whether it is national chauvinism or some maudlin coddling but how is it that most consider Austen to be superior to Balzac?

On a personal level, this was likely the only book given to me by the mother of a woman I was seeing.

[bjappleg8 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it read by Juliet Stevenson. Her characterizations are wonderful and her interpretation completely worthy of Austen.

[lquilter_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this one a lot. I liked that it wasn't about an ingenue; I liked the hints of the world beyond the social circles; I liked the maturity of the relationships; I liked the way Austen slipped in a bit of intrigue.

[nikkles_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic that is actually fun to read. Worth reading.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As an audiobook I found I enjoyed this more than Little Women.

[erikahope-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My favorite of Austen's books. Such a long painful love story-not like Anna Karenina-much less dramatic-more of a slow anquish made worse by all the shallowness surrounding it. Many people find the plot drags, but that's somewhat the point. If you don't ascribe to the notion of delayed gratification being all the sweeter then this won't move you. I like the understated characters of Anne and Wentworth who seem deeper than some of the more feisty of Austen's heroines. Not to detract from Elizabeth or even Emma, both of whom I also like, but Anne really deserves the happy ending more than any other. Enduring love is impressive for one and Anne's growth as a character from the time she refuses him (swayed by family) and marries him (stands on her own) is an interesting and understandable transformation. Plenty of humor too, with all the usual silliness of young women trying to marry off.

[emanate28 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A gem. This and P&P are my two favorite novels of all time. Austen's quiet but sharp wit is simply delectable, and the older I get, the more I come to appreciate the intricacies of human relationships in the tale. And, as usual, the hero is to die for!

[singersdd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my favorite of Jane Austen's books, even more than Pride and Prejudice. I have an easy time identifying with Anne Elliott, as I've often felt that I was under-appreciated by those closest to me. I love the constancy of her affection for Captain Wentworth. The ending is all an ending should be.

[alera_6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As with all Jane Austen novels, this is a love story. It's a simple tale of a love that was allowed to slip away due to advice from sources outside the relationship and a pride that wouldn't allow either party to attempt to reconnect though their love never died. Thrown together once more, both attempt to pretend they've moved on, but find themselves filled with little jealousies, relying on the other in situations, and pulling away the moment the other takes a step forward, all while not noticing that the other is still madly in love with them as well. It takes a conversation about the differences in how long it takes for a man and woman to move on from losing the love of their life for both of them to realize that neither of them had ever moved on. It's a sweet tale that didn't call out to me as her others have and Anne lacked a bit of the fire I relished in Austen's other main characters, but still managed to tug at my heart strings and make me smile.

[princessponti · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Initially, I found this book incredibly difficult to get into. I had been trying to read it on busy commutes and hadn't really dedicated a lot of 'concentrating' time let myself get absorbed by it. I find it difficult to click my brain into the 'classics'; the language and the feeling of these types of books I find somewhat difficult to submerge myself in at the outset. I generally need to dedicate some significant time to them in order switch over and fully appreciate what's going on, which I didn't manage to do with Persuasion. For this reason, I feel I have probably missed some of the important plot points!Saying that though, once I crossed the mid point and started cruising towards the end I truly loved this book. It definitely appealed to my hopeless romantic side! It's very strange (I think it's probably just me), but even though I had read the back cover (which unfortunately gives away the ending), I still was kept guessing as to what was going to happen! Austen managed to write in a couple of twists and turns into the love story which had me thinking 'Noooo!, that can't happen! It's not supposed to go this way!!'. Amazing that she could do that, even when I knew how it would turn out! I found Anne Elliot a great heroine; from the outset I was fully supportive of her plight. I could really feel the unhappiness in her soul of the lost love (having been there myself!). The way that she had shut herself down from the enjoyments of the world and lost her mojo (!), which slowly returned after the re-appearance of Mr (Captain) Wentworth into her life. I loved the re-awakening of the character. The way she realised that the world that she lived in wasn't the world that she wanted, and that she wanted to be around the people of Uppercross (albeit reluctant of the change initially), rather than her regular circle. Wanted to be with the people that actually cared more for life and friendships rather than social standing. The way that her 'sparkle' returned. But, purely the best thing about this book is the letter! It is the pinnacle of romance for me, everything about that scene was magical as I read it, I could have cried! It made all of my romantic hairs stand on end! Oh to have a Captain Wentworth! I picked this book up because of the movie 'The LakeHouse' (starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu 'swoon' Reeves), it was Sandra’s character's favourite book in the movie and so I wanted to see if there were any parallels. Has anyone else read the book and seen the film? Obviously the main theme is 'waiting', for that person who is 'the one'. I also think that the connection between the two people awakens something in the other, making their life more complete, opening their eyes to a different way of living. The movie also expands on the letter writing (quite significantly!). Both tales are told in very different ways, but I think that the same feeling captured in both. All in all this is a magically romantic book, sure to appeal to all those with a big heart. I loved it!