Summary: Twenty-seven-year old Anne Elliot is Austen’s most adult heroine. Eight years before the story proper begins, she is happily betrothed to a naval officer, Frederick Wentworth, but she precipitously breaks off the engagement when persuaded by her friend Lady Russell that such a match is unworthy. The breakup produces in Anne a deep and long-lasting regret. When later Wentworth returns from sea a rich and successful captain, he finds Anne’s family on the brink of financial ruin and his own sister a tenant in Kellynch Hall, the Elliot estate. All the tension of the novel revolves around one question: Will Anne and Wentworth be reunited in their love?
Jane Austen once compared her writing to painting on a little bit of ivory, 2 inches square. Readers of Persuasion will discover that neither her skill for delicate, ironic observations on social custom, love, and marriage nor her ability to apply a sharp focus lens to English manners and morals has deserted her in her final finished work.
I loved this book. I am a converted Austen fan and I think Persuasion is one of my favorites. Anne is such a great character. She is sweet, smart, and reasonable, and she deals with her crazy family with grace. Her family is hilariously vain and annoying and I couldn’t help but laugh with them. Austen is unparalleled for me in her sarcastic observations about society, and this book showcases them greatly in its supporting characters. Anne’s relationship with Captain Wentworth is slow-burning and I loved their interactions and the build-up of their romance. The story was short and sweet but so fully fleshed out and I was deeply invested in the characters. The more Austen I read, the more I can’t decide which is my favorite. I think this one is up there.
Reading In The Wings 
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