I’m glad I didn’t read the back cover of the edition we had on hand in The Library. It’s a complete spoiler! After describing the main characters and detailing the entire relationship between Anne and Capt. Wentworth, the last line concludes, “But after various twists and turns of fortune, the novel ends on a happy note.” C’mon Dover Thrift Editions, leave something to the imagination!
Luckily, I didn’t read the back until I closed the book for good. My main takeaway: No one can crush foppery and self-righteousness like Jane Austen. I really, really enjoyed this book. I think I’m slipping quickly into Austenite territory. Anne Elliot (swoon), while not possessing all the liveliness of Elizabeth Bennett, had wit to spare and a loyal constancy that would make Job himself proud. My only real issue with the book is how long it took to get Anne and the good Captain together. I found myself many times in the peanut gallery screaming, “Just tell him you still love him!” “Take her in your arms and kiss her you fool!” But I suppose part of the allure of such romance is building the tension to a breaking point.
This book is also hilarious. It’s what I like to call “funny witty” rather than “funny haha”. Published last (and posthumously), it shows all the maturity of style Austen developed over many years. I had never even heard of this book until I started the Quest. I am surprised it is not more celebrated in the Austen canon.
Movie wise, I took my cues once again from The Mrs., who has seen all variations. I watched the Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds 1995 version. (Ed. Note: If you haven’t seen this one it is quite tricky to find on IMDB. It is part of the BBC’s Screen Two made-for-TV-movies anthology project and not listed just as Persuasion.) It is well cast and quite loyal to the novel, but I found myself a bit crestfallen when the credits rolled. The film is as severe as the book is light-hearted. It robs Anne of the aforementioned witty narrative voice and her reflections on everyone around her. The thing I missed most in the film version versus the novel was Austen’s cutting descriptions of Sir Walter and Anne’s elder sister and the eye-rolling at the general obsession with familial hierarchy and staid dinner parties. The movie just can’t compare!
Three books down and three to go. Pride & Prejudice still reigns supreme, but Persuasion made a great impression on me and ranks as the most entertaining. Pray forgive my need to quit the post presently. I must away to my pianoforte lessons.
Quest Checklist:
Northanger AbbeyPride & PrejudicePersuasion- Sense & Sensibility
- Mansfield Park
- Emma
Lady Susan – doesn’t really count, but I did already watch Love & Friendship!