Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Persuasion by Jane Austen

3 Stars

OK here are my thoughts:

2.5-3 stars, generously

I wanted to love this book y’all lol I feel like I was supposed to love it, and I loved Northanger abbey and P&P butttt this one —I found it really hard to connect to the romance, characters and whatnot. The romance —it didn’t completely make sense to me.

I also think because I struggle in general with second chance romances, depending how they’re done, that could be part of what affected my enjoyment.

For most of the book, Wentworth is cold and distant, borderline dismissive of Anne. It bothers me, along with all the other women he is around more than Anne 🤣 and then Anne was just too passive during these moments. Of course, this may be historically accurate of women in the time, I’m not sure..

Now all of this may be the whole point leading up to his letter but when he suddenly reveals his lingering love in his famous letter, it feels abrupt and random. Where were the gradual moments of reconnection that would make me believe in their second chance after 8 years…Not sure…either way I like second chances to be more believable I guess lol

I also had a hard time understanding why Anne’s feelings for him were so unwavering. They hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in years and yet she’s still consumed by her love for him. While that can be romantic in theory, I need more reasons of whyyyy she still adored him after all this time, especially when he seemed indifferent for much of the story.

I did find some moments funny and entertaining and whatnot but yeah it was just OK. Sorry😭😭😭

Either way I’m not sad I read it! I’m proud I finished it!