Persuasion
8. Persuasion - Jane Austen, 1816
I suppose this was part two of my I-can-read-whatever-I-want-now kick. I think it was literally the first pre-twentieth-century novel I've read in a year. I think it's my second favourite Austen, after Pride and Prejudice, which I have actually studied in school and so feel that I understand and appreciate better. I like the naval elements in Persuasion, the glimpses at a slightly wider society and setting, although none of the characters are as lovable or amusing as those in Pride and Prejudice (I wish Mr Bennet were my father). I feel sorry for Elizabeth Elliot at the end, though, growing old alone - I know you're not supposed to, but I have a tendency to sympathise more than seems usual with weak, petty characters. I can admire the Don Drapers of fiction but I feel much more emotional about the Pete Campbells. I can't even muster the usual vitriolic hatred for Joffrey Baratheon.
I suppose this was part two of my I-can-read-whatever-I-want-now kick. I think it was literally the first pre-twentieth-century novel I've read in a year. I think it's my second favourite Austen, after Pride and Prejudice, which I have actually studied in school and so feel that I understand and appreciate better. I like the naval elements in Persuasion, the glimpses at a slightly wider society and setting, although none of the characters are as lovable or amusing as those in Pride and Prejudice (I wish Mr Bennet were my father). I feel sorry for Elizabeth Elliot at the end, though, growing old alone - I know you're not supposed to, but I have a tendency to sympathise more than seems usual with weak, petty characters. I can admire the Don Drapers of fiction but I feel much more emotional about the Pete Campbells. I can't even muster the usual vitriolic hatred for Joffrey Baratheon.