FIRST FRIDAY BOOK CLUB | PERSUASION by Jane Austen

Join The Friends for another lively First Friday Book Club.

Persuasion is the last novel of Jane Austen, published in 1817, six months after her death.   It looks at Anne Elliott, a twenty-seven-year old, who is Austen's most adult and mature 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.

She moves to Bath with her father and sister only to encounter Wentworth when he returns from sea, a much rich and more successful captain. He finds Anne's family on the brink of financial ruin and his own sister as 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 examines the influence those we love can exert, whilst looking at English society, marital expectations, social mores and the search for love.  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. 

Another great discussion opportunity for all Jane Austen fans.