I am not really a Jane Austen fan. I like the movie versions of Pride and Prejudice, and I think I remember enjoying the book when my mom read it to me years and years ago. But I haven't been very successful at reading or watching or enjoying other Jane Austen books or movies.Still, in light of my upcoming UK trip, I thought it was probably time to give Jane Austen another chance. I chose to read Persuasion because a) several Jane Austen fans I know told me it was one of their favorites of hers, and b) it was one of the shortest books on the Jane Austen section of the shelves at Borders when I went looking.
I finally finished Persuasion, so I'm about to give my honest assessment. Like I said on my regular blog, however, I was biased against Jane Austen from the beginning, and I am really interested in hearing what other people like about this book. I think it might help me to like it better.
It's not that I disliked Persuasion. It just didn't jump up from the pages and grab me and pull me in. So that said, here is what I did like. I think one of the reason Jane Austen still appeals to people (women especially, I think) is that the feelings of her characters in regards to relationships are surprisingly universal. I really could see some of myself in Anne, especially in constant analysis of her encounters with Captain Wentworth. In fact, though Jane Austen writes from a very different time and place and society than I am familiar with, people are still people, and the emotions and personalities she captures do seem very real to me.
But I still struggled to make it through the book. First, I felt like there were too many similarities to Pride and Prejudice. People who have read many Jane Austen books probably find it easier to see what distinguishes one from another, but because this is only my second it was hard not to focus on what made them the same, and it sort of got in the way of my reading.
Second, the romance between Anne and Captain Wentworth was not compelling to me. I know things were done differently back then, and I also know that there was a history between Anne and Captain Wentworth that we as the readers were not privy to. But we always observed Captain Wentworth from Anne's eyes, and usually from afar, and often acting cryptically. I was rooting for him by the end, but I still feel like I never got to know Captain Wentworth. He was there in the background and in Anne's mind, but what happens in the background and in a woman's mind does not always translate to reality (believe me, I know).
Which actually leads to the third reason I had a hard time with this book, and that is that, in some ways, I could relate to Anne so well as to make me feel uncomfortable. As a first time reader, I didn't know if Captain Wentworth felt the same way toward Anne as she felt toward him, and because I really did not know the outcome any better than Anne did, it made me almost as uncomfortable to read about her guesswork, her hopes and disappointments based on the most inconsequential details, as it has made me in the past when I have done the same thing myself. I was relieved when she finally got to speak with Captain Wentworth and hear his side of the story, and it all came together nicely, and we saw how all the pieces fit, but I didn't like the process of getting to that point.
So that's my take, but it's just my opinion, and my opinion of a first read at that (and my impression is that many people feel Jane Austen books are even better upon multiple readings). I really would like to hear from people who liked the book, because I'd like to know what I was missing. I think I need people to teach me how to read and like Jane Austen :).
4 comments:
Congrats on finishing!
P.S. - What do you think about the Blackadder's theory that Jane Austin was actually a pen name for a male writer?
I think you're just too serious for Jane Austen ;-)
Like I said in my response to your other blog, I LOVE Austen's characterizations. When I read an Austen novel I find myself trying to "cast" it in my mind. Who would I choose to play the various characters? Sometimes it's an actor or actress, but usually it's someone I already know from church, family, etc. because most of the time, they wouldn't have to act much--the character is already THEM (or vice versa)! That's one of the reasons that I never completely enjoy the movie versions (though some are better than others). They just never seem to completely get the casting right. For instance, in the Pride and Prejudice movies, they NEVER get Mr. Bingley right. They always make him silly when in fact, he's just very open and friendly. Just one example, but you get my point.
Anyway, when you read an Austen novel, enjoy the storyline, but the real fun is hidden between the words. Just my opinion.
Austen is definitely an acquired taste. I just finished Emma last month, which I quite enjoyed, but they usually aren't easy reads. It just so happens that Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel. Yes, I have a a favorite. I know that's pathetic. I know what you mean about the similarities with Pride and Prejudice. But I see the two books almost as inverses -- whereas Pride and Prejudice is about how people can be wrong at first and still manage to fall in love, Persuasion is about how people can be right at first and still be in love years later. It's very romantic. In fact, I think Persuasion is the most romantic of Austen's novels. Pity there hasn't been a truly good movie adaptation yet.
Anyway, good for you for reading something you weren't necessarily inclined to reading. It's a good experience, and I ought to do it more often.
Congrats Amy! I feel like you having read this book takes our relationship to a new level. I do agree with above write that perhaps you are a little to serious for Austen.
She uses a lot of uncertainty, especially in Persuasion, but all comes out all right in the end.
The reason I love Austen is that even with all the uncertainty you can count on being satisfied at the end that the heroine will come to a happy end.
It is something I wish I could count on in my own life. I wish I could be assured that if I go through all the hoopla in the end I will meet my Captain Wentworth, my Mr. Darcy, or even my colonel Brandon.
I also see so much of my self in her characters but, especially Ann. Yes her characters are universal but so personal at the same time. My rant has gone on long enough. Now you can suggest a book for me to read that I don't want to read
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