Persuasion

 

By Jane Austen

 

I really enjoyed this book, my favorite Austen book so far.

The main theme of course being Persuasion, the family use this a lot in day-to-day life, from deciding to accept a marriage proposal to moving houses.

 

Austen explores the British class system constantly throughout the novel.  After five years of living in the UK myself, I can say this is still very much apparent. Although not as frowned upon if marrying outside your class, it's always at the back of their mind, with older generations still planting the seeds of what's expected.

 

My favourite character would have to be Walter Elliot, father to the three girls. His vain personality is actually quite humorous at times. One scenario being when the new tenants of Kellynch, took down all the mirrors in his corner of the room, mocking him and saying who would need more than 2 mirrors, one for shaving and one full length.

Walter’s obsession with keeping up appearances goes beyond the normal class distinctions of that day, not willing to stop spending even though he is in debt. 

He has three daughters, Anne being the protagonist. The youngest, Mary, I found to be annoying, sulky and spoilt. Anne tries to bring her down to earth and won't put up with her moods and hysterical behaviour. The older one, Elizabeth, is Walter’s favourite and doesn’t have a huge part in the novel, other than socialising and ensuring she is associating with the right people.

 

This is a good book to start with if you haven’t read any Austen books, and a must if you have!