Quicklet on Jane Austen's Persuasion (CliffsNotes-like Book Summary‪)‬

ABOUT THE BOOK

When I first read Persuasion, I fell in love with the characters and found myself drawn into the depths of Austen's depictions. But the history of Austen’s own life is what truly infuses her work with meaning. I find it incredibly inspiring and admirable that, after losing her own chance at love because of social prejudice, Austen provides her heroine with the opportunity to reclaim her rejected love. After being forced to leave her own family home and live as a dependent among her various relatives, Austen wrote a beautifully-crafted story that provides her heroine with a true home. Though her own health was swiftly declining, Austen was still able to infuse her story of redemption with joy and hope for the future. The story of Persuasion reminds me to persevere through all of the challenges I face and to remember the beautiful, inspiring things in life even in the darkest moments.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jean Asta is the owner of Asta Communications, a freelance communications company providing writing, editing, and training services for clients around the globe. She has a BA in English Literature and a Master's in Public Administration, both from the University of Georgia.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

Austen's novels are real and compelling because she puts something of herself into her heroines and infuses each of her works with various elements of her humor, cleverness, and charm. Like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, she rejected a proposal that would have guaranteed her comfort because she wasn't in love. Like Captain Wentworth in Persuasion, she was rejected by a suitor because his family thought she was socially inferior. And like all of her heroines she persevered and conquered her difficulties. Jane Austen may not have had a great romance in her own life, but throughout Persuasion she speaks with a hopeful joy and certain knowledge about the saving grace of selfless love.

Though she experienced many disappointments and tragedies in her life, Austen always drew on her experiences to create something meaningful, beautiful, and important. She never lost her ability to fully embrace life in all its aspects, she never held back or gave up—and that is the mark of a true heroine...

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