Reader discussion: Persuasion

Public reader discussion about Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I just watched Persuasion (1995)

By CafeKettle81

I guess there’s a newer adaptation out there, but I’ve really been into the BBC 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice, so I figured I’d check this one first. And honestly, it was just as lovely as the book. It has that quiet, proper dignity, and the whole thing feels packed with longing and this heavy kind of sadness. I finished the book yesterday, and I’m only just starting to feel normal again, and then this basically hits the reset button. Also, I was thinking—take Jane Austen off the £10 and put her on the £50 instead, like, give her some actual respect. (I’m sure Alan Turing would survive it.) Does anyone know if there are other adaptations worth watching, or is this one pretty much the best?

Book then Movie or Movie then Book

By AmberNotebook8

I usually read the book first, then watch the movie, and I’m always kind of let down afterward. It never ends up making me happy the way the book did. But this is the first time I read a book after already seeing the movie (The Lovely Bones) and… wow. They really messed it up. I actually thought the movie was okay before, but now it feels like they just cut out like half the book to keep it PG-13. Does anyone else have thoughts on the best order to watch/read, or what book-to-movie disappointments have hit you the hardest?

Persuasion: what changes might Jane Austen have made if she’d had more time?

By AnhangaSun

I keep wondering what Jane Austen would’ve done with *Persuasion* if she hadn’t gotten sick near the end. There are a few spots late in the book where Anne wants to tell Lady Russell something about Mr. Elliot’s character, but she keeps having to delay it. It feels like it should turn into a bigger moment, but then it just kind of goes nowhere. I can’t help thinking she might’ve planned to drag out the ending and bring Lady Russell in more. Also, Lady Russell doesn’t seem like she’s used as much as you’d expect, given how much she matters for keeping Anne and Wentworth apart. Curious what everyone else thinks—especially what other changes or additions you think she might’ve made.

What is the literary or artistic value of Jane Austen's work?

By Library_Listens3244

I’ve read *Persuasion* and *Pride and Prejudice*, and I liked them well enough, but *Pride and Prejudice* was definitely the one I enjoyed more. I can see that her writing is enjoyable and that it fits that kind of romance-novel vibe, and I get that it’s kind of a window into a real historical period. Still, I don’t really understand why people act like Austen is just… so amazing. What’s actually original about what she does? Is it mostly because she was an early woman author, or because she wrote so much?