I am embarrassed to confess that this is the first Jane Austen I have read! I know, it is shameful, but there you are. And I can now say with hand on heart that I am a Jane Austen convert.
I loved this book! Anne Elliot is a women who internally rails against the social constraints of her world, but knows that she must comply to survive. Seven years ago she was engaged to Captain Wentworth, but the engagement was broken and there has been no contact with Captain Wentworth in those intervening years. However, due to the coming and going of family and friends, they meet again, both unattached. Will they have a second chance at love?
Austen has such an eye for the small details of life during the 19th century, and in particular with the pressures that society placed on women to find a husband. It is easy to look at her novels with 21st century cynicism and accuse them of being silly and petty, but that does them a disservice.
Anne Elliot is ultimately a kind women, who has a huge well of empathy for people on all rungs of the class ladder. Her thoughts and inner dialogues are surprisingly contemporary.
This is Austen’s last book, and from what I’ve read, considered by many to be her best. There is certainly no argument from me.
Favourite quote: “I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”
I listened to the Bolinda audiobook edition, read by Greta Scacchi, which was absolutely delicious!
Highly recommended.