Persuasion which is one of the lesser known novels of Jane Austen deals with the fairytale romances she is usually known for. It is a story of Anne Elliot who finds true love at a very tender age, loses it and then, finds it again eight and a half years later.
The story begins with the Elliot family which has a baronetcy to its fame. The head of the family Sir. Walter is a man indulgent with appearance and vanity. Elizabeth Elliot the oldest daughter is a replica of her father. Anne the second one is a very gentle and noble creature more like her dead mother. Mary the youngest is self indulgent.
Anne is engaged to a Fredrick Wentworth whom she cares for. She is faced with lot of opposition to this match from her family for his inferior status and the ever dotting Lady Russel for she doubts his charater. Anne breaks the engagement because of her regard for Lady Russels opinion.
Fredrick heart broken takes to the Navy. 8 years later he is a man of position - a Captain with a fortune of his own.
Anne too is heart broken and regrets that she broke the engagement with Fredrick. She rejects the proposal of Charles Musgrove who later becomes her brother-in-law the husband of Mary.
Sir Walter Elliot with his extravagance is fairly short of money and has to move out of his prided abode 'Kellynch Hall'. He moves with his family to Bath (a spa resort) to a much humbler residence. The Crofts move into Kellynch hall which is now let out. Mrs Croft is the sister of Captain Wentworth.
Anne is invited to Mary's home at UpperCross before she leaves for Bath. Her stay at UpperCross ends up in her constant acquaintance with the Crofts. Soon she finds herself in the company of Captain Wentworth. Both of them are cold, distant and hold their emotions well. Captain Wentworth finds interest in Henrietta & Louisa Musgrove. Anne secretly wishes for attentions from him, but now it seems that he has two young girls full of zest who take up all his time.
One such adventure of this newly found group takes them to the sea-side resort of Lyme. An accident of Louisa - is a turning point which shows Anne to be the resposible and level headed person she is. Events change rapidly when Henrietta is engaged to her cousin Charles Hayter and Louisa after her recovery with Captain Benwick.
Anne soon joins her family in Bath. She is pleased to know that Wentworth is not attached to anyone anymore and so she could still make it up with him, but she does not know if his thoughs on her have altered. Wentworth also turns up in Bath with the Crofts.
Sir Walter Elliot not having a son, on his death has to pass his baronetcy and estate to a male relative William Elliot. William Elliot a widower soon finds his interests engaged in Anne. He is a man of polished manners and guarded emotions. He makes it to the good books of all those dearest to Anne.
Wentworth realises he is still in love with Anne but is distressed at the thought of her being in love with Mr. Elliot. Anne and Wentworth overcome their barriers and profess their love for each other. It is soon discovered that Mr. Elliot is an unscruplous and scheming character. Lady Russel finally agrees to the match of Anne & Fredrick.
This story holds no surprises for anyone who has read Jane Austen. It seems to be unpractical and badly laid out. The characters made out for Mrs.Clay, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Elliot are too narrow and lack to hold interest. It is a passable book anyday.
