Persuaded

I am pleased to announce that I have selected the first book that I will read for this blog: Persuasion by Jane Austen. Her last book, finished mere months before her death and published posthumously, is hailed as one of her finest works, weaving intricate details and passionate characters that transports the reader to the mid-19th century English countryside where the plot takes place. Sounds pretty much like all of the rest of her books. However, I wanted something that wasn't quite as main stream or potentially cliche as Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility.

You might wonder why I didn't select one of the many wonderful suggestions from the below comments. In my research, I came across this on (don't judge) Oprah's webpage. Don't cringe in horror, this was a book recommended by one of the many famous people who visit her show. I was so intrigued that a book almost 100 years old would make that list. Plus, I haven't read a book by Jane Austen. I can't wait to be caught up in the language of an era of strict class distinctions and even more stringent rules of conduct. I'm fascinated by the literary descriptions of this time period because it illustrates a world that, on the surface, seems as though it should be completely different from our 21st century culture of women, dating, and families should be. I experience such a true, visceral affinity towards the people and places that are described in these novels, even though their world of secretive, flirtatious glances and scandalous light brushing of hands is long gone. But in all reality, is this illicit and sometimes scandalous behavior any different than the coy, flirtatious glances one sends at an attractive individual while at a pub? Or how about that family member that just can't quite keep their opinions to themselves about your significant other and how you could do so much better? I'm interested to see if there are any poignant parallels between Jane Austen's England and 21st century America. It is my expectation that question will be answered with a resounding yes.