Over the summer I read Jane Austen’s six major novels (posted below) in less than a month. As a result, I didn’t get the chance to thoroughly enjoy each novel separately. In my head they all sort of fused into one big glob of romance-ness. After reading the last of the six, I almost completely forgot what Persuasion was about (it being the first one I read); my brain just didn’t care about holding onto it. Therefore, having to read Persuasion for my Romantic Period class was great because it allowed my brain another chance to retain and actually enjoy it the second time around.
One aspect of this novel that I find interesting is that it was published one year after Jane Austen passed away. For some reason I always get so curious about things like this, and it leaves me with a trail of (mostly unnecessary) questions. For instance: Did Austen actually finish writing the book? Does the fact that Austen died before publishing it mean she didn’t get to perfect it? What if Austen didn’t publish it because she planned on changing it? After she died, who decided that it should be published? Did they change or edit anything? If so, what if they changed something that went against what Austen envisioned for her novel? Ultimately, isn’t there a chance that the Persuasion that was published, the one we read today, could be something completely different than what Austen originally planned?
In all likelihood, these questions are merely the chaotic thought patterns of an overthinker. The Persuasion we read today is most likely Austen’s original work. Either way, it’s a pleasant and fun read about a romance that endures the test of time. Highly recommendable.
