Persuading You to Read Persuasion (Patreon)

You may be able to tell from the title of Jane Austen's late melancholy masterpiece that "persuasion" is one of the novel's central themes.

Persuasion also deals with ageing gracefully, constant love, sickness and health, and is filled with subtle social satire, Austenite wit, and tender irony.

But, in the spirit of the novel's title, I thought I'd give it a shot trying to persuade you to read Persuasion.

This slim novel is slow-moving. Rather than the sparkling comic energy of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion prefers to "dazzle gradually", to use an Emily Dickinson turn of phrase.

Those adverse to Austen's style and subject may find it frustrating to persevere with - dare I say, even tedious - but I believe there is a pay-off for those willing to wait for it.

Reading Persuasion is an exercise in tapping into the power of delayed gratification. And you may just find that the pleasures you must wait for end up being the most rewarding.

Happy reading!