Persuasion by Jane Austen Review 4/5 ⭐

Persuasion is a slow, beautiful read about a second chance at love and the power of society's influence. Anne Elliot is still heartbroken after eight and a half years of parting from Captain Frederick Wentworth due to Lady Russell (a close friend and mother figure to Anne) advising her not to marry him because of his status. But after Captain Wentworth's sister rents from the Elliots' estate, they find themselves in the same circle again. Now older and wiser, Anne decides to not let others persuade her out of following her heart, and she and Captain Wentworth reunite.

This read made me reflect on all the influences in my life, and what decisions I've made were based on my own wants and needs versus what others demand from me. And it's not like these "demands" are spoken, they manifest in small things like what the Instagram algorithm is prioritizing lately; what style is trending; what jobs have better pay; and so on. Even as I'm writing right now, I'm conscious of how you will perceive me based on my writing and choice of words. Maybe I'm going down a rabbit hole, but Austen's writing just reminds me of how society's eyes were always watching back then and are still watching now.

I am always in love with Austen's characters' thoughts as I find the internal meltdowns and misunderstandings very relatable *face palms*. Reminds me to face my fear of self expression.

Okay that's enough expressing for today. Great read, I recommend!