Persuasion by Jane Austen

Though I typically consider myself a Jane Austen fan, this novel was a disappointment. The heroine, Anne Elliott, is a typical Cinderella character who (unlike several of Austen's other heroines) is from a wealthy, distinguished family. This time, it is her love interest (Captain Wentworth) whole fails to make the grade when it comes to social rank. Eight years after their breakup, Wentworth returns (having made a name for himself in the Navy) and attempts to regain Anne's love. You can probably guess how it ends. This was one of Austen's last novels so, according to the critics, it was not as well-edited. She spends way too much time describing Anne's interpretations of every single glance and nod that every other character makes. Also, there's not a single respectable person in the entire book. (If a steel pipe were handy, I personally would have beaten senseless Anne's sister, Mary.) Anyway, read it if you like but schedule in lots of nap time. It's a real yawn-fest. Favorite Quote (spoken by Anne Elliott): "All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one, you need not covet it) is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone."