I’m almost 40 and college educated. I tried years ago to read Persuasion before I actually got into reading and fell asleep with it so I gave up. I am now into audiobooks and am trying again. I’m only 20 mins into the book but I can’t keep up with all the descriptions of characters and I am wondering am I just dumb, is this style of writing just not my cup of tea? Thoughts?
I mean no disrespect to Jane Austin she’s a great author. I want to enjoy and comprehend her work. Be kind. Thank you.
by kindlewithcheese
6 Comments
That’s pretty much what Austen wrote… just a bunch of talking. Her stories are all similarly set melodramas (in the most polite and respectable interpretation of the term).
I find that such texts aren’t really good leisure reads for myself. If I attack them academically, though, takin notes and looking up references and such, it all takes on much more significance.
I’ve also learned that audiobooks go in one ear and out the other and I retain nothing from them.
So I’ve started reading along with audiobooks, putting my eyes and concentration to work while listening to the lively narration, and that helps a ton.
I tried Northanger Abbey and also found it boring. I did enjoy the 2007 movie of it though.
Persuasion is probably the most melancholic of Jane Austen’s novels. By contrast Emma is much more sparkling and, only partly humorously, has been described as the first detective novel in the English language. So, maybe try that next.
Persuasion is my least favorite Austen novel. It could be that you’re just not into the writing style or it’s not the right Austen novel for you. Maybe read a blurb for each novel and decide which one sounds the most interesting to you?
She didn’t finish that one so it isnt as smooth and concise as the others. Unfortunately addison’s disease took her too young.
I think I heard/read somewhere that Austen’s stories are just people going to each other’s houses and I straight up LOLed because it really is
Persuasion is personally my favorite Jane Austen work, much shorter and I just like its plot much more. Of course, I think if you’re not used to this style of writing it’s gonna take some time to settle in
I find that the most difficult part for me is starting the book and setting the scene and characters in my head. Once I get over that hurdle it becomes relatively easier and I can focus more on the plot. Appreciate the sarcasm or ironies a lot more. Still, many times I’ve had to backtrack because I’ve completely misunderstood the past couple of paragraphs. But it’s all good.