Anne Elliot was engaged to Frederick Wentworth seven years ago; but was persuaded by a friend to not marry him. Now Anne's family is having money problems, having to rent out their manor house to make ends meet. Captain Wentworth is now rich. He is also still hurt by the way Anne treated him in the past and isn't quite read to forgive her.
This is a second chance at love story. Anne was a likeable heroine who screwed up years ago and now doesn't know how to fix it. Captain Wentworth more or less ignores her when he sees her again. I can understand his behavior. He was hurt and didn't want to get involved with her again, even if he still had feelings for Anne.
I listened to the audio version of the book. I admit I had to rewind the book several times because my mind would wander. There was so much narration about the family's situation and what their friends would think. I would have preferred a little more action. Still, and interesting romance. My rating: 4 Stars.
This book is a treasure, not because it was Jane Austen's last novel but because it is so different from her other books. Anne Elliot is a more mature heroine than in Austen's other books. Eight years before, Anne was briefly engaged to Frederick Wentworth. Anne's mother was dead by then and her close friend, Lady Russell persuaded Anne that the young man was not worthy of her. Reluctantly, Anne broke the engagement.
It is years later and Frederick Wentworth, now a naval captain, is wealthy. When Anne and Frederick meet again, the captain treats Anne coolly; he is still hurt over her rejection. He seems intent on marrying one of the neighboring Muskgrove's daughters. However, he slowly starts to realize where his heart lies.
This book is also a satire on social snobbery. As Frederick's fortunes have increased, the Elliot household finances have started to teeter. Anne's father and pompous oldest sister, Elizabeth, continue their ruinous spending in spite of their reduced circumstances. Mary Muskgrove, Anne's second older sister (and the only one married) is an accomplished hypochondriac; it is fascinating to watch others maneuver around this arrogant young woman.
This is a fully-fleshed out book with restrained, but delightful characters (Anne is a restrained character in comparison to Emma and Elizabeth Bennett). The humor is evident in the satire sprinkled throughout the book. However, it is the subtle and deep affection that Frederick and Anne have for each other that is the focus of this wonderful story.
I am a huge fan of Jane Austen. Her writing intrigues me to no end. I love her witty and whimsical style, and her view of the world around her. This is a great book, truly a classic, and I would suggest everyone in the world to read it.
