THIS!!! I adore Persuasion! It’s my favorite of hers, hands down. Though I still need to read two, to be fair. But it DOES get overlooked so much! Eek! Persuasion Fan Club for THREE now, Ania!
1. Persuasion (10/10) 2. Mansfield Park (9.99/10) 3. Emma (9.98/10) 4. Northanger Abbey (9.97/10) 5. Pride and Prejudice (9.96/10) 6. Sense and Sensibilty (8/10)
I liked S and S. I had intended to read Austen in order. I could see this novel was clear, straight forward, not complicated. I could see S and S as a good novel for High schooler teens. Great book for that. Talk about all the sensibilities, class structure in England, inheritance in England. Would be good for history class in high school.
We’ve got quite an informal Persuasion fan club going!! I love love Persuasion. It’s my favorite and it always surprised me to find out people didn’t really bring it up much. Yes! Finally, triumph!
I still remember reading Captain Wentworth's love letter to Anne and was completely blown away. I'll admit when I first read all of Austen's novels several years ago, my absolute favorite was Emma. As I've gotten older, and reread some of her novels, Persuasion is now on top of the list. Perhaps it's experiencing more of life that changed my views and preferences.
I think that you are right. Persuasion is not a "classic" love story with a young heroine. It has an "older" (late 20's) heroine who gets a second chance. This is more appealing when you have had some experience of life yourself.
Yes someone else who appreciates mr knightly and captain wentworth. I love mr darcy, I really do, but I think he unfairly overshadows other imo more worthy male leads. Also hard agree, persuasion is the best, I’ve reread it so many times I have a special and well worn bookmark just for it. The letter wentworth gives to anne at the end is the most romantic scene I’ve ever come cross in anything ever.
YESS thank you! Mr. Darcy is great, but I'd rather take Mr. Knightley or Henry Tilney over him any day. I haven't read persuasion yet so have yet to decide about Captain Wentworth. But I agree, other Austen heroes are much more likable than Darcy is and deserve as much of the spotlight as him.
I had to laugh when I saw your "worst" one, because Northanger Abbey is my favorite Austen and I always feel like the only person on the planet who feels that way, LOL. For me, Mansfield Park and Emma are my two lowest. But of course, it's still Austen so they're both still good, just too slow and plodding for me, I think.
Oh dear! Haha, Northanger always seems to be people's favourite or worst, there isn't much in between😂 I get that. I still love my lowest ranked a lot!
Northanger Abbey is so witty and satirical and honestly...upon first reading not much seems to happen, but when you actually look into the book it's incredibly artful. Totally agree with you on this one:)
As someone who hasn’t really read much Austen (don’t kill me 😂) I found this super helpful. I want to read more classics and I enjoyed hearing your opinions on all of these, I also love how much you love Austen!
I love Northanger Abbey , it’s so clever especially It’s satirical nods to gothic literature ! It’s truly underrated. Second place for me would be Pride and Prejudice . then Persuasion, and then Emma :)
It's true! I can totally see why people would love it the most, if you enjoy that tone. Seeing the comments is confirming my suspicion that it's either people's favourite or least favorite on the list, haha! Glad to see Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion high on your list🥰
There's a small but significant--and very dark--subplot (for lack of a better word) in Northanger Abbey; that is, the cruelty of Captain Tilney. Catherine does mature and grow from her exposure to his wife's tragic story, his daughter's heartbreak, and her own inhumane treatment at his hands. This part of the story is far from frivolous.
I love all of her books but I think, Mansfield Park is my favourite. I really like that Fanny is from a lower social class and her character is so solid and lovely. Besides that, the theatre story is really entertaining and it's tensioning until the end. I only wished that the love story between Fanny and Edmund would have been deeper in the end of the book.
Finally someone who appreciates Persuasion :) It goes back and forth with Pride and Prejudice as my fav! Captain Wentworths letter is literary perfection. I somehow feel that since it was Jane Austen’s last completed work she gave herself the romantic happily ever after she wanted to have. Thank you for your review!
Mansfield park is my favourite!! I love the darker undertones and the deeper meaning. If you read Helena Kelly’s Jane Austen, the Secret Radical, which is a collection of essays exploring the undertones of each Austen book, you’ll see what I mean! That book really deepened my understanding of the books in a rebellious way.
I agree with this ranking entirely, from start to end! Anne Elliot is my favourite character, I’m in awe of her unflagging kindness, her patience and her empathy. I love when she meets Captain Wentworth’s friends in Lyme Regis- there’s a line here that speaks to Anne’s (and Austen’s) character: “On quitting the Cobb, they all went indoors with their new friends, and found rooms so small as none but those who invite from the heart could think capable of accommodating so many.” Every single time I read the letter the captain writes her at the end of the book it legit makes me feel such a rush of joy for Anne! 😭❤️
Ooooh yay! That makes me very happy to hear❤️ I know, right?? Anne is so lovely. And so is that quote! I totally get you about the letter - it's so beautiful😭 I could reread it over and over, haha!
I read Persuasion for my final English paper and honestly I lowered my expectations considering the low amount of reviews and less attention it got compared to Pride and Prejudice. However, I definitely agree with you with how romantic it was. Had me swooned, especially with the letter 🤫. Persuasion definitely needs more hype. 10/10 would recommend
Love Persuasion! I thought I was the only one who thought it was the best! Although I disagree with best quote; when Elizabeth’s father says “I couldn’t have lost you, dear Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.” I have 4 daughters so maybe my heart “feels” this quote!
My world has changed when I've read Persuasion. Your whole life you think P&P is the most angst story, S&S is the most romantic but PERSUASION this is the best of them all. I don't understand why it is not as well known as others. Why there are only 2 adaptations. This book is everything.
I LOVE PERSUASION WITH ALL MY HEART!!! Thank you for the recognition!!! Pride and Prejudice is still probs my favourite but Persuasion is so close behind!!
I had never even thought of ranking all six novels until I read the title of this video. After a moment of reflection, I divided the books into my top three and bottom three. Jasmine, I don't care how you rank them except i wanted you to pick the same 3 that I had picked.....and you did! I sure was on pins and needles for awhile, though! What a wonderful video, and thank you so much for posting!
Persuasion is undoubtedly my number one top favourite out of Austen's 6 main novels! I simply adore Anne Eliot's character, she is such a lovely person, thoughtful of others, clever and connects with people, handles things so meticulously etc. Of course Captain Wentworth's love letter is top-notched ! Love love the book!!😍😊
Persuasion is definitely my favourite. I’m so happy to see that so many people agree. The whole novel is a gem, even the parts that don’t relate directly to Captain Wentworth. At its core, it is a novel celebrating genuine friendship and attachment over social expectations and undeserving family members.
"Persuasion" is my favourite Jane Austen's book! I'm so glad you put it on the top of the rank. Every single time I read it (and I read it at least once a year, sometimes more often...) I feel goose bumps in the scene in Bath with Anne talking to Capt. Harville and then with the letter (and the following scene too, of course!). Actually, I love all Jane Austen's books. I admire her style, and that's a high bar for me as a writer... As you said: every word matters in these books... And that's the mastery!
Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. I agree with your ranking absolutely. Persuasion is just class. I could read it over and over again. Favourite couple Anne Elliott and captain Wentworth x
Me at age 12 first discovering Austen: Oh my goodness!!! I love Pride and Prejudice, I relate to Lizzy sooo much!!! My sister when I turned 20: Finally you can relate to a character your own age huh? Me:... actually ... Persuasion is my favourite now and I relate to Anne My sister: ...
I’ve read 4/6 Austen books. Rereading Emma now. Next will be Persuasion for the first time. So far Pride and Prejudice is my favorite- so many laughs with that one.
Yayy! Someone else who’s favorite is Persuasion! My personal ranking is: 1. Persuasion: for all the reasons you mention plus I relate most to Anne because she’s very introverted and in her head like me. 2. Pride and Prejudice-for all the obvious reasons lol 3. Emma-I love everything about it and I think it’s the most fun Austen novel. 4. Sense and Sensibility- I just didn’t love any of the characters in it and I feel that the men especially weren’t all that developed. Austen really was more focused on Elinor and Marianne and playing out the classic debate of the time as to whether sense (thinking; logic; rational behavior) or sensibility (emotions; emotional behavior) was a better way to live life/ be in love. 5. Northanger Abbey- for the simple reason that I liked Catherine slightly better than Fanny and there were characters in here I could relate to on some level… 6. Mansfield Park- while I love that this is closest to the typical 18th/ 19th century novel and I love the moral of it there’s just no character I really love in this one. But on my second and third readings I found I enjoyed it so much better and could see some of the nuisances more
Great job. Not boring at all! I agree with you almost exactly, except I would put Northanger Abbey slightly above Mansfield park. Persuasion is definitely my favorite!
I’m new to reading in general, but found that I love it! Jane Austen books intimidate me a bit because English is my second language but this was such a helpful video! You made me want to read them! Thank you❤️
I love Austen, too, and I really enjoyed hearing your opinions. There are so many things you said that I’d love to talk to you about - I wish we could sit down over tea and have a long conversation - but I’ll just mention a couple. (Or maybe a few.) First, I think you’re very courageous to take on ranking Austen‘s novels because, as you say, she didn’t write a bad one, and all of them are so good that it’s difficult to distinguish among them. I would have ranked Sense and Sensibility in the top three, but the problem is, I have no idea which one to knock out of the top three in order to make a place for it. It’s one of her earliest novels, and it shows some of her inexperience, and yet there are so many elements in it that make it special. I think the central love story is almost between Marianne and and Elinor rather than between the sisters and any of the men. It’s beautiful to see a relationship between sisters so lovingly portrayed. As you say, Willoughby is an interesting character, and the reason I find him interesting is that he appears to be a sociopath. I wonder how Austen was able to portray a sociopath before they had been described in psychology. It’s really difficult for me to decide whether Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice is Austen’s best novel, but you make a good case for Persuasion. From a literary point of view, I think you‘re right, and yet my heart will always belong to Lizzy. Finally, you described Darcy as being kind of a twat with a heart of gold, but I think it’s more than that. What I find attractive about him is his ability to change. He hears criticism of himself under the worst possible circumstances, and I think most men would have just considered themselves to have made a lucky escape. However Darcy seriously considers the criticism, concludes that it was valid, and decides to make a change in himself. I think a common theme that in Austen‘s novels is growing and changing as a result of experience, and Lizzy and particularly Darcy are the best balanced and best developed examples of this. Anyway, I loved hearing your thoughts. Thank you so much!
i’ve only just dove into austen’s books after years of wanting to but always being afraid to, and i came across this video at exactly the right time!! i read pride and prejudice first and fell in LOVE with it and all the characters, and i just started persuasion the other day and i’m so so excited to just sink into all of austen’s characters and her books!!!
Absolutely loved your video! I have read Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and I'm presently reading Emma. My favourite among these is Pride and Prejudice though I am liking Emma just as much. My least favourite is Norhanger Abbey. I will read the rest of them this year. Besides I really liked your video, it was like hearing the opinion a friend who is obsessed with Jane Austen and just wants to pour each of her heart felt thoughts into your brain to persuade or at least get you interested.
Lovely list. Persuasion is probably my favorite of Austen's books as well, though I would like to revisit it as it's been a good 10 years since I read it. Pride and Prejudice is a close contender due to its literary perfection. The characters are perfection, the depth of the story, the writing, the perceptiveness... perfection. But Persuasion captures that in a more subtle way, you really feel the longing and inner turmoil of the characters deeply.
I discovered Jane Austen after watching the 1940 film Pride and Prejudice in the early 70s, therefore I decided to read the book, which I had known of from English lessons at school but had never read. Since then I have read every novel of hers many times over. When I first read Persuasion I wasn't over enthusiastic, but on successive readings it has become a firm favorite. I cannot really say which of her 6 novels I prefer as I get full enjoyment from the reading of each one. I agree with most of what you said in this video.
Though Pride & Prejudice is by far my preferred, it wasn’t till I read Persuasion where I became so invested and absolutely fell in love. It pulled on my heartstrings ❤️ Persuasion is the “mature” novel from the bunch I feel like. My favorite !
Your description is perfect! You have said the same things that I think! Jane Austen is a gorgeous writer, all her books is precious, but I think that Pride and Prejudice ihas not paragon with all other book in the history of literacy! But i've listened with attention your speech and you are right! Thank you so much and go Jane Austen!
There's no question that Persuasion is the most thoughtful, romantic and poignant of Jane Austen's novels. However, the family dynamics, sisterly love, slow-burn passionate tension and character arcs of P&P are hard to match. And yes, Lizzy certainly didn't mind the financial benefits, but confesses to her father that she loves Darcy dearly, and that he is the best man she has ever known. The story made for the best screen adaptations so far. But I liked Persuasion and am looking forward to the new adaptations.
1) Pride and Prejudice 2) Emma 3) Northanger Abbey 4) Persuasion 5) Sense & Sensibility 6) Mansfield Park I like how in Northanger Abbey we see so much growth in Catherine. She lives and learns and is better for it.
So I only read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and loved it! I have been wanting to read the rest of her works and hearing your opinions on them was so fun! Thank you!
I have to admit, I adored Mansfield park because I don’t read books as much as I study them Xx so going into depth on the hidden meanings on Mansfield and the morality and lack of morality when you start to analyse it rather than read it- it made Mansfield my favourite out of the 4 Jane Austen books I’ve read so far ( I have yet to read northanger and sense and sensibility ) however your statement about not feeling for the characters did made me think and somewhat agree. I felt for the situation and definitely felt the drama, Henry Crawford’s advances, Mary crawford with Fanny’s horse and i often cried ‘ OH SHIT ‘ but I didn’t say ‘oh shit! ‘ for the characters, more just for the scenario- Mansfield remains my favourite and who knows? Maybe sense and sensibility ( or even northanger, who can say ) will be my favourite
Oh that's really interesting! I know what you mean about being invested in the situations and drama. I do like the characters - they just aren't my favourite. I hope you enjoy Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey! x
Persuasion was the first Austen novel that I read... after that, I was hooked, and now I've just finished P&P... will likely read Emma next after seeing your glowing review of it.
Surely, if there be constant attachment on each side, our hearts must understand each other ere long.. This is what made persuasion so special among all 6 novels
I love this! I'm always here for Austen fangirling. My list is different but also super close. I'd invert the top 3, but I also love all 3 of those books enough that I accept any ranking of those as the top 3 as a VALID AND CORRECT list. I'd also move Mansfield Park to the end of the bottom of list, but I have not read it in over a decade. I just have this vague memory of not caring much for Fanny or the romances? That's one I think I should re-read so I can be a fairer judge of it... but instead I just keep re-reading my favorites. lol
Yay!!! I'm glad we agree on the top three - they're the best😍 I get what you're saying about Mansfield Park. Fanny isn't the most exciting protagonist, bless her😂 It would be interesting to see how you felt on a reread? But I totally get why you'd just reread your favourites hahaha, I'm the same.
I heard an interesting comment recently concerning Mansfield Park. The speaker was discussing Austen's various female protagonists, and remarked, "Fanny Price is the only literary heroine who becomes great by doing nothing at all." Well, this comment is not fair, and certainly not quite accurate, but interesting for all that. Fanny Price becomes interesting because of what she does not do, in spite of both circumstances and provocations. Mansfield will never be at the top of my own "favorites" list - that place is reserved for "Persuasion," but the more I considered that remark - in the context of the story - the more interesting it became.
I agree with you Jasmine. I love Jane Austen but the way you talk about each novel of hers and why it is ranked that way, I agree. I thought I was the only one who thought this about Janes novels. Loved this video. Thank you. My favorite book of Jane Austen is Pride and Prejudice
I fully expected to find something to disagree with but instead agreed with absolutely everything you said! Here is finally the place where Persuasion is appreciated :) I thought I was the only one saying it's my favourite. I didn't find Austen until in my thirties but ever since she has held a high place in the ranking of my favourite authors.
So delightful to discover this! Am currently doing a Persuasion re-read! So am a big Austen fan and re-reader and always fund something new to enjoy in each re-read usually the fantastic cast of ridiculous characters who are either so ghastly they are brilliant or you grow to love despite their irritating tendencies like Mrs Norris (MP) or Mrs Jennings (S&S) who I enjoy more as I tend to binge watch the drama around the same time and some of the older bbc productions are actually quite fun once you can look past the costume, or coming techniques. Have you seen the 1970's Persuasion (you have to look past the 70's fabric in a regency style and the bizarre shirt ruffle and now tie combo) it is actually done really well, with Anne's quiet dignity Mr Elliots self-cinsequence and Mary's need for attention highlighted humorously and all of the Anne and Frederick conversation has been left in and properly explored and delivered. Anyway - as there are clearly Austen fans here have you thought about ranking the most humerous annoying character, the most awful character, the most heartwarming female friendship (which will not be Fanny and Mary I imagine!) The most stupid/foppish character, the most "improved on better aqaintence"...etc.
It is always a pleasure to hear bout Jane Austen's novels. I love them all and have read them all over again and again. I would have been in pain to rank, for several of the novels are for me equally, although differently lovable. I would suggest that one of the reasons why it is slightly more difficult to relate to Northanger abbey than to the others is that one of the central devices of that novel is the criticism of gothic literature, which was totally relevant when Austen wrote it and even when it was published, but is not as relevant nowadays, when gothic novel does not occupy much space in the literary landscape. I acknowledge that I have lever read Ann Radcliff, unlike many of Austen's readers. I also sympathize with your taste for Persuasion. I think Anne Elliot is one of the most modern of Austen's heroines. Is it because of her power of introspection and reflectiveness? IN a time when it is definitely not a rule to marry at 17, so many readers are 27 or more and still not sure of their fates. And persuasion by authoritative characters, although perhaps it does not manifests through refusing "unsuitable" marriage, is still so much a reality in the lives of many young people all over the world, who are not allowed to embrace the studies they would like... So there is a relevance in the problematics "Persuasion" deals with that endears us this particular novel.
Thank you for Persuasion! ❣️❣️❣️ It's my favourite Austen story 💗💗💗 Anne Elliot is the Austen heroine I've always related to the most and I my top favourite Austen movie adaptation is Persuasion from 2007. But I have to admit to liking reading P&P a little bit more, by way of entertainment 😊 But when I am nostalgic I always return to Persuasion. Also.. 💔 If you can belive it... I just recently lost the love of my life, and his name was Fredrick too, and his personality and manners just like Wentworths... I am heart broken and expect also to be loving him eight years from now... So of course the quote I relate to the most is "There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement.” 💔💔💔
You are obviously a genius, because you exactly agree with me! Well, I actually switched the two at the bottom because I find Fanny Price such a drip, but I can absolutely go with your flow! I also would have no problem switching the two at the top, because P&P IS absolutely perfect, but Persuasion bloody well is my favourite, so --- brava! I love your eyebrows, BTW. I don't know why. Mine were tweezed into nothingness when I was young & stupid. Now that I'm old & stupid they're very light indeed, so that it looks as though I haven't any at all. This gives me a perpetually stunned expression which suits my character very well. Thanks for a great video! 😉
I really liked this. You summarised and commented on the novels so well, and it’s so great to see your enthusiasm. Jane Austen is a fabulous novelist. Here’s my order: 1. Pride and Prejudice. So lively and sparkling. It has it all - plot, characters, cinematic dialogue, settings (Pemberley), happy ending. My all-time favourite novel. And so well adapted in 1995! 2. Sense and Sensibility 3. Persuasion 4. Mansfield Park 5. Emma 6. Northanger Abbey
Loved hearing you talk about Jane Austen and it's so true that there is no bad Jane Austen novel. My list is - 1)Pride and Prejudice 2)Northanger Abbey 3)Emma 4)Sense And Sensibility 5)Persuasion 6)Mansfield Park
I really loved your video and applaud your selection ranking but also your appreciation for some very winning quotes. Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility are my most favorite Austen works but I love them all as well. There is nothing better than pampering ourselves with Austen book or film marathons! Infact I’m due for one lol
I've always loved to read, but had trouble reading Austen for some reason. Then I discovered audio books, and discovered that I really love them. Persuasion is my favorite as well, though Pride and Prejudice holds a special place in my heart. Basically I agree wholeheartedly with your list.
OMG, I agree with your list nearly 100% and for the exact same reasons you stated! I bought "The Complete Works of Jane Austen" with all 7 of her novels (incl. Lady Susan) over 25 years ago, but all these years, I've only ever read Pride and Prejudice. Then recently, thanks to Covid, with nothing better to do and no place to go, I decided to read all 7 of them, am I glad I did. I still love Pride and Prejudice, but I absolutely fell in love with Persuasion. I think it is the most underrated Jane Austen novel of all time. I'm rereading it and liking it even more the second time around. Northranger Abbey is definitely my least favorite for the same reason you stated. But I recently saw the BBC production of it with Felicity Jones. It took me a while to realize she was the girl from the Star Wars movie Rogue One. Even though I didn't care for the book, the Masterpiece Theater movie was very well done. I feel the same about Lady Susan, didn't care much for the book, but the movie (renamed Love & Friendship) with Kate Bickensale made it much more interesting. IMO Kate Bickensale also did the best version of Emma (with BBC) years ago, when she was a young 23. I'm actually having a hard time deciding which is my favorite. I think Pride and Prejudice is still tops for me, though I'm not sure how much of that has to do with Colin Firth as the most perfect Mark Darcy of all time:). After what they did with the 2020 version of Emma(grrr...), I really hope Hollywood doesn't try to do Persuasion, they''ll ruin it for sure. I'd love for BBC to make a new version of Persuasion, I think Emma Watson would make a great Anne Elliott, and Rupert Graves would make a great Sir Walter Elliott(and if he were 20 years younger, he'd make a perfect Capt. Wentworth).
Please forgive the double post. Of course, I love all six of the novels, and Lady Susan also. The one thing that sets Anne Elliot apart from the others heroines is that for whatever reason, I care about her the most. Throughout the novel, I always find myself pulling for her even though I already know how her story is going to end. :)
Jasmine, thank you so very much for including Miss Jane Austen in your READS. I too am an unabashed Austen fan. As I woman of age 62 I my favorites have jumbled around a bit over the decades, and I completely agree with your choices. Persuasion is my absolute favorite. Miss Austen has depicted Anne Elliot as the strongest of all her heroines. Once again LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Poor Anne has to endure the most self-absorbed and obtuse family members. This family is completely dysfunctional in my opinion to the point of hilarity. Even the Mustgroves prefers Anne over Mary. Anne is in a private hell when Capt. Wenfworth reappears in her society as Austen would say. Can you imagine hearing that the man you have agonized over for 8 years finds you so altered that he would not have known you? Austen brings us into Anne’s feelings and thoughts more than her other heroines. Maybe it was because she was more mature when writing this her last and best novel. Love your delightful and expressive opinions.
Thank you for this very enjoyable and perceptive video. It helps me see what novels of this witty writer are best to read and relish. Jane Austen is not typically an author I seek because I prefer emotionally charged novels like those of the Brontes. However, I do recognize that her novel structure, language and wit show much brilliance. I have read a few and listened on audio recordings as well. I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice as well as Sense and Sensibility because of their personality contrasts and wit. I will certainly read Persuasion. Northanger Abbey feels very long and dragged out to me.
Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on each novel, and trying to work out my own ranking. Definitely agree with you on the top two, but the rest of my list would look a little different. Sense and Sensibility is my least favourite of the bunch, but sorting out the other three is tricky! I actually really enjoyed Northanger Abbey, although it's difficult to compare to the others because it's quite different in style and tone. I think Mansfield Park and Emma are jostling for third place, but I'm not sure how to choose between them. Perhaps it's time to re-read those two!
It's fun ranking them, isn't it? I'm glad we agree on Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice, they're the best😍 It's interesting you have Sense and Sensibility down at the bottom, I don't think I've heard anyone else say that! I'd love to know how you find the books if you ever reread them☺️
I've only read 'Pride and Prejudice' and I absolutely loved it. To me this novel was like a perfectly cut diamond!! I have bought 'Emma' and will read it next month. Thanks for the video.
I fully agree with the vast majority of your list. I was so pleased with how the top two and bottom rung were ranked. The rest are rather interchangeable, but I have a higher rank for Fanny, as an introvert she speaks to me in a very specific way that is but rarely represented in any type of literature. This may be the same reason I rank Emma lower. I’m put off, rather than charmed by her extroversion at times. Persuasion is the best for so many reasons. I think that a deep appreciation for Persuasion comes with age and experience. Anne is the only heroine who, when we meet her, knows what it is to be heartbroken. To have carried the burden of it and had it shape her life and choices. Yet it has not hardened her or made her bitter. Anne is the optimal mix of rational thought, intellect, and kindness. It would be a compliment to be as clever as Elizabeth, but that would not make the world better. To be as kind as Anne would benefit everyone with whom you come into contact. And, honestly, what woman wouldn’t want a man who fell in love with her and was never to find any woman whom he believed to be her equal in nearly a decade of extensive travel and life experience?! FW, you pierce my soul.
You got my top 3 right, I am so glad!!!! I can never put them quite in order because if I read/watch one, I think them superior over the other two. So I just settled with indecision! Love Jane Austen so much, she makes the darnedest gentlemen leads!
I’m just recently getting into Jane Austen books! I fell in love with the movies, have seen a play, but I have yet to read the books. This is very helpful!
This is the first of your videos I’ve watched and I absolutely loved it 💙 However, I adore Northanger Abbey simply because it’s what got me into Austen. I just think it’s so funny in the way it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and honestly Catherine is so relatable because she’s just a bit of a book nerd and fan girl who wants so desperately to have an adventure in life that she messes things up and ends up offending people (um, me? 😅). I feel like Austen was having a good bit of fun and letting her more blatantly humorous and snarky side show by doing a satire of the at the time popular gothic romance trope. Anyway, just love it so much, it’s such a comfort read (and watch, the 2007 movie with JJ Feild is gorgeous! 🥰) and reminds me of the summer I spent reading it at my grandma’s when I should have been playing piano or doing something else!
Ohhhh hello!! Thank you so much💕 Hahaha I completely get you regarding Catherine, she is a fab character. And Austen really seemed to enjoy herself writing Northanger, for sure! It's so lovely to hear what the book means to you. Thank you for your comment! x
Jane Austen's amazing! My favourites would be 1. Emma 2. Pride and Prejudice 3. Persuasion 4. Sense and Sensibility 5. Mansfield Park 6. Northanger Abbey
Having read all of Austen's books many times, my list is Identical to yours with one exception. I rank P&P slightly ahead of Persuasion based only on Austen's mastery of her craft in P&P. I relate more to the story of Persuasion, but her wit is so timeless that I can find new things to appreciate every time I reread P&P. Both heroines are brilliant, though I enjoy Fanny and Elinor as well. Emma as a heroine needs the maturing influence of the brilliant Knightly to become lovable. All in all your list is well thought out and I find little to disagree with.
Your critiques are perceptive, knowledgeable, and well expressed. I really enjoy this video. Even if you don’t love Mansfield Park and Fanny Price as much as I do.
Thank you for this very nice video! I've recently listened to all of the books. Since it's hard to choose an exact ranking of favorites, I've done it in three tiers (and this way don't have to pick a best or "worst" :). Here's the list, and which audio version. 1) Persuasion, P&P. Unabridged audio by Greta Scacchi and Rosamund Pike respectively. 2) Mansfield Park (Wanda McCaddon) and Emma (a very nice audio adaptation with actors and Emma Thompson narrating, somewhat abridged). 3) S & S (Juliet Stevenson - very nice) and Northanger Abby (another fine audio adaptation w/ Emma Thomson & Co, also adapted by Ana Leah). I especially liked the narrations of Ms. Scacchi and Ms Pike. A nice line from Ch. IV of Persuasion: "She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning. "
I am so pleased Persuasion is your favourite Austen novel. It is mine too. I often feel it is forgotten in favour of P&P an S&S but I just adore it. Fab fab fab video 📚😊
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This comment section has made me so happy. You all sound exactly like Anne's description of good company 😭
You're so right 😍😍
anne? anne who?
@@hwlsgrl heroine of Persuasion
@@ItsHoody2 still confused lol is that a book?
@@hwlsgrl "Persuasion" is her last book and "Anne Eliot" is the heroine and "Captain Wentworth" is the hero
Finally someone who appreciates Persuasion!!!! It's my second favourite and it really pains me that peoeple tend to overlook it :(
It's, like, perfect! I love it so much💕 Which is your favourite??
Jasmine's Reads Unsurprisingly, Pride and Prejudice! I wish I was more original but I really think it deserves all the praise :)
Ania's Bell Jar you pierce my soul
I am half agony
Half hope
I have loved none
But
You
THIS!!! I adore Persuasion! It’s my favorite of hers, hands down. Though I still need to read two, to be fair. But it DOES get overlooked so much! Eek! Persuasion Fan Club for THREE now, Ania!
Same! It's my second favorite behind p&p.
1. Persuasion (10/10)
2. Mansfield Park (9.99/10)
3. Emma (9.98/10)
4. Northanger Abbey (9.97/10)
5. Pride and Prejudice (9.96/10)
6. Sense and Sensibilty (8/10)
Haha I love this ranking!
OMG this is so ME!
I liked S and S. I had intended to read Austen in order. I could see this novel was clear, straight forward, not complicated. I could see S and S as a good novel for High schooler teens. Great book for that. Talk about all the sensibilities, class structure in England, inheritance in England. Would be good for history class in high school.
Mansfield Park is stunning
really? emma?
We’ve got quite an informal Persuasion fan club going!! I love love Persuasion. It’s my favorite and it always surprised me to find out people didn’t really bring it up much. Yes! Finally, triumph!
Definitely feeling the Persuasion love here!😍
Love it!! Definitely my favorite!
Persuasion is a definite favorite and so under appreciated.
I still remember reading Captain Wentworth's love letter to Anne and was completely blown away. I'll admit when I first read all of Austen's novels several years ago, my absolute favorite was Emma. As I've gotten older, and reread some of her novels, Persuasion is now on top of the list. Perhaps it's experiencing more of life that changed my views and preferences.
I think that you are right. Persuasion is not a "classic" love story with a young heroine. It has an "older" (late 20's) heroine who gets a second chance. This is more appealing when you have had some experience of life yourself.
Very well said. Miss Austen was also more mature while writing Persuasion her last and best novel.
Yes someone else who appreciates mr knightly and captain wentworth. I love mr darcy, I really do, but I think he unfairly overshadows other imo more worthy male leads. Also hard agree, persuasion is the best, I’ve reread it so many times I have a special and well worn bookmark just for it. The letter wentworth gives to anne at the end is the most romantic scene I’ve ever come cross in anything ever.
Yes!! I completely agree😍
YESS thank you! Mr. Darcy is great, but I'd rather take Mr. Knightley or Henry Tilney over him any day. I haven't read persuasion yet so have yet to decide about Captain Wentworth. But I agree, other Austen heroes are much more likable than Darcy is and deserve as much of the spotlight as him.
I had to laugh when I saw your "worst" one, because Northanger Abbey is my favorite Austen and I always feel like the only person on the planet who feels that way, LOL. For me, Mansfield Park and Emma are my two lowest. But of course, it's still Austen so they're both still good, just too slow and plodding for me, I think.
Oh dear! Haha, Northanger always seems to be people's favourite or worst, there isn't much in between😂 I get that. I still love my lowest ranked a lot!
Northanger Abbey is so witty and satirical and honestly...upon first reading not much seems to happen, but when you actually look into the book it's incredibly artful. Totally agree with you on this one:)
Ah, a woman after my own heart. I agree with all of these. My heart broke a little when I saw her worst
Northanger abbey grew on my over the years, I did not much care for it at first. It’s very lighthearted and makes me laugh.
Alison Rose Same Northanger Abbey is my favorite ❤️
YES! _Persuasion_ is the best! I still havent read all of Austen, but am willing to Fanboy any time.
YAY I'm so glad you agree!! I love it so much. Austen is a queeeeen
I have looked into which Austen to read. Most women will say Persuasion is the best read.
As someone who hasn’t really read much Austen (don’t kill me 😂) I found this super helpful. I want to read more classics and I enjoyed hearing your opinions on all of these, I also love how much you love Austen!
Ohhh well I can forgive you for not reading much Austen for being so nice haha!❤️ I'm glad this was helpful!
I love Northanger Abbey , it’s so clever especially It’s satirical nods to gothic literature ! It’s truly underrated. Second place for me would be Pride and Prejudice . then Persuasion, and then Emma :)
It's true! I can totally see why people would love it the most, if you enjoy that tone. Seeing the comments is confirming my suspicion that it's either people's favourite or least favorite on the list, haha! Glad to see Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion high on your list🥰
There's a small but significant--and very dark--subplot (for lack of a better word) in Northanger Abbey; that is, the cruelty of Captain Tilney. Catherine does mature and grow from her exposure to his wife's tragic story, his daughter's heartbreak, and her own inhumane treatment at his hands. This part of the story is far from frivolous.
I love all of her books but I think, Mansfield Park is my favourite.
I really like that Fanny is from a lower social class and her character is so solid and lovely. Besides that, the theatre story is really entertaining and it's tensioning until the end. I only wished that the love story between Fanny and Edmund would have been deeper in the end of the book.
Finally someone who appreciates Persuasion :) It goes back and forth with Pride and Prejudice as my fav! Captain Wentworths letter is literary perfection. I somehow feel that since it was Jane Austen’s last completed work she gave herself the romantic happily ever after she wanted to have. Thank you for your review!
Ahhh, we feel the same! Isn't it such a beautiful book? Thank you so much for watching and your lovely comment😊
Mansfield park is my favourite!! I love the darker undertones and the deeper meaning.
If you read Helena Kelly’s Jane Austen, the Secret Radical, which is a collection of essays exploring the undertones of each Austen book, you’ll see what I mean! That book really deepened my understanding of the books in a rebellious way.
Can u tell wt it means i wnna read this book
I come back to Mansfield Park roughly once a decade and every time the book gets better.
I agree with this ranking entirely, from start to end!
Anne Elliot is my favourite character, I’m in awe of her unflagging kindness, her patience and her empathy. I love when she meets Captain Wentworth’s friends in Lyme Regis- there’s a line here that speaks to Anne’s (and Austen’s) character: “On quitting the Cobb, they all went indoors with their new friends, and found rooms so small as none but those who invite from the heart could think capable of accommodating so many.” Every single time I read the letter the captain writes her at the end of the book it legit makes me feel such a rush of joy for Anne! 😭❤️
Ooooh yay! That makes me very happy to hear❤️
I know, right?? Anne is so lovely. And so is that quote! I totally get you about the letter - it's so beautiful😭 I could reread it over and over, haha!
Agree 🙋🏻♀️
I read Persuasion for my final English paper and honestly I lowered my expectations considering the low amount of reviews and less attention it got compared to Pride and Prejudice. However, I definitely agree with you with how romantic it was. Had me swooned, especially with the letter 🤫. Persuasion definitely needs more hype. 10/10 would recommend
It took me awhile to get around to all the books, and I found I loved Persuasion. I’m tickled to find someone who agrees it’s her best.
Persuasion is my favourite too with Pride and Prejudice second! It’s so different than Austen’s other novels and I feel, the most vulnerable.
Love Persuasion! I thought I was the only one who thought it was the best! Although I disagree with best quote; when Elizabeth’s father says “I couldn’t have lost you, dear Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.” I have 4 daughters so maybe my heart “feels” this quote!
My world has changed when I've read Persuasion. Your whole life you think P&P is the most angst story, S&S is the most romantic but PERSUASION this is the best of them all. I don't understand why it is not as well known as others. Why there are only 2 adaptations. This book is everything.
Persuasion will get soon 2 other adaptations one modern time by netflix and another (dont recall the details but looking forward to this one !)
I LOVE PERSUASION WITH ALL MY HEART!!! Thank you for the recognition!!!
Pride and Prejudice is still probs my favourite but Persuasion is so close behind!!
I had never even thought of ranking all six novels until I read the title of this video. After a moment of reflection, I divided the books into my top three and bottom three. Jasmine, I don't care how you rank them except i wanted you to pick the same 3 that I had picked.....and you did! I sure was on pins and needles for awhile, though! What a wonderful video, and thank you so much for posting!
Persuasion is undoubtedly my number one top favourite out of Austen's 6 main novels! I simply adore Anne Eliot's character, she is such a lovely person, thoughtful of others, clever and connects with people, handles things so meticulously etc. Of course Captain Wentworth's love letter is top-notched ! Love love the book!!😍😊
Persuasion is definitely my favourite. I’m so happy to see that so many people agree. The whole novel is a gem, even the parts that don’t relate directly to Captain Wentworth. At its core, it is a novel celebrating genuine friendship and attachment over social expectations and undeserving family members.
Yay! Persuasion is my all-time favorite, too! Finally, someone realized that it'sthe best- I adore you for that! Great video!
Yay!! I'm so glad you agree - it's the best😍 Thank you so much for saying that, lovely!
16:12 You are mistaken, that is not good company; that is the best.
Persuasion is my favourite as well. I am glad to see I’m not the only one. I also agree with Mansfield and Northanger Abbey being my least favourite.
"Persuasion" is my favourite Jane Austen's book! I'm so glad you put it on the top of the rank. Every single time I read it (and I read it at least once a year, sometimes more often...) I feel goose bumps in the scene in Bath with Anne talking to Capt. Harville and then with the letter (and the following scene too, of course!). Actually, I love all Jane Austen's books. I admire her style, and that's a high bar for me as a writer... As you said: every word matters in these books... And that's the mastery!
My list would be
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Emma
4. Sense and Sensibility
5. Mansfield Park
6 Northanger Abbey
That is my list also.
So similar to mine! Great choices x
I am reading Emma at the moment, and I am enjoying it so very much.❤️
That makes me very happy to hear! I hope you continue to love it😊 x
I literally cheered out loud every time you didn’t mention Persuasion and it got higher up the list!!! The BEST of them and my forever favorite! 🥰🥰🥰
Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. I agree with your ranking absolutely. Persuasion is just class. I could read it over and over again. Favourite couple Anne Elliott and captain Wentworth x
There needs to be a new film adaptation of it. I do so enjoy comparing these adaptations to the novels as well as the visuals they provide.
I've only read Pride&Prejudice and Sense&Sensibility! really need to read the rest, I adore Jane Austen 💓
loved this video!
Ohhh I'd love to know how you get on with the rest if you get to them? Austen is the best, I hope you love her other novels just as much😍
So nice to hear someone adore Persuasion. It’s my favorite too!
Me at age 12 first discovering Austen: Oh my goodness!!! I love Pride and Prejudice, I relate to Lizzy sooo much!!!
My sister when I turned 20: Finally you can relate to a character your own age huh?
Me:... actually ... Persuasion is my favourite now and I relate to Anne
My sister: ...
Hahaha, I feel this. Lizzy is brilliant - but I do relate to Anne!
@4Freedom4All Agreed. That was the genius of Austen’s writing. She chose each word so brilliantly.
I’ve read 4/6 Austen books. Rereading Emma now. Next will be Persuasion for the first time. So far Pride and Prejudice is my favorite- so many laughs with that one.
Pride and Prejudice is amazing! I hope you love Persuasion - please let me know! 😊
Yayy! Someone else who’s favorite is Persuasion!
My personal ranking is:
1. Persuasion: for all the reasons you mention plus I relate most to Anne because she’s very introverted and in her head like me.
2. Pride and Prejudice-for all the obvious reasons lol
3. Emma-I love everything about it and I think it’s the most fun Austen novel.
4. Sense and Sensibility- I just didn’t love any of the characters in it and I feel that the men especially weren’t all that developed. Austen really was more focused on Elinor and Marianne and playing out the classic debate of the time as to whether sense (thinking; logic; rational behavior) or sensibility (emotions; emotional behavior) was a better way to live life/ be in love.
5. Northanger Abbey- for the simple reason that I liked Catherine slightly better than Fanny and there were characters in here I could relate to on some level…
6. Mansfield Park- while I love that this is closest to the typical 18th/ 19th century novel and I love the moral of it there’s just no character I really love in this one. But on my second and third readings I found I enjoyed it so much better and could see some of the nuisances more
genuinely started crying when I realized you were actually going to put Persuasion first 👏👏👏
Persuasion is the only Austen I haven’t read yet, and you’ve convinced me to buy it immediately! haha. I love Jane Austen’s books so much!
Yay, that makes me so happy haha! I hope you love it as much as the other ones😍
Great job. Not boring at all! I agree with you almost exactly, except I would put Northanger Abbey slightly above Mansfield park. Persuasion is definitely my favorite!
I believe this is the time to pick up my copy of Pesuasion. Thank you!
I’m new to reading in general, but found that I love it! Jane Austen books intimidate me a bit because English is my second language but this was such a helpful video! You made me want to read them! Thank you❤️
I love Austen, too, and I really enjoyed hearing your opinions. There are so many things you said that I’d love to talk to you about - I wish we could sit down over tea and have a long conversation - but I’ll just mention a couple. (Or maybe a few.)
First, I think you’re very courageous to take on ranking Austen‘s novels because, as you say, she didn’t write a bad one, and all of them are so good that it’s difficult to distinguish among them. I would have ranked Sense and Sensibility in the top three, but the problem is, I have no idea which one to knock out of the top three in order to make a place for it. It’s one of her earliest novels, and it shows some of her inexperience, and yet there are so many elements in it that make it special. I think the central love story is almost between Marianne and and Elinor rather than between the sisters and any of the men. It’s beautiful to see a relationship between sisters so lovingly portrayed. As you say, Willoughby is an interesting character, and the reason I find him interesting is that he appears to be a sociopath. I wonder how Austen was able to portray a sociopath before they had been described in psychology.
It’s really difficult for me to decide whether Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice is Austen’s best novel, but you make a good case for Persuasion. From a literary point of view, I think you‘re right, and yet my heart will always belong to Lizzy.
Finally, you described Darcy as being kind of a twat with a heart of gold, but I think it’s more than that. What I find attractive about him is his ability to change. He hears criticism of himself under the worst possible circumstances, and I think most men would have just considered themselves to have made a lucky escape. However Darcy seriously considers the criticism, concludes that it was valid, and decides to make a change in himself. I think a common theme that in Austen‘s novels is growing and changing as a result of experience, and Lizzy and particularly Darcy are the best balanced and best developed examples of this.
Anyway, I loved hearing your thoughts. Thank you so much!
i’ve only just dove into austen’s books after years of wanting to but always being afraid to, and i came across this video at exactly the right time!! i read pride and prejudice first and fell in LOVE with it and all the characters, and i just started persuasion the other day and i’m so so excited to just sink into all of austen’s characters and her books!!!
I am so excited to see someone who has literally the exact same rating of Jane Austen's novels as I do. Great video!
Oooh yay!! So glad you agree💖
Absolutely loved your video!
I have read Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and I'm presently reading Emma. My favourite among these is Pride and Prejudice though I am liking Emma just as much. My least favourite is Norhanger Abbey.
I will read the rest of them this year. Besides I really liked your video, it was like hearing the opinion a friend who is obsessed with Jane Austen and just wants to pour each of her heart felt thoughts into your brain to persuade or at least get you interested.
Persuasion for me is her best and most beautiful novel💕
Saw a bookstore sale the other day and RIPPED Persuasion of the shelf solely because of your review! I’m so so excited to read it!
Lovely list. Persuasion is probably my favorite of Austen's books as well, though I would like to revisit it as it's been a good 10 years since I read it. Pride and Prejudice is a close contender due to its literary perfection. The characters are perfection, the depth of the story, the writing, the perceptiveness... perfection. But Persuasion captures that in a more subtle way, you really feel the longing and inner turmoil of the characters deeply.
For me it's
1) Sense and Sensibility
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Northanger Abbey
4) Emma
5) Persuasion
6) Mansfield Park
I discovered Jane Austen after watching the 1940 film Pride and Prejudice in the early 70s, therefore I decided to read the book, which I had known of from English lessons at school but had never read. Since then I have read every novel of hers many times over. When I first read Persuasion I wasn't over enthusiastic, but on successive readings it has become a firm favorite. I cannot really say which of her 6 novels I prefer as I get full enjoyment from the reading of each one. I agree with most of what you said in this video.
Though Pride & Prejudice is by far my preferred, it wasn’t till I read Persuasion where I became so invested and absolutely fell in love. It pulled on my heartstrings ❤️ Persuasion is the “mature” novel from the bunch I feel like. My favorite !
That is lovely to hear. I definitely agree with you. Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion are brilliant for different reasons - but I love them both!
Your description is perfect! You have said the same things that I think! Jane Austen is a gorgeous writer, all her books is precious, but I think that Pride and Prejudice ihas not paragon with all other book in the history of literacy! But i've listened with attention your speech and you are right! Thank you so much and go Jane Austen!
I am such a geek, I love to read and Jane Austen is my favorite author
Haha we are all geeks here!💗
There's no question that Persuasion is the most thoughtful, romantic and poignant of Jane Austen's novels. However, the family dynamics, sisterly love, slow-burn passionate tension and character arcs of P&P are hard to match. And yes, Lizzy certainly didn't mind the financial benefits, but confesses to her father that she loves Darcy dearly, and that he is the best man she has ever known. The story made for the best screen adaptations so far. But I liked Persuasion and am looking forward to the new adaptations.
1) Pride and Prejudice
2) Emma
3) Northanger Abbey
4) Persuasion
5) Sense & Sensibility
6) Mansfield Park
I like how in Northanger Abbey we see so much growth in Catherine. She lives and learns and is better for it.
That's pretty much the order I would put them in. I might swap Persuasion and Northanger Abbey but otherwise agree.
So I only read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and loved it! I have been wanting to read the rest of her works and hearing your opinions on them was so fun! Thank you!
It's amazing, isn't it?😍 Yay, I'm glad enjoyed! I hope you love to rest of her novels just as much as you loved P+P x
I have to admit, I adored Mansfield park because I don’t read books as much as I study them Xx so going into depth on the hidden meanings on Mansfield and the morality and lack of morality when you start to analyse it rather than read it- it made Mansfield my favourite out of the 4 Jane Austen books I’ve read so far ( I have yet to read northanger and sense and sensibility ) however your statement about not feeling for the characters did made me think and somewhat agree. I felt for the situation and definitely felt the drama, Henry Crawford’s advances, Mary crawford with Fanny’s horse and i often cried ‘ OH SHIT ‘ but I didn’t say ‘oh shit! ‘ for the characters, more just for the scenario-
Mansfield remains my favourite and who knows? Maybe sense and sensibility ( or even northanger, who can say ) will be my favourite
Oh that's really interesting! I know what you mean about being invested in the situations and drama. I do like the characters - they just aren't my favourite. I hope you enjoy Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey! x
Persuasion was the first Austen novel that I read... after that, I was hooked, and now I've just finished P&P... will likely read Emma next after seeing your glowing review of it.
Surely, if there be constant attachment on each side, our hearts must understand each other ere long..
This is what made persuasion so special among all 6 novels
Agreed!
I love this! I'm always here for Austen fangirling.
My list is different but also super close. I'd invert the top 3, but I also love all 3 of those books enough that I accept any ranking of those as the top 3 as a VALID AND CORRECT list. I'd also move Mansfield Park to the end of the bottom of list, but I have not read it in over a decade. I just have this vague memory of not caring much for Fanny or the romances? That's one I think I should re-read so I can be a fairer judge of it... but instead I just keep re-reading my favorites. lol
Yay!!! I'm glad we agree on the top three - they're the best😍 I get what you're saying about Mansfield Park. Fanny isn't the most exciting protagonist, bless her😂 It would be interesting to see how you felt on a reread? But I totally get why you'd just reread your favourites hahaha, I'm the same.
I heard an interesting comment recently concerning Mansfield Park. The speaker was discussing Austen's various female protagonists, and remarked, "Fanny Price is the only literary heroine who becomes great by doing nothing at all." Well, this comment is not fair, and certainly not quite accurate, but interesting for all that. Fanny Price becomes interesting because of what she does not do, in spite of both circumstances and provocations. Mansfield will never be at the top of my own "favorites" list - that place is reserved for "Persuasion," but the more I considered that remark - in the context of the story - the more interesting it became.
I agree with you Jasmine. I love Jane Austen but the way you talk about each novel of hers and why it is ranked that way, I agree. I thought I was the only one who thought this about Janes novels. Loved this video. Thank you. My favorite book of Jane Austen is Pride and Prejudice
1. Persuasion
2. Mansfield Park
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Sense and Sensibility
5. Pride and Prejudice
6. Emma
I fully expected to find something to disagree with but instead agreed with absolutely everything you said! Here is finally the place where Persuasion is appreciated :) I thought I was the only one saying it's my favourite. I didn't find Austen until in my thirties but ever since she has held a high place in the ranking of my favourite authors.
So delightful to discover this! Am currently doing a Persuasion re-read!
So am a big Austen fan and re-reader and always fund something new to enjoy in each re-read usually the fantastic cast of ridiculous characters who are either so ghastly they are brilliant or you grow to love despite their irritating tendencies like Mrs Norris (MP) or Mrs Jennings (S&S) who I enjoy more as I tend to binge watch the drama around the same time and some of the older bbc productions are actually quite fun once you can look past the costume, or coming techniques.
Have you seen the 1970's Persuasion (you have to look past the 70's fabric in a regency style and the bizarre shirt ruffle and now tie combo) it is actually done really well, with Anne's quiet dignity Mr Elliots self-cinsequence and Mary's need for attention highlighted humorously and all of the Anne and Frederick conversation has been left in and properly explored and delivered.
Anyway - as there are clearly Austen fans here have you thought about ranking the most humerous annoying character, the most awful character, the most heartwarming female friendship (which will not be Fanny and Mary I imagine!) The most stupid/foppish character, the most "improved on better aqaintence"...etc.
It is always a pleasure to hear bout Jane Austen's novels. I love them all and have read them all over again and again. I would have been in pain to rank, for several of the novels are for me equally, although differently lovable. I would suggest that one of the reasons why it is slightly more difficult to relate to Northanger abbey than to the others is that one of the central devices of that novel is the criticism of gothic literature, which was totally relevant when Austen wrote it and even when it was published, but is not as relevant nowadays, when gothic novel does not occupy much space in the literary landscape. I acknowledge that I have lever read Ann Radcliff, unlike many of Austen's readers. I also sympathize with your taste for Persuasion. I think Anne Elliot is one of the most modern of Austen's heroines. Is it because of her power of introspection and reflectiveness? IN a time when it is definitely not a rule to marry at 17, so many readers are 27 or more and still not sure of their fates. And persuasion by authoritative characters, although perhaps it does not manifests through refusing "unsuitable" marriage, is still so much a reality in the lives of many young people all over the world, who are not allowed to embrace the studies they would like... So there is a relevance in the problematics "Persuasion" deals with that endears us this particular novel.
Thank you for Persuasion! ❣️❣️❣️ It's my favourite Austen story 💗💗💗 Anne Elliot is the Austen heroine I've always related to the most and I my top favourite Austen movie adaptation is Persuasion from 2007. But I have to admit to liking reading P&P a little bit more, by way of entertainment 😊 But when I am nostalgic I always return to Persuasion. Also.. 💔 If you can belive it... I just recently lost the love of my life, and his name was Fredrick too, and his personality and manners just like Wentworths... I am heart broken and expect also to be loving him eight years from now... So of course the quote I relate to the most is "There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement.” 💔💔💔
You are obviously a genius, because you exactly agree with me! Well, I actually switched the two at the bottom because I find Fanny Price such a drip, but I can absolutely go with your flow! I also would have no problem switching the two at the top, because P&P IS absolutely perfect, but Persuasion bloody well is my favourite, so --- brava! I love your eyebrows, BTW. I don't know why. Mine were tweezed into nothingness when I was young & stupid. Now that I'm old & stupid they're very light indeed, so that it looks as though I haven't any at all. This gives me a perpetually stunned expression which suits my character very well. Thanks for a great video! 😉
I really liked this. You summarised and commented on the novels so well, and it’s so great to see your enthusiasm. Jane Austen is a fabulous novelist. Here’s my order:
1. Pride and Prejudice. So lively and sparkling. It has it all - plot, characters, cinematic dialogue, settings (Pemberley), happy ending. My all-time favourite novel. And so well adapted in 1995!
2. Sense and Sensibility
3. Persuasion
4. Mansfield Park
5. Emma
6. Northanger Abbey
My ranking:
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Persuasion
3. Mandsfield Park
4. Emma
5. Northanger Abbey
6. Sense and Sensibility
1. Sense and sensibility
2. Pride and prejudice
3. Mansfield park
4. Northanger abbey
5. Persuasion
6. Emma
Oh it's nice to see someone putting Sense and Sensibility at the top of their list!
Loved hearing you talk about Jane Austen and it's so true that there is no bad Jane Austen novel.
My list is -
1)Pride and Prejudice
2)Northanger Abbey
3)Emma
4)Sense And Sensibility
5)Persuasion
6)Mansfield Park
Oooh interesting! Manfield Park seems to appear quite low on a lot of people's lists. I'm so glad to see Pride and Prejudice up there, though! x
I agree with you all down the line. :) I read all of the novels every couple years and love them like old friends.
I totally agree, I love persuasion, this book is my number one 😍Good choice
Yay! So glad to hear you agree x
I really loved your video and applaud your selection ranking but also your appreciation for some very winning quotes. Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility are my most favorite Austen works but I love them all as well. There is nothing better than pampering ourselves with Austen book or film marathons! Infact I’m due for one lol
I love all of her books but there is something so facinating intriguing and painstaking about Persuasion
I've always loved to read, but had trouble reading Austen for some reason. Then I discovered audio books, and discovered that I really love them. Persuasion is my favorite as well, though Pride and Prejudice holds a special place in my heart. Basically I agree wholeheartedly with your list.
OMG, I agree with your list nearly 100% and for the exact same reasons you stated! I bought "The Complete Works of Jane Austen" with all 7 of her novels (incl. Lady Susan) over 25 years ago, but all these years, I've only ever read Pride and Prejudice. Then recently, thanks to Covid, with nothing better to do and no place to go, I decided to read all 7 of them, am I glad I did. I still love Pride and Prejudice, but I absolutely fell in love with Persuasion. I think it is the most underrated Jane Austen novel of all time. I'm rereading it and liking it even more the second time around.
Northranger Abbey is definitely my least favorite for the same reason you stated. But I recently saw the BBC production of it with Felicity Jones. It took me a while to realize she was the girl from the Star Wars movie Rogue One. Even though I didn't care for the book, the Masterpiece Theater movie was very well done. I feel the same about Lady Susan, didn't care much for the book, but the movie (renamed Love & Friendship) with Kate Bickensale made it much more interesting. IMO Kate Bickensale also did the best version of Emma (with BBC) years ago, when she was a young 23.
I'm actually having a hard time deciding which is my favorite. I think Pride and Prejudice is still tops for me, though I'm not sure how much of that has to do with Colin Firth as the most perfect Mark Darcy of all time:). After what they did with the 2020 version of Emma(grrr...), I really hope Hollywood doesn't try to do Persuasion, they''ll ruin it for sure. I'd love for BBC to make a new version of Persuasion, I think Emma Watson would make a great Anne Elliott, and Rupert Graves would make a great Sir Walter Elliott(and if he were 20 years younger, he'd make a perfect Capt. Wentworth).
Please forgive the double post. Of course, I love all six of the novels, and Lady Susan also. The one thing that sets Anne Elliot apart from the others heroines is that for whatever reason, I care about her the most. Throughout the novel, I always find myself pulling for her even though I already know how her story is going to end. :)
Jasmine, thank you so very much for including Miss Jane Austen in your READS. I too am an unabashed Austen fan. As I woman of age 62 I my favorites have jumbled around a bit over the decades, and I completely agree with your choices. Persuasion is my absolute favorite. Miss Austen has depicted Anne Elliot as the strongest of all her heroines. Once again LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Poor Anne has to endure the most self-absorbed and obtuse family members. This family is completely dysfunctional in my opinion to the point of hilarity. Even the Mustgroves prefers Anne over Mary. Anne is in a private hell when Capt. Wenfworth reappears in her society as Austen would say. Can you imagine hearing that the man you have agonized over for 8 years finds you so altered that he would not have known you? Austen brings us into Anne’s feelings and thoughts more than her other heroines. Maybe it was because she was more mature when writing this her last and best novel. Love your delightful and expressive opinions.
Thank you for this very enjoyable and perceptive video. It helps me see what novels of this witty writer are best to read and relish. Jane Austen is not typically an author I seek because I prefer emotionally charged novels like those of the Brontes. However, I do recognize that her novel structure, language and wit show much brilliance. I have read a few and listened on audio recordings as well. I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice as well as Sense and Sensibility because of their personality contrasts and wit. I will certainly read Persuasion. Northanger Abbey feels very long and dragged out to me.
Omg yes another persuasion girl!!! Saame. It is so good. And, the slow burn of them just explodes with that letter. Uh love it. So good.
1. Persuasion.
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Mansfield Park
4. Emma
5. Sense and Sensibility
6. Northanger Abbey
Oooh very similar! So pleased to see Persuasion at the top there x
everything you said about persuasion is on point! it’s also my favorite austen novel and i’m so happy i’m not the only one who loves it.
Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on each novel, and trying to work out my own ranking. Definitely agree with you on the top two, but the rest of my list would look a little different. Sense and Sensibility is my least favourite of the bunch, but sorting out the other three is tricky! I actually really enjoyed Northanger Abbey, although it's difficult to compare to the others because it's quite different in style and tone. I think Mansfield Park and Emma are jostling for third place, but I'm not sure how to choose between them. Perhaps it's time to re-read those two!
It's fun ranking them, isn't it? I'm glad we agree on Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice, they're the best😍 It's interesting you have Sense and Sensibility down at the bottom, I don't think I've heard anyone else say that! I'd love to know how you find the books if you ever reread them☺️
Thank you for all of this great reviews, this video is so beneficial
My top 3:
1. Emma 12/10
2. Pride and Prejudice 11/10
3. Sense and Sensibility 10/10
I've only read 'Pride and Prejudice' and I absolutely loved it. To me this novel was like a perfectly cut diamond!!
I have bought 'Emma' and will read it next month.
Thanks for the video.
You're so right, it is perfect. I hope you love Emma! You're so welcome - thank you for watching😊
I fully agree with the vast majority of your list. I was so pleased with how the top two and bottom rung were ranked. The rest are rather interchangeable, but I have a higher rank for Fanny, as an introvert she speaks to me in a very specific way that is but rarely represented in any type of literature. This may be the same reason I rank Emma lower. I’m put off, rather than charmed by her extroversion at times.
Persuasion is the best for so many reasons. I think that a deep appreciation for Persuasion comes with age and experience. Anne is the only heroine who, when we meet her, knows what it is to be heartbroken. To have carried the burden of it and had it shape her life and choices. Yet it has not hardened her or made her bitter.
Anne is the optimal mix of rational thought, intellect, and kindness. It would be a compliment to be as clever as Elizabeth, but that would not make the world better. To be as kind as Anne would benefit everyone with whom you come into contact.
And, honestly, what woman wouldn’t want a man who fell in love with her and was never to find any woman whom he believed to be her equal in nearly a decade of extensive travel and life experience?! FW, you pierce my soul.
Persuasion is also my number 1 favorite Austen novel!!
Yay!😍
You cannot call any novel by Jane Austen "the worst". They are all works of genius.
You got my top 3 right, I am so glad!!!! I can never put them quite in order because if I read/watch one, I think them superior over the other two. So I just settled with indecision! Love Jane Austen so much, she makes the darnedest gentlemen leads!
Ohhhhh yay!! The superior three 😍
I’m just recently getting into Jane Austen books! I fell in love with the movies, have seen a play, but I have yet to read the books. This is very helpful!
Oh yay! I hope you love them as much as you do the films! Let me know how you get on 😊 x
This is the first of your videos I’ve watched and I absolutely loved it 💙 However, I adore Northanger Abbey simply because it’s what got me into Austen. I just think it’s so funny in the way it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and honestly Catherine is so relatable because she’s just a bit of a book nerd and fan girl who wants so desperately to have an adventure in life that she messes things up and ends up offending people (um, me? 😅). I feel like Austen was having a good bit of fun and letting her more blatantly humorous and snarky side show by doing a satire of the at the time popular gothic romance trope. Anyway, just love it so much, it’s such a comfort read (and watch, the 2007 movie with JJ Feild is gorgeous! 🥰) and reminds me of the summer I spent reading it at my grandma’s when I should have been playing piano or doing something else!
Ohhhh hello!! Thank you so much💕 Hahaha I completely get you regarding Catherine, she is a fab character. And Austen really seemed to enjoy herself writing Northanger, for sure! It's so lovely to hear what the book means to you. Thank you for your comment! x
Jane Austen's amazing! My favourites would be
1. Emma
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Persuasion
4. Sense and Sensibility
5. Mansfield Park
6. Northanger Abbey
She's the best! Love your list 😍
@@JasmineReads I reread persuasion after your video and fell in love with it all over again!
Having read all of Austen's books many times, my list is Identical to yours with one exception. I rank P&P slightly ahead of Persuasion based only on Austen's mastery of her craft in P&P. I relate more to the story of Persuasion, but her wit is so timeless that I can find new things to appreciate every time I reread P&P. Both heroines are brilliant, though I enjoy Fanny and Elinor as well. Emma as a heroine needs the maturing influence of the brilliant Knightly to become lovable. All in all your list is well thought out and I find little to disagree with.
Your critiques are perceptive, knowledgeable, and well expressed. I really enjoy this video. Even if you don’t love Mansfield Park and Fanny Price as much as I do.
Thank you for this very nice video!
I've recently listened to all of the books. Since it's hard to choose an exact ranking of favorites, I've done it in three tiers (and this way don't have to pick a best or "worst" :). Here's the list, and which audio version.
1) Persuasion, P&P. Unabridged audio by Greta Scacchi and Rosamund Pike respectively.
2) Mansfield Park (Wanda McCaddon) and Emma (a very nice audio adaptation with actors and Emma Thompson narrating, somewhat abridged).
3) S & S (Juliet Stevenson - very nice) and Northanger Abby (another fine audio adaptation w/ Emma Thomson & Co, also adapted by Ana Leah).
I especially liked the narrations of Ms. Scacchi and Ms Pike.
A nice line from Ch. IV of Persuasion: "She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning. "
Totally agree with Persuasion being number 1. A work of art
I am so pleased Persuasion is your favourite Austen novel. It is mine too. I often feel it is forgotten in favour of P&P an S&S but I just adore it. Fab fab fab video 📚😊
Ahhh so lovely to hear the Persuasion love!!
Favorites
1. Emma
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. Northanger Abbey
4. Mansfield park
5. Persuasion
6. Sense and Sensibility
Oooh interesting! Lovely to see Emma as someone's favourite❤️