But I think the plot was quite the weakest of her works that I've read so far.
Lots of implausible plot twists, and most of the characters were not very likeable. Including darling Edward, who behaved like a child during most of the book.
Lead character: Elinor. She has "sense".
Willoughby - ugh. The Steele sisters. The Palmers. The Middletons. The Ferrars.
Marianne - all "sensibility" and thus not very sympathetic until the end of the book. Colonel Brandon??
Austen's last completed novel; I see that it was published posthumously by her brother.
So she's a later-in-life writer. The two main characters are a bit later-in-life also. Anne Elliott was persuaded at a young age to not marry a Captain Wentworth - who had not then proven himself at sea. It turns out that being resolutely unpersuadeable isn't always a virtue.
Anne Elliott is part (a peripheral part) of a noble family quite a bit down on its finances. Interactions with relatives in varying circumstances, including a seaside trip.
Wonderfully written, enjoyable. I do feel that the characters tend to be rather black and white, but OK.
My first time reading a Jane Austen work - much liked it. Her ability to write dialogue! Scene-setting invariably economical, interesting. I should have picked up her works long ago.
Always enjoyed the Greer Garson - Laurence Olivier movie version of this story, which somewhat tracks the book.
Elizabeth Bennet the lead character; her mother and her sisters (save one) are quite a bit less attractive characters than in the movie version. Prideful Darcy. Elopement with Wickham. Bingley. Mr. Collins (the heir).
I just like following the plot and enjoying the writing, but I can see why there's lots of critical analysis about how the book illustrates changes in society, role of women, economics, inheritance issues, etc. But written early - 1813 - situation with Napoleon not even resolved.
