{persuasion}

by Jane AustenI have to admit that I have never been into the Jane Austen junk. I always said to myself 'bleh' but then part of me would always say 'but people really love it.' There must be something wonderful about it. I had never read any of her books previous to this, but I particularly liked this one. It is about 'waiting' for when the moment is right with the right person to commit to being in love. I have to say that I can't really relate to this idea, because I found MY man early on. But I can say that it can definitely be true. The language in this story is unbelievably difficult to follow. For one who loves to read, it was definitely a challenge. It took a whole paragraph to contain the idea for one sentence. By the time I got to the end of the paragraph, I would forget what I had read. It might be really good on tape. I just wanted to include one little excerpt from the book that I think exudes the whole power behind every word written in this book.

"There could not be an objection. There could only be a most proper alacrity, a most obliging compliance for public view; and smiles reined in and spirits dancing in private rapture."

- This means 'We couldn't say no and we were happy'

"... soon words enough had passed between them to decide their direction toward the comparatively quiet and retired gravel-walk, where the power of conversation would make the present hour a blessing indeed; and prepare for it all the immortality which the happiest recollections of their own future lives could bestow. There they exchanged again those feelings and those promises which had once before seemed to secure everything, but which had been followed by so many, many years of division and estrangement. There they returned again into the past, more exquisitely happy, perhaps, in their re-union, than when it had been first projected; more tender, more tried, more fixed in a knowledge of each other's character, truth, and attachment; more equal to act, more justified in acting. And there as they slowly paced the gradual ascent, heedless of every group around them, seeing neither sauntering politicians, bustling house-keepers, flirting girls, nor nursery-maids and children, they could indulge in thos retrospections and acknowledgments, and especially in those explanations of what had directly preceded the present moment, which were so poignant and so ceaseless in interest."

In other words: "They had great joy in remembering and continuing in their love for each other."

Although it could have been said in a lot fewer words - the language is truly beautiful.

Now I want to see the movie. Anyone want to join me?