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Darcy & Friends #2
Persuade Me
When do you let your heart rule your head?
When it comes to love, Anna Elliot is stuck in the past. No one can compare to Rick Wentworth, the man she gave up ten years ago at the insistence of her disapproving family. What if she’s missed her only chance for real happiness?
Since Anna broke his heart, Rick has moved on – or so he thinks. Out in Australia, he’s worked hard to build a successful career – and a solid wall around his feelings.
The words ‘forgive and forget’ aren’t in Rick's vocabulary. The word ‘regret’ is definitely in Anna’s. So, when they meet again on his book tour of England, it’s an opportunity for closure.
But memories intrude – the pure sensuality of what they once shared, the pain of parting … And she has to deal with another man from her past, while his celebrity status makes him the focus of unwanted attention.
With Anna’s image-obsessed family still ready to interfere and Rick poised to return to Australia, can she persuade him to risk his heart again?
This contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s last completed novel is the second book in Juliet Archer’s Darcy & Friends series, offering fresh insights into the hearts and minds of Austen’s irresistible heroes.
When it comes to love, Anna Elliot is stuck in the past. No one can compare to Rick Wentworth, the man she gave up ten years ago at the insistence of her disapproving family. What if she’s missed her only chance for real happiness?
Since Anna broke his heart, Rick has moved on – or so he thinks. Out in Australia, he’s worked hard to build a successful career – and a solid wall around his feelings.
The words ‘forgive and forget’ aren’t in Rick's vocabulary. The word ‘regret’ is definitely in Anna’s. So, when they meet again on his book tour of England, it’s an opportunity for closure.
But memories intrude – the pure sensuality of what they once shared, the pain of parting … And she has to deal with another man from her past, while his celebrity status makes him the focus of unwanted attention.
With Anna’s image-obsessed family still ready to interfere and Rick poised to return to Australia, can she persuade him to risk his heart again?
This contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s last completed novel is the second book in Juliet Archer’s Darcy & Friends series, offering fresh insights into the hearts and minds of Austen’s irresistible heroes.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2011
30 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Archer
10 books54 followersJuliet Archer describes herself as “a 19th-century mind in a 21st-century body – actually, some days it’s the other way round.” The youngest of four girls, she was born and bred in North-East England, where she met her future husband. Unlike Anne Elliot in Persuasion, she resisted well-meant advice and married young, before graduating from the University of Nottingham with a First in French and Russian. Over thirty years later, she is still married, with two teenage children and a teenage cat, and lives in Hertfordshire – “Pride & Prejudice country”. Like many authors she juggles writing with work and other commitments, so has a very supportive and understanding family – or so they keep telling her!
She has been writing romantic fiction since 2005 and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2007 – she is currently Chair of their London and South-East branch. Her debut novel, The Importance of Being Emma, published in the UK by Choc Lit, is the first in her series “Darcy & Friends” and was shortlisted for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance. The second novel in the series is Persuade Me (release date September 2011) and she is currently writing Northanger Nights.
Juliet gives talks all over the UK – and in the US – about why and how she’s updating Jane Austen. One of her sisters is married to an American and lives in Ohio, where her son will also be attending college from Fall 2011.
She has been writing romantic fiction since 2005 and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2007 – she is currently Chair of their London and South-East branch. Her debut novel, The Importance of Being Emma, published in the UK by Choc Lit, is the first in her series “Darcy & Friends” and was shortlisted for the 2009 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance. The second novel in the series is Persuade Me (release date September 2011) and she is currently writing Northanger Nights.
Juliet gives talks all over the UK – and in the US – about why and how she’s updating Jane Austen. One of her sisters is married to an American and lives in Ohio, where her son will also be attending college from Fall 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 11, 2018
Oh the drama! Anna Elliot and Wentworth were desperately in love, but oh so young. Her father and godmother convinced her to leave him and pursue her education. He was heartbroken and angry.
Years pass, he becomes a famous marine biologist and she gets a professorship where she teaches Russian lit. They meet again. He is on a book tour and is still angry. She swings between wanting to see him and not wanting to see him. She has never replaced him with someone else while he has tried to replace her. Then his girlfriend dumps him. Instead of trying to get back with Anna, he decides to get back AT Anna.
Lots of heartbreak, lots of misunderstandings. He has more than enough dramatic thoughts to qualify for a lead role in a Russian novel. While she is much more level headed, but she also qualifies as a door mat quite often.
Good fanfic of one of my fav Jane Austen novels! 😊
Years pass, he becomes a famous marine biologist and she gets a professorship where she teaches Russian lit. They meet again. He is on a book tour and is still angry. She swings between wanting to see him and not wanting to see him. She has never replaced him with someone else while he has tried to replace her. Then his girlfriend dumps him. Instead of trying to get back with Anna, he decides to get back AT Anna.
Lots of heartbreak, lots of misunderstandings. He has more than enough dramatic thoughts to qualify for a lead role in a Russian novel. While she is much more level headed, but she also qualifies as a door mat quite often.
Good fanfic of one of my fav Jane Austen novels! 😊
August 19, 2018
A second chance at romance comes for a pair. One lives with regrets and the other some bitterness over their parting. Jane Austen's Persuasion lives again in this modern retelling of the old classic second chances story.
Persuade Me is book two in the Darcy and Friends series, but is can be read standalone or out of order.
As with any modern retelling, I was immensely curious how the author would choose to both flesh out the classic and bring her own style into play. The story does follow the class closely, but there is a lot of fun and originality in the telling. This was a sparkling romantic comedy in its own right.
Anne as a Russian literature expert and Rick as a celebrity marine biologist was a fun twist. It started out painful between this pair, but I loved the way things came along steadily as the past was viewed in a new light and the pair had an opportunity to get to know who they are now years' later. The romance was more sweet, but there was a pinch of spice that worked well late in the story after all the miscues and fails.
I found the surrounding cast of characters were written well. Anne's sisters and dad were perfectly obnoxious and her best friend's fun. William was smarmy as was Cleo the masseuse. The Musgroves were a riot and I liked the bi-play between Rick and his sister Sophie.
All in all, I had a great time with this one and now want to pick up the others in the series. Austen fans and those new to Austen, but like a cute second chance romance are the right audience.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt clue #29 a story without magic
Persuade Me is book two in the Darcy and Friends series, but is can be read standalone or out of order.
As with any modern retelling, I was immensely curious how the author would choose to both flesh out the classic and bring her own style into play. The story does follow the class closely, but there is a lot of fun and originality in the telling. This was a sparkling romantic comedy in its own right.
Anne as a Russian literature expert and Rick as a celebrity marine biologist was a fun twist. It started out painful between this pair, but I loved the way things came along steadily as the past was viewed in a new light and the pair had an opportunity to get to know who they are now years' later. The romance was more sweet, but there was a pinch of spice that worked well late in the story after all the miscues and fails.
I found the surrounding cast of characters were written well. Anne's sisters and dad were perfectly obnoxious and her best friend's fun. William was smarmy as was Cleo the masseuse. The Musgroves were a riot and I liked the bi-play between Rick and his sister Sophie.
All in all, I had a great time with this one and now want to pick up the others in the series. Austen fans and those new to Austen, but like a cute second chance romance are the right audience.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt clue #29 a story without magic
February 7, 2013
This is the first modern re-telling of an Austen novel I've read, and if they're all like this, I don't know if these fan-fic books are my thing. =(
I was loving the book in the beginning. I could immediately tell the author was British through the style and language of the writing, and it made me think of Bridget Jone's Diary. I liked how she updated the details of the world the characters live in as far as their occupations and why it was Rick was returning to England having become a somewhat celebrity. Basically, it all looked like it was setting up nicely for a delicious read.
But about half way through I saw that the plot was sticking meticulously close to the original Persuasion. For some that may seem a good thing, but for me it wasn't ringing true in a modern context (and it was boring because you know exactly what's going to happen.) I often had the sensation I was reading Daphne Du Maurier, or Maeve Binchey. More modern than Austen, yes, but still feeling fairly old timey. Just the way they were always planning transportation, who would go with who, taking group walks through the grounds, buying newspapers, plotting for the marriage of the single women to eligible bachelors, etc.
The story feels like a constant repetition of misunderstandings, leaps to judgment, and lack of communication between Anna and Rick. Two grown adults who can barely speak to each other, despite the fact that it's been 10 years since they broke up. Their by-gone romance only lasted a summer, and Rick is still holding it against her that at all of 18 years old she broke it off with him so she could focus on school. This scenario simply does not ring true in a modern world. In Jane Austen's world, I get it. The restraints of propriety, gender, social norms, and class mobility play a huge part in what keeps these two apart. So put this all in a modern setting, and you're like, "Dude, just freaking talk to each other. Text, email, Facebook; pick your technological path to communication, for da love!"
This all applies to the secondary characters as well. Without the social constraints of Austen's world to make sense of their flaws and quirks they look like complete weirdos. Anna's father, her sisters, Lou (Louisa), and William come to mind.
I love the story of Persuasion, and I'd love to read a modern re-telling of it that isn't afraid to step away from the plot points of the original. This one wasn't it.
I was loving the book in the beginning. I could immediately tell the author was British through the style and language of the writing, and it made me think of Bridget Jone's Diary. I liked how she updated the details of the world the characters live in as far as their occupations and why it was Rick was returning to England having become a somewhat celebrity. Basically, it all looked like it was setting up nicely for a delicious read.
But about half way through I saw that the plot was sticking meticulously close to the original Persuasion. For some that may seem a good thing, but for me it wasn't ringing true in a modern context (and it was boring because you know exactly what's going to happen.) I often had the sensation I was reading Daphne Du Maurier, or Maeve Binchey. More modern than Austen, yes, but still feeling fairly old timey. Just the way they were always planning transportation, who would go with who, taking group walks through the grounds, buying newspapers, plotting for the marriage of the single women to eligible bachelors, etc.
The story feels like a constant repetition of misunderstandings, leaps to judgment, and lack of communication between Anna and Rick. Two grown adults who can barely speak to each other, despite the fact that it's been 10 years since they broke up. Their by-gone romance only lasted a summer, and Rick is still holding it against her that at all of 18 years old she broke it off with him so she could focus on school. This scenario simply does not ring true in a modern world. In Jane Austen's world, I get it. The restraints of propriety, gender, social norms, and class mobility play a huge part in what keeps these two apart. So put this all in a modern setting, and you're like, "Dude, just freaking talk to each other. Text, email, Facebook; pick your technological path to communication, for da love!"
This all applies to the secondary characters as well. Without the social constraints of Austen's world to make sense of their flaws and quirks they look like complete weirdos. Anna's father, her sisters, Lou (Louisa), and William come to mind.
I love the story of Persuasion, and I'd love to read a modern re-telling of it that isn't afraid to step away from the plot points of the original. This one wasn't it.
March 13, 2022
2.5 stars
In this contemporary retelling of “Persuasion” Anna (Anne) is a professor of Russian literature and Wentworth is a hunky and famous marine biologist. It closely mirrored the plot (and most of the characters) of the original, but it was lacking something for me. Took me a long time to get through it.
In this contemporary retelling of “Persuasion” Anna (Anne) is a professor of Russian literature and Wentworth is a hunky and famous marine biologist. It closely mirrored the plot (and most of the characters) of the original, but it was lacking something for me. Took me a long time to get through it.
September 25, 2011
Dr. Rick Wentworth, a successful marine biologist/celebrity author, is preparing for his extensive seven-week book tour in England, with a book provocatively titled, Sex in the Sea. With a flourishing career, a modest amount of wealth and popularity, a supermodel girlfriend, and a very attractive physique, it would seem Rick has everything he has ever wanted. But he doesn't. He doesn't have Anna Elliot, who was persuaded by her family to give him up ten years ago and whose rejection still haunts him all these years later. Since Anna's rejection of him, Rick has let disappointment and resentment rule his heart, living by the motto “never forgive, never forget.” Now returning to England, Rick wonders if their paths will cross, and if Anna Elliot will feel something like regret for giving up on the love they once had...
Anna Elliot, a professor of Russian Literature does know regret. In fact when she lectures about Anna Karenina and how she gave up everything for her lover, Anna Elliot feels deep regret for not doing the same ten years ago. Instead of following her lover, Anna went to university, finished her studies and became a professor of Russian Literature. Anna has learned to be content with her simple and comfortable life, yet deep in her heart she yearns to travel back in time, to the summer when she was eighteen and hopelessly in love with Rick Wentworth.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
Anna Elliot, a professor of Russian Literature does know regret. In fact when she lectures about Anna Karenina and how she gave up everything for her lover, Anna Elliot feels deep regret for not doing the same ten years ago. Instead of following her lover, Anna went to university, finished her studies and became a professor of Russian Literature. Anna has learned to be content with her simple and comfortable life, yet deep in her heart she yearns to travel back in time, to the summer when she was eighteen and hopelessly in love with Rick Wentworth.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
May 17, 2015
Rick Wentworth is a successful marine biologist living in Australia. His book about the mating habits of sea creatures, and comparing it to human behavior called Sex in the Sea has become wildly popular with the ladies in England. Most likely due to the fact is has a very sexy picture of him shirtless on the cover. Because of this success he is coming back to England for a book tour. Unfortunately this will take him into the sphere of the woman who broke his heart Anna Elliot.
Anna Elliot is a professor of Russian literature in Bath. She has contented herself with a simple life of giving lectures, and helping take care of her family, particularly her younger sister, husband, and their two boys. However, after ten years she still regrets that she let her father, and her late mother's close friend talk her out of the love of her life. With the prospect of seeing Rick Wentworth again she realizes she is definitely not over him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a fantastic modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion. It follows the plot pretty close, and the character's are for the most part true to the originals. The modernizations make sense, and work in the story. My only critique is why didn't she leave Rick Wentworth in the navy. Him being Captain Wentworth is so much more romantic, and a the fact that he is a famous author doesn't really coalesce.
If you love Persuasion, you will enjoy this modern retelling.
Anna Elliot is a professor of Russian literature in Bath. She has contented herself with a simple life of giving lectures, and helping take care of her family, particularly her younger sister, husband, and their two boys. However, after ten years she still regrets that she let her father, and her late mother's close friend talk her out of the love of her life. With the prospect of seeing Rick Wentworth again she realizes she is definitely not over him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a fantastic modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion. It follows the plot pretty close, and the character's are for the most part true to the originals. The modernizations make sense, and work in the story. My only critique is why didn't she leave Rick Wentworth in the navy. Him being Captain Wentworth is so much more romantic, and a the fact that he is a famous author doesn't really coalesce.
If you love Persuasion, you will enjoy this modern retelling.
February 2, 2016
Loved this book.....it kept me up till the wee hours of the morning,turning each page in an effort to discover how Anna and Rick would finally admit their feelings,realise life is short and simply just be together.
This book is beautifully written.
From the very beginning it captured my imagination, as, somehow the characters felt like real people and the way their problems were portrayed, (be it a hasty marriage to an ill suited partner,to meeting,for the first time in ten years,your first love), almost enticed me to ring them up and discuss matters with them! Yes,this book was that good!
This author has taken our beloved Persuasion,waved her magic wand and has created a rich, heartwarming,compelling and
very realistic tale that I,for one,highly recommend.
Enjoy!!
This book is beautifully written.
From the very beginning it captured my imagination, as, somehow the characters felt like real people and the way their problems were portrayed, (be it a hasty marriage to an ill suited partner,to meeting,for the first time in ten years,your first love), almost enticed me to ring them up and discuss matters with them! Yes,this book was that good!
This author has taken our beloved Persuasion,waved her magic wand and has created a rich, heartwarming,compelling and
very realistic tale that I,for one,highly recommend.
Enjoy!!
June 27, 2021
y e s. The plot and concept of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is my absolute favorite. The execution, is not.
This was mostly so very well done. It is very modern version but hits all the best parts. The feelings in regards to how men will miss someone being there every day and will find someone that can, and will let the other person go more readily, verses how a woman can continue to love someone even when they are not around. I was like YESSS. Just conceptions, or “misconceptions” lol and they were dealt with sooo well. The only thing is it’s not an entirely clean read. More PG-13 movie.
If I were being specific to my rating it would be somewhere between 4.5-5.
“i am half agony, half hope” ugh.
This was mostly so very well done. It is very modern version but hits all the best parts. The feelings in regards to how men will miss someone being there every day and will find someone that can, and will let the other person go more readily, verses how a woman can continue to love someone even when they are not around. I was like YESSS. Just conceptions, or “misconceptions” lol and they were dealt with sooo well. The only thing is it’s not an entirely clean read. More PG-13 movie.
If I were being specific to my rating it would be somewhere between 4.5-5.
“i am half agony, half hope” ugh.
November 20, 2012
Author Juliet Archer has undertaken the daunting task of faithfully re-writing Jane Austen’s classic novels with a modern and contemporary twist. Persuade Me is the second offering in her Darcy & Friends series.
Reading Persuade Me was like gazing with admiration at any one of my six grandchildren. There before me are reminders of some of the best-loved features of my own children but lovingly arranged fresh and new. As I began the 341 page odyssey I thought to myself “What can possibly be so entertaining and compelling about a story that you already know the outcome of?
First, the author has wisely chosen to drape her updated story on the framework of what this reviewer considers Miss Austen’s greatest love story. The faithfulness and accuracy to which Juliet Archer closely marks her contemporary story line to Jane Austen’s original is quite astonishing.
Second, it is my conviction that a reader who perchance has never read any of Jane Austen’s works would consider Persuade Me as a stand-alone story of remarkable strength, humor, emotion, suspense, and depth-of-feeling. It is also a testament to the author’s writing skill that we read greater insights into the character and feelings of the hero which are somewhat absent in the original.
The Author sets the stage with Dr. Rick Wentworth, (Capt Frederick Wentworth) an eminent marine biologist who has been working in Australia for the past ten years and still struggling to forget his first love: Anna Elliott. He has published a best-selling book on his research and is returning to England for a book-signing tour. It is inevitable that he once again encounters Anna Elliott who is a lecturer in Russian Studies at Bath & Western University. She treats her noble heritage with more contempt than pride because it was the threatened reputation of her titled family that forcibly separated the lovers a decade ago. They finally meet again at Uppercross, the home of Rick’s sister, Sophie Croft. Rick tries not to remember but cannot help himself….
Her voice – and the years crumbled away … He was jumping over the rocks to be with her and she was saying ‘Careful, Rick.’ She never shouted, never had to; he always heard her, as if his brain was tuned to a special frequency … Other memories intruded. On the boat, just the two of them. His voice, strangely hesitant: ‘My grandmother used to say – if you can’t be good, be careful.’ And her laugh, soft and seductive, like her skin against his: ‘Well then, we’d better careful, hadn’t we?’ Page 89
Anna Elliott (Anne Elliott) is the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliott, the eighth Baronet of Kellynch and her deceased mother, Princess Irina Grigoryevna Petrova, a descendent of the Russian aristocracy. Her present situation parallels Rick’s in that she is also living in the past with what might have been…
“Somewhere deep down was another Anna, the one she’d been at eighteen during that summer in France. The one Rick Wentworth had coaxed into being, then left to shrivel and die. And she hadn’t really looked at another man since. Oh she’d tried; at Oxford there’d been a few boyfriends, but they simply couldn’t compare. It was like warming yourself on a radiator when you were used to basking in the sun. She’d grown accustomed to it now, this quiet longing for another life.” Page 34
Juliet Archer honors the legacy of Jane Austen by respectfully maintaining what I believe to be the original artistic intent of Persuasion because ALL the unforgettable content is gloriously revisited in Persuade Me: The story line with its melancholy mood, sense of longing, and anticipation, the characters, the anecdotes, the locations….EVERYTHING is in there down to the minutest detail! Revisit Kellynch and its environs, Bath, Uppercross, Lyme Regis and the Cobb. Relive the situations: The party at the Musgrove’s, the walk in the country, The nephew firmly attached to Anna’s neck, the accident on the Cobb, The encounter at the theater in Bath, The emotional dialogue between Anna and Ben (Capt Harville) and finally the letter….yes, that wonderfully-updated LETTER! Every single one of the people in Persuasion lovingly reappear in Persuade me: Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth in all of their excessive vanity, Lady Russell, the Crofts, Mrs. Clay, the Musgroves, Mrs. Smith, Benwick, Harville, Lady Dalrymple, the adorable Musgrove nephews, William Elliott, and best of all - Anna & Rick.
Is Persuade Me a “new old story” or an “old new story?” Whatever you consider it, I hope I have “persuaded” you to add this impressive offering to your stack of must-reads.
Reading Persuade Me was like gazing with admiration at any one of my six grandchildren. There before me are reminders of some of the best-loved features of my own children but lovingly arranged fresh and new. As I began the 341 page odyssey I thought to myself “What can possibly be so entertaining and compelling about a story that you already know the outcome of?
First, the author has wisely chosen to drape her updated story on the framework of what this reviewer considers Miss Austen’s greatest love story. The faithfulness and accuracy to which Juliet Archer closely marks her contemporary story line to Jane Austen’s original is quite astonishing.
Second, it is my conviction that a reader who perchance has never read any of Jane Austen’s works would consider Persuade Me as a stand-alone story of remarkable strength, humor, emotion, suspense, and depth-of-feeling. It is also a testament to the author’s writing skill that we read greater insights into the character and feelings of the hero which are somewhat absent in the original.
The Author sets the stage with Dr. Rick Wentworth, (Capt Frederick Wentworth) an eminent marine biologist who has been working in Australia for the past ten years and still struggling to forget his first love: Anna Elliott. He has published a best-selling book on his research and is returning to England for a book-signing tour. It is inevitable that he once again encounters Anna Elliott who is a lecturer in Russian Studies at Bath & Western University. She treats her noble heritage with more contempt than pride because it was the threatened reputation of her titled family that forcibly separated the lovers a decade ago. They finally meet again at Uppercross, the home of Rick’s sister, Sophie Croft. Rick tries not to remember but cannot help himself….
Her voice – and the years crumbled away … He was jumping over the rocks to be with her and she was saying ‘Careful, Rick.’ She never shouted, never had to; he always heard her, as if his brain was tuned to a special frequency … Other memories intruded. On the boat, just the two of them. His voice, strangely hesitant: ‘My grandmother used to say – if you can’t be good, be careful.’ And her laugh, soft and seductive, like her skin against his: ‘Well then, we’d better careful, hadn’t we?’ Page 89
Anna Elliott (Anne Elliott) is the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliott, the eighth Baronet of Kellynch and her deceased mother, Princess Irina Grigoryevna Petrova, a descendent of the Russian aristocracy. Her present situation parallels Rick’s in that she is also living in the past with what might have been…
“Somewhere deep down was another Anna, the one she’d been at eighteen during that summer in France. The one Rick Wentworth had coaxed into being, then left to shrivel and die. And she hadn’t really looked at another man since. Oh she’d tried; at Oxford there’d been a few boyfriends, but they simply couldn’t compare. It was like warming yourself on a radiator when you were used to basking in the sun. She’d grown accustomed to it now, this quiet longing for another life.” Page 34
Juliet Archer honors the legacy of Jane Austen by respectfully maintaining what I believe to be the original artistic intent of Persuasion because ALL the unforgettable content is gloriously revisited in Persuade Me: The story line with its melancholy mood, sense of longing, and anticipation, the characters, the anecdotes, the locations….EVERYTHING is in there down to the minutest detail! Revisit Kellynch and its environs, Bath, Uppercross, Lyme Regis and the Cobb. Relive the situations: The party at the Musgrove’s, the walk in the country, The nephew firmly attached to Anna’s neck, the accident on the Cobb, The encounter at the theater in Bath, The emotional dialogue between Anna and Ben (Capt Harville) and finally the letter….yes, that wonderfully-updated LETTER! Every single one of the people in Persuasion lovingly reappear in Persuade me: Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth in all of their excessive vanity, Lady Russell, the Crofts, Mrs. Clay, the Musgroves, Mrs. Smith, Benwick, Harville, Lady Dalrymple, the adorable Musgrove nephews, William Elliott, and best of all - Anna & Rick.
Is Persuade Me a “new old story” or an “old new story?” Whatever you consider it, I hope I have “persuaded” you to add this impressive offering to your stack of must-reads.
March 19, 2016
PERSUADE ME by Juliet Archer - audio version
This is the second of a series written by Juliet Archer, updating the storyline of a Jane Austen novel to the modern day. Unlike the first one, this one wasn't told with the alternating POVs or narrators. If it had been, it would have been wonderful to hear Rick Wentworth voiced by an actor such as Christopher Eccleston or Richard Armitage. Yes, our Captain is now Dr. Rick Wentworth, marine biologist from the north of England, now living in Australia (complete with supermodel girlfriend) but who has returned to the UK for a book tour promoting his best-seller ”Sex in the Sea".
Ten years earlier, he met and fell in love with Anna Elliott, daughter of the 8th Baronet of Kellynch, while they were both in the south of France. On the advice and connivance of her father and Lady Araminta (Minty) Russell, Anna doesn't go to Australia with Rick. Now, he's a well-respected scientist and Anna is a lecturer in Russian Literature at a University in Bath. The Russian connection is due to her late mother having been Russian. Anna lives in a flat in Bath owned by Jenny Smith, who's husband is still alive but badly disabled.
The plot follows the original very closely so I won't go into very much detail. Sir Walter is possibly even vainer than the original, as is the eldest Elliott daughter, Lisa. Mrs Clay is the masseuse, Cleopatra Clay. The youngest Elliott daughter Mona is still married to Charles Musgrove, with sisters Lou and Henrietta. Rick's sister and brother-in-law run a garden centre near Kellynch, renting property from Sir Walter but not the Hall itself. I loved these Crofts as much as the originals. William Elliott-Dunn is the heir to Kellynch and the Baronecy and to me, comes over as even more scheming than his Regency counterpart.
Rick's resentment towards Anna is even closer to the surface here and "Never forgive, never forget" is a mantra he seems to live by. This gets put to the test when they are thrown into company and the behaviour of neither to each other could be said to be of the best. He deliberately makes a play for Lou Musgrove (after the supermodel has dumped him in absentia for a richer man) before realising, after the events at Lyme Regis, exactly how cruel he's been to both women.
One scene I was waiting for of course, was The Letter. Obviously, the language has been brought up to date but "half agony, half hope" is still there, as are the sentiments. I have to say though, that I still prefer the language style of the original.
As far as I can tell, Juliet Archer is planning on writing more in the series but there's been a gap of some years now since this part. I really hope she does write more as I've thoroughly enjoyed both so far.
This is the second of a series written by Juliet Archer, updating the storyline of a Jane Austen novel to the modern day. Unlike the first one, this one wasn't told with the alternating POVs or narrators. If it had been, it would have been wonderful to hear Rick Wentworth voiced by an actor such as Christopher Eccleston or Richard Armitage. Yes, our Captain is now Dr. Rick Wentworth, marine biologist from the north of England, now living in Australia (complete with supermodel girlfriend) but who has returned to the UK for a book tour promoting his best-seller ”Sex in the Sea".
Ten years earlier, he met and fell in love with Anna Elliott, daughter of the 8th Baronet of Kellynch, while they were both in the south of France. On the advice and connivance of her father and Lady Araminta (Minty) Russell, Anna doesn't go to Australia with Rick. Now, he's a well-respected scientist and Anna is a lecturer in Russian Literature at a University in Bath. The Russian connection is due to her late mother having been Russian. Anna lives in a flat in Bath owned by Jenny Smith, who's husband is still alive but badly disabled.
The plot follows the original very closely so I won't go into very much detail. Sir Walter is possibly even vainer than the original, as is the eldest Elliott daughter, Lisa. Mrs Clay is the masseuse, Cleopatra Clay. The youngest Elliott daughter Mona is still married to Charles Musgrove, with sisters Lou and Henrietta. Rick's sister and brother-in-law run a garden centre near Kellynch, renting property from Sir Walter but not the Hall itself. I loved these Crofts as much as the originals. William Elliott-Dunn is the heir to Kellynch and the Baronecy and to me, comes over as even more scheming than his Regency counterpart.
Rick's resentment towards Anna is even closer to the surface here and "Never forgive, never forget" is a mantra he seems to live by. This gets put to the test when they are thrown into company and the behaviour of neither to each other could be said to be of the best. He deliberately makes a play for Lou Musgrove (after the supermodel has dumped him in absentia for a richer man) before realising, after the events at Lyme Regis, exactly how cruel he's been to both women.
One scene I was waiting for of course, was The Letter. Obviously, the language has been brought up to date but "half agony, half hope" is still there, as are the sentiments. I have to say though, that I still prefer the language style of the original.
As far as I can tell, Juliet Archer is planning on writing more in the series but there's been a gap of some years now since this part. I really hope she does write more as I've thoroughly enjoyed both so far.
February 12, 2018
This worked in the way I wanted it to work, which is to say, an angsty contemporary romance with Jane Austen-y elements. But nuanced Persuasion retelling this was not, and for that reason, I kind of wish it had been more inspired by and less straightforward retelling.
August 24, 2012
Hmm. Okay, how do I say this without sounding kinda crazy? I accepted this for review, but I was really unsure of whether I was going to like it. That makes me sound like a jackass, so let me explain: it's contemporary and it has a gorgeous cover - those are 2 things that put my guard up, because contemporary (no matter how much excellent contemporary I read) translates to "fluff" in my stubborn mind, and I've been burned by the Pretty Cover Curse one to many times. But I liked Juliet's excerpt last year, and talking about her with the book, so I was willing to accept it and hope for the best (I mean...it's so pretty). But me "hoping for the best" is kinda laughable, so I was still a little nervous when I picked this up that I was going to read it, not like it, and then have to be a jerkface to the sweet Juliet.
And Oh, me of little faith... This was so good. It's great chick lit without being fluffy or throw-away, and I was amazed at how, simultaneously, Juliet was able to be very contemporary and modern, and still very faithful to the Persuasion . There are some changes that are more of a departure than others, but in a way that both worked for the story Juliet was telling, and as a logical modern extrapolation of the original. There were so many times that I found myself thinking, 'Huh, that was a clever use of _________'. And because of this, it provided another layer of enjoyment that I wasn't expecting: It works as a modern romance, it works as a Persuasion retelling, and it works as this sort of Easter-egg-filled nod to Jane and Janeites, with all of these little bits of really well-plotted parallels to the stories Jane told.
It's not just in plot points that Juliet was faithful, though. For all their modern sensibilities, and the way their habits, interests and tendencies would have to be adapted to fit the setting, Archer's characters remained true at their core to the characters they were based on. Take Mrs. Clay, for example - in Archer's version, she has wormed her way into the lives of Sir Walter and "Lisa" (aka Elizabeth) as a fake-French masseuse who flatters the vanity of both Elliots and makes herself indespensible to them. Her grasping, social climbing, using-her-wiles ways are a bit more bold than Mrs Clay, but all the more well-suited to a modern adaptation because of that. She's still very much Mrs Clay, and everyone can see through her except those who need to - it just works! Similarly, Rick's treatment of Anna in the beginning, and his spiteful little thrill of pleasure the first time he sees her and she's looking worn-down and messy - things like this were a great interpretation of Persuasion, done in a way that makes rings true to the modern reader. Twists like this were really clever and fun to me.
Now, I've talked a lot about how faithful this is, but I want to be clear, it's not just a regurgitation of Persuasion in a modern setting; Archer did adapt some things and completely change some things, but she did so in a really sensible way that I don't think would much bother even most ardent, faithful Janeites. This is not the chaste love story of Austen's time (nor is that necessary or even very believable, in a modern setting). This is very modern, and very relatable to today's audience (even those who haven't read or, *gasp* didn't like, Austen), but most of all, it's just really readable. I have a habit of not picking books up until late into the night, when I should be sleeping. This book had me repeatedly questioning just how much sleep I really needed...
All told, I'm definitely going to be picking up Archer's The Importance of Being Emma for next year's Jane in June.
And Oh, me of little faith... This was so good. It's great chick lit without being fluffy or throw-away, and I was amazed at how, simultaneously, Juliet was able to be very contemporary and modern, and still very faithful to the Persuasion . There are some changes that are more of a departure than others, but in a way that both worked for the story Juliet was telling, and as a logical modern extrapolation of the original. There were so many times that I found myself thinking, 'Huh, that was a clever use of _________'. And because of this, it provided another layer of enjoyment that I wasn't expecting: It works as a modern romance, it works as a Persuasion retelling, and it works as this sort of Easter-egg-filled nod to Jane and Janeites, with all of these little bits of really well-plotted parallels to the stories Jane told.
It's not just in plot points that Juliet was faithful, though. For all their modern sensibilities, and the way their habits, interests and tendencies would have to be adapted to fit the setting, Archer's characters remained true at their core to the characters they were based on. Take Mrs. Clay, for example - in Archer's version, she has wormed her way into the lives of Sir Walter and "Lisa" (aka Elizabeth) as a fake-French masseuse who flatters the vanity of both Elliots and makes herself indespensible to them. Her grasping, social climbing, using-her-wiles ways are a bit more bold than Mrs Clay, but all the more well-suited to a modern adaptation because of that. She's still very much Mrs Clay, and everyone can see through her except those who need to - it just works! Similarly, Rick's treatment of Anna in the beginning, and his spiteful little thrill of pleasure the first time he sees her and she's looking worn-down and messy - things like this were a great interpretation of Persuasion, done in a way that makes rings true to the modern reader. Twists like this were really clever and fun to me.
Now, I've talked a lot about how faithful this is, but I want to be clear, it's not just a regurgitation of Persuasion in a modern setting; Archer did adapt some things and completely change some things, but she did so in a really sensible way that I don't think would much bother even most ardent, faithful Janeites. This is not the chaste love story of Austen's time (nor is that necessary or even very believable, in a modern setting). This is very modern, and very relatable to today's audience (even those who haven't read or, *gasp* didn't like, Austen), but most of all, it's just really readable. I have a habit of not picking books up until late into the night, when I should be sleeping. This book had me repeatedly questioning just how much sleep I really needed...
All told, I'm definitely going to be picking up Archer's The Importance of Being Emma for next year's Jane in June.
April 4, 2012
I was recently afforded the opportunity of working with Juliet Archer. We were fortunate enough to collaborate on The Austen Games together and have developed a nice little friendship driven by our love for Jane Austen! Juliet is the author of the Darcy and Friends series, which currently consists of two novels and is soon to be followed by more works. The first in the series, The Importance of Being Emma, was well received and was soon followed by Persuade Me. Both books have received several romance novel award nominations/wins, and after reading Persuade Me it’s easy to see why!
In a modern-day retelling of Persuasion, Archer introduces us to Anna Wentworth and Rick Wentworth. Both met in France while Anna was an Au Pair and Rick taught sailing lessons. The two immediately fall in love and have a fairy tale summer together. Unfortunately events beyond their control forced them apart, as Anna left to go to school in England and Rick left to work in Australia. For ten long years they lived apart, linked by the memory of that fateful summer in France. Fate steps in again, when the two meet in England, where Anna lives as a University lecturer and Rick is passing through on a book tour in his career as a famous marine biologist. They have both been harboring conflicting feelings about each other, and coming back together after all these years have brought these feelings back to the surface with a vengeance. The two must decide how to best move forward, whether it be together or as separate people. Which one will it be?
Whenever I read a novel that pays homage to Austen’s Persuasion, there’s one thing that always stands out to me as the make or break point: Wentworth’s letter. It is hands down the best letter written in all of literature in my eyes. Therefore, I’m always nervous that when I read a Persuasion influenced novel that it won’t live up to the expectations that I have. I can tell you, my fellow readers, that Archer’s version of Wentworth’s letter is 100% swoon-worthy. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the comedic undertones of Archer’s writing all while greatly anticipating the moment I would reach “the letter”. Archer’s novel reads like a fine red wine that has been left out to breathe. It becomes fuller and more complex with time, adding to the reader’s pleasure and enjoyment.
Archer’s creativity and wit are clearly evident in the way in which she modernizes Austen’s story. Frederick (now Rick) is now a marine biologist as opposed to being a naval officer, yet still gets to spend most of his time with his love, the sea. Anne (now Anna), who I’ve always considered the smartest of all of Austen’s heroines, gets to showcase that intelligence with a Ph.D. in Russian literature. The inclusion of discussions on Russian literature and the similarities between the plots of these novels and the plot of Persuasion has made me want to delve more into Russian literature in the future. Overall, the entire novel was a very interesting and engaging read. If you love Austen modernizations like I do and are in the mood for a new and fun spin on our favorite classic, definitely check out Persuade Me. You won’t be disappointed!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-U9
In a modern-day retelling of Persuasion, Archer introduces us to Anna Wentworth and Rick Wentworth. Both met in France while Anna was an Au Pair and Rick taught sailing lessons. The two immediately fall in love and have a fairy tale summer together. Unfortunately events beyond their control forced them apart, as Anna left to go to school in England and Rick left to work in Australia. For ten long years they lived apart, linked by the memory of that fateful summer in France. Fate steps in again, when the two meet in England, where Anna lives as a University lecturer and Rick is passing through on a book tour in his career as a famous marine biologist. They have both been harboring conflicting feelings about each other, and coming back together after all these years have brought these feelings back to the surface with a vengeance. The two must decide how to best move forward, whether it be together or as separate people. Which one will it be?
Whenever I read a novel that pays homage to Austen’s Persuasion, there’s one thing that always stands out to me as the make or break point: Wentworth’s letter. It is hands down the best letter written in all of literature in my eyes. Therefore, I’m always nervous that when I read a Persuasion influenced novel that it won’t live up to the expectations that I have. I can tell you, my fellow readers, that Archer’s version of Wentworth’s letter is 100% swoon-worthy. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the comedic undertones of Archer’s writing all while greatly anticipating the moment I would reach “the letter”. Archer’s novel reads like a fine red wine that has been left out to breathe. It becomes fuller and more complex with time, adding to the reader’s pleasure and enjoyment.
Archer’s creativity and wit are clearly evident in the way in which she modernizes Austen’s story. Frederick (now Rick) is now a marine biologist as opposed to being a naval officer, yet still gets to spend most of his time with his love, the sea. Anne (now Anna), who I’ve always considered the smartest of all of Austen’s heroines, gets to showcase that intelligence with a Ph.D. in Russian literature. The inclusion of discussions on Russian literature and the similarities between the plots of these novels and the plot of Persuasion has made me want to delve more into Russian literature in the future. Overall, the entire novel was a very interesting and engaging read. If you love Austen modernizations like I do and are in the mood for a new and fun spin on our favorite classic, definitely check out Persuade Me. You won’t be disappointed!
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-U9
September 13, 2011
Persuasion. When you like a story so much you never have enough of it. I haven’t read much based on Persuasion actually, this is the first modern re-telling of my favourite Austen. It was a real page turner despite my already knowing what was next. It was intriguing to see how Juliet Archer made those familiar events take place in such a different context, for example. She often surprised me and her smooth, involving narration kept me interested all the time.
This is the second book in the series “Darcy & Friends”, which Juliet Archer started with her brilliant and successful , “The Importance of Being Emma”.
“Persuade Me” is a nowadays re-telling of Anna (Anne) Elliot’s regrets and Rick (Frederick) Wentworth’s constant but resentful love for her. Anna (18) and Rick (22) meet in France during a summer holiday while she was baby-sitting and he teaching sailing before both go on with their careers. She was going to move to Oxford to graduate and he was moving to Australia for his PhD. It’s love at first sight, an unforgettable experience, an overwhelming passion which has to face reality as soon as Anna’s father, Sir Elliot 8th Baronet of Kellynch, and her godmother, Minty aka Lady Russell , find that out. Anna is persuaded not follow Rick to Australia as he asked. She must go to Oxford and get her degree, and especially , she can’t marry a nobody like him. Anna let them persuade her, that's her fault. She feels she can’t be so impulsive, she risks being caught in an unhappy choice like her mother.
Ten years after Anna is a University Professor in Russian Literature in Bath and Rick is a worldwide famous expert in Marine Biology who has just published a book, soon become a best-selling : “Sex in the Sea” Rick’s gorgeous looks have turned him into an object of desire for many a woman, but he has just broken up a long lasting relationship with a beautiful supermodel, Shelley McCourt. Well, she dumped him down for a millionaire, actually. But now that Rick is going back to England to launch his book there, lots of memories come back to his mind. He is still hurt for being left that way ten years earlier: he will never forget and never forgive. His pride is doubly hurt now that also Shelley left him.
Memories intrude and both have to face each other's past and present feelings. Anna has to deal with another man from her past, while Rick is made the focus of unwanted attention by his celebrity status. Things will not be easy for them and what makes it even more complicated is that Anna's image-obsessed family is still ready to interfere ...
My review is also on My Jane Austen Book Club (http://thesecretunderstandingofthehea...)
This is the second book in the series “Darcy & Friends”, which Juliet Archer started with her brilliant and successful , “The Importance of Being Emma”.
“Persuade Me” is a nowadays re-telling of Anna (Anne) Elliot’s regrets and Rick (Frederick) Wentworth’s constant but resentful love for her. Anna (18) and Rick (22) meet in France during a summer holiday while she was baby-sitting and he teaching sailing before both go on with their careers. She was going to move to Oxford to graduate and he was moving to Australia for his PhD. It’s love at first sight, an unforgettable experience, an overwhelming passion which has to face reality as soon as Anna’s father, Sir Elliot 8th Baronet of Kellynch, and her godmother, Minty aka Lady Russell , find that out. Anna is persuaded not follow Rick to Australia as he asked. She must go to Oxford and get her degree, and especially , she can’t marry a nobody like him. Anna let them persuade her, that's her fault. She feels she can’t be so impulsive, she risks being caught in an unhappy choice like her mother.
Ten years after Anna is a University Professor in Russian Literature in Bath and Rick is a worldwide famous expert in Marine Biology who has just published a book, soon become a best-selling : “Sex in the Sea” Rick’s gorgeous looks have turned him into an object of desire for many a woman, but he has just broken up a long lasting relationship with a beautiful supermodel, Shelley McCourt. Well, she dumped him down for a millionaire, actually. But now that Rick is going back to England to launch his book there, lots of memories come back to his mind. He is still hurt for being left that way ten years earlier: he will never forget and never forgive. His pride is doubly hurt now that also Shelley left him.
Memories intrude and both have to face each other's past and present feelings. Anna has to deal with another man from her past, while Rick is made the focus of unwanted attention by his celebrity status. Things will not be easy for them and what makes it even more complicated is that Anna's image-obsessed family is still ready to interfere ...
My review is also on My Jane Austen Book Club (http://thesecretunderstandingofthehea...)
October 31, 2015
A fun, fun book. It truly was.
I read Persuasion this past winter, and it instantly became a Austen favorite of mine. I do love retellings, when done well, so I was very much intrigued by Persuade Me. There was a chance for disappointment, but disappointed I was not. While I knew how the story would end, I was greatly pleased with the various contemporary factors added that captured my attention and provoked intrigue. While knowing the trajectory of the story, I did not know how Juliet Archer would get us to the end point. She really did a brilliant job capturing the essence and nature of Persuasion while giving Persuade Me it's own personality. I had few minor quibbles - I care little for being told what is going on rather than shown - but I can honestly say that these quibbles did not bother me as they normaly would in other books. For Persuade Me, the telling of the story fit. While Persuade Me is a fun, fun book to read - I would never forgo reading Persuasion itself, as it's richness and depth could never be fully captured in a retelling. Nevertheless, Archer gives Persuasion a go for its money and I certainly recommend the reading of this contemporary retelling to others who have already read Persuasion. For those who have not read Persuasion and like fun contemproray romance would enjoy this story too.
My rating: 8/10
* While part of a "series", Persuade Me is a stand alone book with a very minor connection to Mr. Darcy
I read Persuasion this past winter, and it instantly became a Austen favorite of mine. I do love retellings, when done well, so I was very much intrigued by Persuade Me. There was a chance for disappointment, but disappointed I was not. While I knew how the story would end, I was greatly pleased with the various contemporary factors added that captured my attention and provoked intrigue. While knowing the trajectory of the story, I did not know how Juliet Archer would get us to the end point. She really did a brilliant job capturing the essence and nature of Persuasion while giving Persuade Me it's own personality. I had few minor quibbles - I care little for being told what is going on rather than shown - but I can honestly say that these quibbles did not bother me as they normaly would in other books. For Persuade Me, the telling of the story fit. While Persuade Me is a fun, fun book to read - I would never forgo reading Persuasion itself, as it's richness and depth could never be fully captured in a retelling. Nevertheless, Archer gives Persuasion a go for its money and I certainly recommend the reading of this contemporary retelling to others who have already read Persuasion. For those who have not read Persuasion and like fun contemproray romance would enjoy this story too.
My rating: 8/10
* While part of a "series", Persuade Me is a stand alone book with a very minor connection to Mr. Darcy
August 5, 2012
I have to tell you, I couldn't get enough of this book. The thing is that with any retelling, you know how the story is going to end, but for me, it is how you get there. I thought the characters were wonderful. While the story held true to Jane's vision, Juliet Archer took a lot of liberties with the back drops and characters that made this feel shiny and new.
Anne is a professor of Russian Literature and does not live at home. Mary has a drinking problem. Elizabeth, well, she will always be vapid and self absorbed, but now she goes to the gym. Rick is a marine biologist and an author who is coming home for a book tour. Charles likes to fish to get away from the house. One of the things I really liked about this story is that the author uses her own voice in her retelling.
In too many instances have I read a modern adaptation where the author is styling the prose in an Austenesque fashion, which usually falls short. This retelling was full of flawed and wonderful characters that spoke with voices that made them real for today's world. Juliet Archer brings a fresh new voice to the Austen genre and I can't wait to get started on her other book; The Importance of Being Emma.
Anne is a professor of Russian Literature and does not live at home. Mary has a drinking problem. Elizabeth, well, she will always be vapid and self absorbed, but now she goes to the gym. Rick is a marine biologist and an author who is coming home for a book tour. Charles likes to fish to get away from the house. One of the things I really liked about this story is that the author uses her own voice in her retelling.
In too many instances have I read a modern adaptation where the author is styling the prose in an Austenesque fashion, which usually falls short. This retelling was full of flawed and wonderful characters that spoke with voices that made them real for today's world. Juliet Archer brings a fresh new voice to the Austen genre and I can't wait to get started on her other book; The Importance of Being Emma.
March 21, 2013
When I bought Persuade me, I thought the story would be similar to Jane Austen's "Persuasion", but I didn't think it would be THAT similar.
Actually, the book is a complete copy of the real thing by Austen, only that instead of horses, you have sport cars and mobile phones. The same characters, the same problems, the same settings...
And for me, it didn't work because I couldn't help comparing it to Jane Austen's novel, which is of course, far much better.
So, entertaining, light read, but doesn't add anything new. A bit disappointed.
Actually, the book is a complete copy of the real thing by Austen, only that instead of horses, you have sport cars and mobile phones. The same characters, the same problems, the same settings...
And for me, it didn't work because I couldn't help comparing it to Jane Austen's novel, which is of course, far much better.
So, entertaining, light read, but doesn't add anything new. A bit disappointed.
July 16, 2012
Who doesn't love Jane Austen? Persuade Me is Juliet Archer's modern version of Persuasion, and it's lovely! It was great to see how Ms. Archer translated the characters into today's world. This modern retelling is fairly close to the original, and will definitely win over new readers who may not be aware of the phenom that is Jane Austen.
I just wonder which novel Juliet Archer will choose next to bring into modern times and how she'll do it!
I just wonder which novel Juliet Archer will choose next to bring into modern times and how she'll do it!
December 19, 2023
Un bel retelling in chiave moderna di Persuasione di Jane Austen. Anna e Rick si sono conosciuti dieci anni prima in Costa Azzurra, mentre lei, diciottenne, faceva da ragazza alla pari a due cugine russe (la madre era una nobile russa, Irina, che aveva sposato un baronetto inglese) e lui si era appena laureato in biologia marina e stava per trasferirsi in Australia. Tra loro era scoppiato un amore travolgente, tanto che Rick aveva chiesto ad Anna di partire con lui. Ma cosa ne sarebbe stato della sua laurea in lingua e letteratura russa che la aspettava a Oxford? Il loro amore viene boicottato in ogni modo dal padre di Anna e dalla sua madrina, la migliore amica della madre, tanto che Anna e Rick non riescono più a comunicare per dieci anni.
Adesso lui è diventato un biologo marino famosissimo, e ha appena scritto un saggio sulle abitudini di accoppiamento di alcune specie marine, che sta avendo un grande successo, tanto che torna in Inghilterra per un tour di firmacopie tutto esaurito.
I luoghi sono gli stessi del romanzo di Jane Austen, anche perché Anna insegna letteratura russa all'Università di Bath.
I Croft non sono in Marina, ma hanno un vivaio in espansione, per cui vogliono affittare le serre di Kellynch, la tenuta degli Elliot. Mrs Clay è Cleo (Cleopatra), una fintissima massaggiatrice francese che tenta di ridestare parti del corpo ormai sopite di Sir Walter, nella speranza di sposarlo, anche se Lisa, la sua figlia prediletta, non si rende conto dei motivi reconditi della sua amica. Che poi, gli Elliot - a parte Anna - sono super-classisti, ma accettano Cleo nella loro cerchia non si capisce per quale motivo. William Elliot è davvero appiccicoso, tanto che Anna ha difficoltà a toglierselo di torno. Sarà la sua amica/collega Jenny Smith a scoprire il suo doppio-gioco con Cleo e a liberare Anna una volta per tutte dallo stalker.
Un po' debole la parte finale, quella della lettera di Rick, forse perché Archer la fa arrivare troppo per gradi, quindi ha un impatto emotivo minore sul lettore, che già la aspetta, conoscendo Persuasione.
Adesso lui è diventato un biologo marino famosissimo, e ha appena scritto un saggio sulle abitudini di accoppiamento di alcune specie marine, che sta avendo un grande successo, tanto che torna in Inghilterra per un tour di firmacopie tutto esaurito.
I luoghi sono gli stessi del romanzo di Jane Austen, anche perché Anna insegna letteratura russa all'Università di Bath.
I Croft non sono in Marina, ma hanno un vivaio in espansione, per cui vogliono affittare le serre di Kellynch, la tenuta degli Elliot. Mrs Clay è Cleo (Cleopatra), una fintissima massaggiatrice francese che tenta di ridestare parti del corpo ormai sopite di Sir Walter, nella speranza di sposarlo, anche se Lisa, la sua figlia prediletta, non si rende conto dei motivi reconditi della sua amica. Che poi, gli Elliot - a parte Anna - sono super-classisti, ma accettano Cleo nella loro cerchia non si capisce per quale motivo. William Elliot è davvero appiccicoso, tanto che Anna ha difficoltà a toglierselo di torno. Sarà la sua amica/collega Jenny Smith a scoprire il suo doppio-gioco con Cleo e a liberare Anna una volta per tutte dallo stalker.
Un po' debole la parte finale, quella della lettera di Rick, forse perché Archer la fa arrivare troppo per gradi, quindi ha un impatto emotivo minore sul lettore, che già la aspetta, conoscendo Persuasione.
May 15, 2019
This book was a very close representation of Persuasion. I loved how it followed the story as well as added new aspects. Even if I have read Persuasion 17 million times and knew what was coming, I still found myself having anxiety when major things happened in this book. I also had all the feels when Rick and Anna were pining for each other and not able to vocalize their feelings. This book was one of the best variations I have read.
October 17, 2023
Persuasion is one of my favourite Jane Austen books. And I always want to see how other people adapt or interpret the story.
I must say this initially looked like it would be an interesting adaption but I didn’t really like it. It followed too much of the same beats of the first story and I didn’t really feel the anguish that Anne goes through upon seeing Wentworth again. There was also so much unnecessary dialogue from Walter and some of the other characters that didn’t rally add to the story.
I must say this initially looked like it would be an interesting adaption but I didn’t really like it. It followed too much of the same beats of the first story and I didn’t really feel the anguish that Anne goes through upon seeing Wentworth again. There was also so much unnecessary dialogue from Walter and some of the other characters that didn’t rally add to the story.
July 18, 2022
A fun modernization. I liked what she did with the characters and setting, but the writing and dialogue was clunky at times. Also a decent middle ground between "sweet and clean" and "bodice ripper".
September 15, 2011
If I tell you that Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors and has been since I was a teenager; that Persuasion is not only my favourite of all her books but one of my all-time favourite books; and that Captain Wentworth is my favourite literary hero, then you'll probably understand why I might have been slow to flick open Juliet Archer's Persuade Me, a modern retelling of Persuasion.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for modern revamps of classic books and films. When they're done well, they can give you a fresh take on the original and guide you back to revisiting an old friend or introduce you to a new one. But when they're done badly, they're a travesty and I rue the loss of valuable reading or viewing time.
Happily, Juliet Archer has done a fantastic job with Persuade Me and my love of Persuasion not only remains undimmed but it might even have been reinforced, if that's possible. The beauty of ChocLit titles is that they offer you the story not only from the heroine's perspective but also from that of the hero and, with such an appealing hero as Rick Wentworth, that's one of the main draws here. You finally get inside Wentworth's head and find out what he's thinking and feeling. Being able to do so does mean that the Will-they?, Won't-they? suspense of the original is compromised slightly but Juliet Archer handles things in such a way that she still manages to retain much of the tension, right up to the last possible moment. Besides, it was terrific fun to see just what a modern Wentworth might be like. Rick Wentworth, marine biologist, is a clever imagining of what Austen's hero could be today. He's every bit as passionate and impulsive as the Captain Frederick Wentworth of the original.
The heroine, Anna, is a character that I couldn't help liking and wouldn't mind being friends with, were she real. I also loved the Musgrove family and the Crofts every bit as much as I did the ones in Austen's novel and I definitely approved of Mrs Smith's modern-day equivalent and her situation. That was a lovely touch. It was a lot of fun to recognise each and every modern equivalent of much-loved (or hated, in some cases) characters and I enjoyed how Juliet Archer updated the key events, making it especially relevant in our seemingly celebrity-obsessed times.
You don't need to know or love Persuasion to enjoy Persuade Me. The book easily holds its own and is a great read in its own right and, if you haven't read Persuasion, you'll hopefully enjoy Persuade Me enough to want to see where the inspiration for it came from.
I read Persuade Me straight through in one sitting. I hadn't meant to but once I started I didn't want to put it down, even though I knew exactly how the story would end. I eventually finished it around 5am on Monday. That's the sign of a good read in my book.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for modern revamps of classic books and films. When they're done well, they can give you a fresh take on the original and guide you back to revisiting an old friend or introduce you to a new one. But when they're done badly, they're a travesty and I rue the loss of valuable reading or viewing time.
Happily, Juliet Archer has done a fantastic job with Persuade Me and my love of Persuasion not only remains undimmed but it might even have been reinforced, if that's possible. The beauty of ChocLit titles is that they offer you the story not only from the heroine's perspective but also from that of the hero and, with such an appealing hero as Rick Wentworth, that's one of the main draws here. You finally get inside Wentworth's head and find out what he's thinking and feeling. Being able to do so does mean that the Will-they?, Won't-they? suspense of the original is compromised slightly but Juliet Archer handles things in such a way that she still manages to retain much of the tension, right up to the last possible moment. Besides, it was terrific fun to see just what a modern Wentworth might be like. Rick Wentworth, marine biologist, is a clever imagining of what Austen's hero could be today. He's every bit as passionate and impulsive as the Captain Frederick Wentworth of the original.
The heroine, Anna, is a character that I couldn't help liking and wouldn't mind being friends with, were she real. I also loved the Musgrove family and the Crofts every bit as much as I did the ones in Austen's novel and I definitely approved of Mrs Smith's modern-day equivalent and her situation. That was a lovely touch. It was a lot of fun to recognise each and every modern equivalent of much-loved (or hated, in some cases) characters and I enjoyed how Juliet Archer updated the key events, making it especially relevant in our seemingly celebrity-obsessed times.
You don't need to know or love Persuasion to enjoy Persuade Me. The book easily holds its own and is a great read in its own right and, if you haven't read Persuasion, you'll hopefully enjoy Persuade Me enough to want to see where the inspiration for it came from.
I read Persuade Me straight through in one sitting. I hadn't meant to but once I started I didn't want to put it down, even though I knew exactly how the story would end. I eventually finished it around 5am on Monday. That's the sign of a good read in my book.
February 22, 2012
Quand je vois un livre autour de Persuasion, j'avoue, je réfléchis peu! Du coup, je ne savais même pas à quoi m'attendre véritablement avec ce livre avant de lire les premières pages et de me rendre compte que nous étions dans une réécriture moderne. Et là, je me suis dit "Aïe, j'ai tellement aimé Persuading Annie que ça va être dur d'être au niveau"!
Pourtant, dès la première page, nous sommes face à une entrée en matière des plus intéressantes, un prologue écrit par Mr. Darcy himself! Ensuite, les évènements commencent à se mettre en place et je ne peux m'empêcher de remarquer que Juliet Archer est un peu moins fidèle dans les détails que Melissa Nathan, allant jusqu'à faire vivre cette pauvre Anne à Bath, alors qu'elle déteste cette ville! Bien que je ne comprenne toujours pas l'interet de tels changements, je découvre très rapidemment qu'il existe en réalité deux sortes de réécriture: celles fidèle aux faits, et celles fidèles à l'esprit du livre! Et là, c'est incroyable, à peine quelques pages de lus et on se croit réellement retombé dans Persuasion! Juliet Archer a un don fantastique pour vous transporter dans une ambiance identique, ce qui parait pourtant difficile dans le monde moderne!
Je sais à peine que dire de plus, à partir de ce moment-là, la lecture est juste magique! Il faudra encore faire abstractions de quelques changements un peu agassant et toujours aussi inutiles, mais pas de doute, Anne et le Capitaine sont bien sous mes yeux, à revivre leur histoire! Il est intéressant ici de connaître le point de vue de Rick (le Capitaine) et de voir ses sentiments évoluer: sa colère, sa rancoeur, son amour... Pour une première lecture de l'histoire, je préfère sans aucun doute le mystère installé par Jane! Mais bon, là je connais déjà la fin, donc! Et Juliet Archer a un don particulier pour dépeindre les personnages d'ailleurs, à la limite de la caricature, comme Jane Austen. La famille d'Anne est particulièrement insupportable, comme il se doit et les parents Musgrove ainsi que les Croft sont des gens que l'on aimerait rencontrer. En fait, elle est tellement habile à vous attacher à ses personnages que j'aime presque plus son Anna, que Anne!
On ne se contente pas non plus ici d'être dans la chick-lit! Si on a des passages particulièrement désopilants, ou à aussi des scènes tristes, d'autres déchirantes, et de vrais réflexions sur ce que l'on fait de sa vie. Vous l'avez compris, c'est un coup de coeur! Je me suis couchée à quatre heures du matin pour le finir (comme si je ne connaissais pas déjà le dénouement!!) et si ça ne vaut pas Jane Austen, Juliet Archer s'en sort plus qu'honorablement!
Pourtant, dès la première page, nous sommes face à une entrée en matière des plus intéressantes, un prologue écrit par Mr. Darcy himself! Ensuite, les évènements commencent à se mettre en place et je ne peux m'empêcher de remarquer que Juliet Archer est un peu moins fidèle dans les détails que Melissa Nathan, allant jusqu'à faire vivre cette pauvre Anne à Bath, alors qu'elle déteste cette ville! Bien que je ne comprenne toujours pas l'interet de tels changements, je découvre très rapidemment qu'il existe en réalité deux sortes de réécriture: celles fidèle aux faits, et celles fidèles à l'esprit du livre! Et là, c'est incroyable, à peine quelques pages de lus et on se croit réellement retombé dans Persuasion! Juliet Archer a un don fantastique pour vous transporter dans une ambiance identique, ce qui parait pourtant difficile dans le monde moderne!
Je sais à peine que dire de plus, à partir de ce moment-là, la lecture est juste magique! Il faudra encore faire abstractions de quelques changements un peu agassant et toujours aussi inutiles, mais pas de doute, Anne et le Capitaine sont bien sous mes yeux, à revivre leur histoire! Il est intéressant ici de connaître le point de vue de Rick (le Capitaine) et de voir ses sentiments évoluer: sa colère, sa rancoeur, son amour... Pour une première lecture de l'histoire, je préfère sans aucun doute le mystère installé par Jane! Mais bon, là je connais déjà la fin, donc! Et Juliet Archer a un don particulier pour dépeindre les personnages d'ailleurs, à la limite de la caricature, comme Jane Austen. La famille d'Anne est particulièrement insupportable, comme il se doit et les parents Musgrove ainsi que les Croft sont des gens que l'on aimerait rencontrer. En fait, elle est tellement habile à vous attacher à ses personnages que j'aime presque plus son Anna, que Anne!
On ne se contente pas non plus ici d'être dans la chick-lit! Si on a des passages particulièrement désopilants, ou à aussi des scènes tristes, d'autres déchirantes, et de vrais réflexions sur ce que l'on fait de sa vie. Vous l'avez compris, c'est un coup de coeur! Je me suis couchée à quatre heures du matin pour le finir (comme si je ne connaissais pas déjà le dénouement!!) et si ça ne vaut pas Jane Austen, Juliet Archer s'en sort plus qu'honorablement!
September 2, 2014
I absolutely loved 'Persuade Me'. Having enjoyed 'The Importance of Being Emma', I was slightly afraid that the novelty of modern Austen adaptations might have worn off, but if anything, I enjoyed this second book even more, though the reasons for that were largely personal.
Being a great fan of all things Antipodean, I loved the fact that Rick Wentworth had spent time as a marine biologist in Australia. Back in the UK, he reconnects with old flame Anna, now a lecturer in Russian Literature at... wait for it... Bath, where I studied for my MA in Creative Writing. Since Bath is also the home of all things Austen, there were plenty of opportunities for nods to the town's literary heritage as well as its unique style.
Even leaving aside the many personal connections, though, I would still have loved this fresh, modern take on a classic love story. Like Austen herself, Archer delivers a witty take on issues of class, alongside a sweet yet sassy tale of two lovers destined to be together but continually thwarted by circumstances. At times, the obstacles verged on implausibility, but the characterisation and storytelling, as well as the quality of the writing, kept me enthralled throughout.
Being a great fan of all things Antipodean, I loved the fact that Rick Wentworth had spent time as a marine biologist in Australia. Back in the UK, he reconnects with old flame Anna, now a lecturer in Russian Literature at... wait for it... Bath, where I studied for my MA in Creative Writing. Since Bath is also the home of all things Austen, there were plenty of opportunities for nods to the town's literary heritage as well as its unique style.
Even leaving aside the many personal connections, though, I would still have loved this fresh, modern take on a classic love story. Like Austen herself, Archer delivers a witty take on issues of class, alongside a sweet yet sassy tale of two lovers destined to be together but continually thwarted by circumstances. At times, the obstacles verged on implausibility, but the characterisation and storytelling, as well as the quality of the writing, kept me enthralled throughout.
March 3, 2012
Oops! How did I forget to review this?! Well - better late than never.
This is a hard book to rate. For the first half I liked this book much better than the first book in the series, but then I completely plateued with it. It took me a while to force myself to finish it though and in the end I didn't like it much. Went from a 4 star to about a 2.5 star. So I am giving it 3 stars over all.
I enjoyed the characters and it did try to stay true to the overall original story, but the ending veered off course so much I just found it unbelieveable and a bit too ambitious.
Still this series by Juliet Archer is a great addition to the Jane Austen sequels/remakes that are on the market. So if you enjoy these types of stories you will surely enjoy these. I will continue to read her works and am looking forward to her Northanger Abbey rendition.
This is a hard book to rate. For the first half I liked this book much better than the first book in the series, but then I completely plateued with it. It took me a while to force myself to finish it though and in the end I didn't like it much. Went from a 4 star to about a 2.5 star. So I am giving it 3 stars over all.
I enjoyed the characters and it did try to stay true to the overall original story, but the ending veered off course so much I just found it unbelieveable and a bit too ambitious.
Still this series by Juliet Archer is a great addition to the Jane Austen sequels/remakes that are on the market. So if you enjoy these types of stories you will surely enjoy these. I will continue to read her works and am looking forward to her Northanger Abbey rendition.
September 10, 2011
We've all heard the saying, "when you assume, you make an ass of you and me." In this book, there's a LOT of assuming and thus, a lot of people making asses of themselves... and that's part of what makes this book so funny and entertaining.
Quick summary: Rick and Anna loved each other long ago, but her snotty family convinced her to give him up. She lives in England. He lives in Australia. Ten years after their tragic romance, he is right in her backyard doing a book tour. Do they have a second chance?
The characters... my gawd.. the family of Anna. It is like a comedy sitcom. Walter is so full of himself....
For full review, please click on the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
Quick summary: Rick and Anna loved each other long ago, but her snotty family convinced her to give him up. She lives in England. He lives in Australia. Ten years after their tragic romance, he is right in her backyard doing a book tour. Do they have a second chance?
The characters... my gawd.. the family of Anna. It is like a comedy sitcom. Walter is so full of himself....
For full review, please click on the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
June 20, 2012
Finished last night, it took me a while to get into the style of the story.
It was very similar to the original style of Austin's writing of Persuasion (which I found to be a bit of a slog to read, eventually resorting to the audio book).
I left Persuade Me sitting on my kindle for a day thinking of starting another book with a more fast paced story but found that I wanted to finish it and I was very happy that I did.
Characters were all believable and certainly complimented Austin's originals, but still a good stand alone book for people who have not read the original.
I recommend this is added to any romantic readers bookshelf.
It was very similar to the original style of Austin's writing of Persuasion (which I found to be a bit of a slog to read, eventually resorting to the audio book).
I left Persuade Me sitting on my kindle for a day thinking of starting another book with a more fast paced story but found that I wanted to finish it and I was very happy that I did.
Characters were all believable and certainly complimented Austin's originals, but still a good stand alone book for people who have not read the original.
I recommend this is added to any romantic readers bookshelf.
January 12, 2014
I picked up this book not knowing it was an Austen adaptation. In case that sounds weird, it's because I didn't choose this book, it came to me - possibly at a conference. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have started it, as I am not normally a fan of adaptations, especially of books I like and Austen's Persuastion is a favourite. But Ms Archer won me over. She did a good job of updating the characters without over-changing the story and some of her characterisations I particularly enjoyed. I'm still not convinced that I love the idea of rewriting classics, but I did enjoy reading this, so credit where it is due!
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