Pride and Persuasion: A sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion

by Annette Mann

Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion closes with Anne Elliot finding her happy ending at last with Captain Frederick Wentworth. But what of her proud older sister Elizabeth – and their equally proud widower father, Sir Walter Elliot?

Pride and Persuasion imagines what happened next to the Elliots of Bath: Sir Walter, who longs to return to the family estate of Kellynch Hall – and also longs to have a son and heir – and his daughter Elizabeth, newly bruised by the double betrayal of her cousin William Elliot and her friend Mrs. Clay, and now inexplicably drawn to the man who conducts Anne’s wedding: Frederick’s brother, the parson Edward Wentworth…

A romantic, uplifting and delightful read – featuring a cast of characters both familiar and new – Pride and Persuasion shows that it’s never too late to swallow your pride, to be persuaded (by the right people) and most of to find love.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2025

About the author

Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in 1937, Annette Mann (née Garrs) grew up with a love of music, art and literature – including the books of Jane Austen.

After leaving school at 16, she worked as a library assistant at the University of Leeds’ Brotherton Library, before training to be a teacher. Settling in the West Midlands and raising four children, she was a primary school teacher until 1999.

Written in her retirement, Pride and Persuasion is Annette’s first novel to go out in the world – at the tender age of 88.

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a few Austen sequels, and what I liked about this one was it focused on two of the ‘bad’ characters in Persuasion in an attempt to redeem them.

For the most part it succeeded and I was glad to read of Elizabeth’s journey to being a far nicer woman and although Sir Walter remained a little silly he also became far more likeable. I also liked the new characters introduced (Edward, Shapwick, Mary Wright and Frances) and they felt as if they fitted into that world. It was lovely to get glimpses of Anne and Frederick again, although we never found out why Anne appeared pale and tired whenever she was mentioned. Is there a sequel? And I was heartened that Mary was still awful - haha - but do wonder just what Sarah is putting in her tonics to keep her placid.
I initially thought the story would be focused on revenge against William Eliot and Mrs Clay, but it veered off on a wider tangent until the end when we get news of them.
So, yes, I enjoyed reading this (certainly much more than Death comes to Pemberley) and it was an easy read with good pace.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flawed, but also oddly satisfying. It was nice to see some of Austen's original characters get their proper comeuppance, and I like that Elizabeth Elliot got her own book. 2.5 rounded up.

[Linda Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and charming

This debut novel indeed picks up where Persuasion leaves off. It envisions a post-Persuasion world where Sir Walter, through the love of a good woman, becomes a better man, while Elizabeth Elliot realizes that true friends are more important than empty class-based socializing. Alas, the course of true love for Elizabeth and the widowed Edward Wentworth doth not run easy, but despite jealousy, the requisite misunderstandings, and some backsliding on Elizabeth’s part, the Happily Ever After is satisfyingly achieved.

[Pattisue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Faithful Heart

Edward Wentworth as watchful and kind as any gentle man patiently serves his flock. Elizabeth Elliot has hidden behind a shield of pride for many years. Can Edwards’s gentle ministrations peer beneath her façade to the tender heart within? This story remains faithful to Austen’s beloved characters. Finally, Elizabeth will discover joy and love.

[Svetlana Krajinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this well written exploration of the Persuasion universe. My only disappointment was on discovering the author has only written the one book! I sincerely hope she will be ‘persuaded’ (excuse the pun) to pen more tales.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Persuasion sequel, where Sir Walter and Elizabeth return to Bath, after the wedding of Anne and Wentworth but circumstances have changed and both long to return to Kellynch Hall. Can either have a happy ending.
An entertaining story.

[NANCY L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth's Persuasion

What a wonderful read. All the angst and romance ! Lady Russell as a matchmaker was so much fun to read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Anne Elliot marries Captain Frederick Wentworth, her father and sister remain in Bath, without adequate funds to return to Kellynch Hall, where Admiral and Mrs. Croft are letting. Elizabeth Elliot and Lady Russell soon begin to make a match for Sir Walter Elliot in the form of a wealthy Mrs. Graham, a recent widow. As Elizabeth becomes friends with Lady Frances Graham and her young daughter Betsy, she and her father begin to learn to be more caring and compassionate. Sir Walter and Lady Frances marry and the family is once again able to move back home to Kellynch Hall, while the Crofts move to a home nearby. Mrs. Croft’s brother takes the job at the parsonage there, where Elizabeth begins to get to know him better. After a few misunderstandings concerning other supposed relationships, the two are finally drawn together with a love they thought they would never find. Kudos to author Annette Mann, who is a retired library assistant and primary school teacher, and wrote this book at 88 years of age!

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing as it started off with cuts by so many to the Elliots and so mildly felt by the two pride driven Elliots. But the story is about their change as Elizabeth becomes more understanding and her father find a new love and marries. Very whirlwind and then the books shuffles along with a bits about the other characters from the main book and one misunderstanding after another until Elizabeth finds love.
Contrary to all disavowing, gossip was a standard in all classes, and it wouldn't have been such a slog if Elizabeth, Lady Russell or even the Musgroves received letters from London concerning what was going on with Mrs. Clay and Mr William Elliot. The rush bits at the end weren't satisfying.

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this continuation of Persuasion was believable. We hear about many of the characters - Anne’s older sister Elizabeth is the main character of this book. The addition of songs, poems and Shakespeare is well done. Unfortunately the story didn’t hold my interest after about 65% and I started to skim.

[Leonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I never thought of Elizabeth or Sir Walter's stories. I expected more of Anne in it but found I only missed her a little because of Mrs Graham.

[Beth Grider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I appreciated the concept, the character development left me skeptical. Changes in personality were too sudden to be convincing.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big Austen fan and don’t always care for reimagined stories; however I really enjoyed this continuation of Elizabeth and Sir Elliott.