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Awesomely Austen
Jane Austen's Persuasion
A fresh, funny and accessible retelling of Jane Austen's classic story, with witty black and white illustrations throughout.
When she was just nineteen, Anne Elliot followed the wishes of her father and turned down the proposal of the man she loved - a naval officer called Frederick Wentworth.
Years later, Captain Wentworth returns from his time at sea, and Anne dares to hope that their paths might cross once more.
But the course of true love is bumpy at best - will Anne and Frederick ever be reunited?
Narinder Dhami is the author of The Sleepover Club and The Beautiful Game series. Jane Austen is her favourite author of all time and she can't wait to introduce a new audience to Austen's final novel.
Églantine Ceulemans captures all of Austen's satire and wit, bringing her colourful casts to life with warm and funny black and white illustrations.
Illustrated and retold editions are also available for: Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey. The perfect way to discover Austen for the first time, this bright and bold collection features some of the most inspiring and famous heroines in English literature. For readers aged eight and up.
When she was just nineteen, Anne Elliot followed the wishes of her father and turned down the proposal of the man she loved - a naval officer called Frederick Wentworth.
Years later, Captain Wentworth returns from his time at sea, and Anne dares to hope that their paths might cross once more.
But the course of true love is bumpy at best - will Anne and Frederick ever be reunited?
Narinder Dhami is the author of The Sleepover Club and The Beautiful Game series. Jane Austen is her favourite author of all time and she can't wait to introduce a new audience to Austen's final novel.
Églantine Ceulemans captures all of Austen's satire and wit, bringing her colourful casts to life with warm and funny black and white illustrations.
Illustrated and retold editions are also available for: Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey. The perfect way to discover Austen for the first time, this bright and bold collection features some of the most inspiring and famous heroines in English literature. For readers aged eight and up.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2019
12 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 7, 2022
’Their story, Anne thought, was like a fairy tale, because she and Frederick would certainly live happily ever after.’
awwww this was just absolutely adorable! I saw this in my library and instantly needed to read it. If these books would’ve been out when I was young, I surely would’ve read them and I think reading them really made me all warm and cosy. It’s definitely made me want to reread Persuasion and experience this beautiful love story all over again.
awwww this was just absolutely adorable! I saw this in my library and instantly needed to read it. If these books would’ve been out when I was young, I surely would’ve read them and I think reading them really made me all warm and cosy. It’s definitely made me want to reread Persuasion and experience this beautiful love story all over again.
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April 24, 2023Reading this mostly to see how it compares to the Awesomely Austen Pride and Prejudice, since all six novels in this line are adapted by different authors.
I do think this is marginally less successful than that one, particularly towards the end - though, in fairness, the Bath section and the whole Mrs Smith subplot is a bit rushed even in the original Persuasion, so maybe that’s not entirely Narinder Dhami’s fault. (Though I am a little bitter that she cut almost the entirety of Anne and Captain Harville's conversation - aka one of the most famous and powerful passages!). I also had a little trouble differentiating between the characters in the illustrations, especially the women.
But, overall it's still very sweet, and a pretty faithful adaptation, so I recommend for children aged about 8-10yo. (And my sister is currently on her third one of these, so you can add her recommendation to mine too)
I do think this is marginally less successful than that one, particularly towards the end - though, in fairness, the Bath section and the whole Mrs Smith subplot is a bit rushed even in the original Persuasion, so maybe that’s not entirely Narinder Dhami’s fault. (Though I am a little bitter that she cut almost the entirety of Anne and Captain Harville's conversation - aka one of the most famous and powerful passages!). I also had a little trouble differentiating between the characters in the illustrations, especially the women.
But, overall it's still very sweet, and a pretty faithful adaptation, so I recommend for children aged about 8-10yo. (And my sister is currently on her third one of these, so you can add her recommendation to mine too)
May 6, 2021
Molto bellino questo retelling di Persuasione per bambini con le illustrazioni di Eglantine Ceulemans. L'ho trovato forse i migliori tra i quattro che ho letto della serie Magnifica Jane Austen. Dhami ha scelto di far sposare Benwick a Frances Harville, probabilmente per far comprendere meglio il legame tra loro ai giovani lettori. Per il resto, tutto molto fedele e compendioso. Spero che escano presto anche gli ultimi due della serie.
December 19, 2024
I love Persuasion so much and this edition did the original justice. Once again, I love how these editions stay true to the story and make it digestible for a younger audience. I love the illustrations and the back matter. Highly recommend!
April 3, 2021
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/p...
Parto subito con una confessione che vi farà inorridire: nonostante abbia in casa i libri di Jane Austen in più edizioni (sono pazza lo sapete) non li ho mai letti. Ok adesso fate un profondo respiro e se potete non odiatemi. L’occasione di approcciarmi alle sue storie è arrivata grazie a questi magnifici volumi illustrati in cui delle bravissime autrici di libri per ragazzi hanno accolto la sfida di riadattare per un pubblico giovane le parole e le storie della Magnifica Jane Austen.
Per me è stato subito amore e quando mi è stata data la possibilità di recensirli ho colto la palla al balzo. Il primo che ho letto è Persuasione, ma a breve troverete anche il mio pensiero su Emma e Orgoglio e Pregiudizio. Tutti ugualmente adorabili, tutti così belli da far venir voglia a chiunque di fare un viaggio indietro nel tempo e poter vivere le avventure delle nostre splendide eroine.
Anne Elliot ha accarezzato l’amore e se l’è lasciato scivolare via dalle mani. Otto anni prima era una giovane ragazza di diciannove anni che sapeva poco della vita e si è lasciata condizionare dal pensiero che Lady Russell aveva del capitano Frederick Wentworth. Per lei quel giovane marinaio non era degno di sposare Anne e il padre non avrebbe mai approvato questa unione lasciandola senza dote. Così i sogni d’amore dei due giovani andarono a infrangersi e il capitano Wentworth rimase molto amareggiato dalla scelta di Anne. Una ragazza che si lascia convincere così facilmente non meritava di stare al suo fianco. Anche perché la famiglia di Anne è una di quelle da cui si dovrebbe fuggire a gambe levate, sono tutti così concentrati su se stessi e melodrammatici che le avrebbe fatto un gran bene allontanarsi da loro.
Li conosciamo man mano, prima il padre e la sorella maggiore, sir Walter Elliot e Elizabeth Elliot, entrambi convinti che la bellezza e i soldi possano dare la felicità. Per loro ostentare ciò che posseggono è tutto, sono vanesi e spendaccioni, tanto da aver messo la famiglia in difficoltà economiche e aver bisogno di ridimensionarsi per non rischiare di restare senza il becco di un quattrino. Non hanno nessuna intenzione di rinunciare agli agi o vendere Kellynch Hall, la splendida residenza che passerà nelle mani di un lontano parente alla morte di sir Elliot e l’unica cosa che possono accettare è di metterla in affitto e trasferirsi per un periodo a Bath, anche lì in una residenza lussuosa ovviamente, ma che abbia meno spese di mantenimento.
È deciso la famiglia si trasferirà e con loro andrà anche un’amica di Elizabeth che ha mire ben precise. Anne non ha alcuna voglia di seguirli e quindi accetta di stare per un periodo a casa della sorella minore e attendere che passi a prenderla Lady Russell per condurla a Bath. Mary, sorella di Anne, non è una gran compagnia, nulla le va mai bene, è sempre pronta a lamentarsi e a fare capricci, per fortuna il marito, Charles Musgrove e la sua famiglia sono una compagnia più piacevole e Anne ama passare del tempo con loro nonostante tutti reclamino di continuo la sua attenzione. Va tutto bene fino al giorno in cui rincontra proprio il capitano Frederick Wentworth, il suo primo e unico amore. Anne fa di tutto per spegnere le emozioni, il suo cuore palpita fortissimo quando lo vede, ma sa di non avere più nessuna possibilità dopo il modo in cui si sono lasciati otto anni prima. Sarà davvero così?
Ho apprezzato davvero tanto le illustrazioni che sono splendide e sanno cogliere gli stati d’animo dei protagonisti. Bella l’evoluzione della storia, le caratterizzazioni di tutti i personaggi perché nulla viene lasciato al caso e nonostante il riadattamento è facile intuire le peculiarità di ognuno di loro. Avverto le piccole lettrici che saranno molti quelli che troveranno indigesti, sorelle e padre di Anne su tutti, ma che ci saranno anche delle belle sorprese perché non tutti sono come appaiono all’inizio e Anne dovrà ricredersi più di una volta.
Piccole lettrici e grandi amanti di Jane Austen non potete permettervi di lasciarvi sfuggire una serie così bella, visti insieme questi romanzi sono una delizia per gli occhi e presi singolarmente sapranno allietare le vostre giornate e farvi credere nella potenza del vero amore.
Parto subito con una confessione che vi farà inorridire: nonostante abbia in casa i libri di Jane Austen in più edizioni (sono pazza lo sapete) non li ho mai letti. Ok adesso fate un profondo respiro e se potete non odiatemi. L’occasione di approcciarmi alle sue storie è arrivata grazie a questi magnifici volumi illustrati in cui delle bravissime autrici di libri per ragazzi hanno accolto la sfida di riadattare per un pubblico giovane le parole e le storie della Magnifica Jane Austen.
Per me è stato subito amore e quando mi è stata data la possibilità di recensirli ho colto la palla al balzo. Il primo che ho letto è Persuasione, ma a breve troverete anche il mio pensiero su Emma e Orgoglio e Pregiudizio. Tutti ugualmente adorabili, tutti così belli da far venir voglia a chiunque di fare un viaggio indietro nel tempo e poter vivere le avventure delle nostre splendide eroine.
Anne Elliot ha accarezzato l’amore e se l’è lasciato scivolare via dalle mani. Otto anni prima era una giovane ragazza di diciannove anni che sapeva poco della vita e si è lasciata condizionare dal pensiero che Lady Russell aveva del capitano Frederick Wentworth. Per lei quel giovane marinaio non era degno di sposare Anne e il padre non avrebbe mai approvato questa unione lasciandola senza dote. Così i sogni d’amore dei due giovani andarono a infrangersi e il capitano Wentworth rimase molto amareggiato dalla scelta di Anne. Una ragazza che si lascia convincere così facilmente non meritava di stare al suo fianco. Anche perché la famiglia di Anne è una di quelle da cui si dovrebbe fuggire a gambe levate, sono tutti così concentrati su se stessi e melodrammatici che le avrebbe fatto un gran bene allontanarsi da loro.
Li conosciamo man mano, prima il padre e la sorella maggiore, sir Walter Elliot e Elizabeth Elliot, entrambi convinti che la bellezza e i soldi possano dare la felicità. Per loro ostentare ciò che posseggono è tutto, sono vanesi e spendaccioni, tanto da aver messo la famiglia in difficoltà economiche e aver bisogno di ridimensionarsi per non rischiare di restare senza il becco di un quattrino. Non hanno nessuna intenzione di rinunciare agli agi o vendere Kellynch Hall, la splendida residenza che passerà nelle mani di un lontano parente alla morte di sir Elliot e l’unica cosa che possono accettare è di metterla in affitto e trasferirsi per un periodo a Bath, anche lì in una residenza lussuosa ovviamente, ma che abbia meno spese di mantenimento.
È deciso la famiglia si trasferirà e con loro andrà anche un’amica di Elizabeth che ha mire ben precise. Anne non ha alcuna voglia di seguirli e quindi accetta di stare per un periodo a casa della sorella minore e attendere che passi a prenderla Lady Russell per condurla a Bath. Mary, sorella di Anne, non è una gran compagnia, nulla le va mai bene, è sempre pronta a lamentarsi e a fare capricci, per fortuna il marito, Charles Musgrove e la sua famiglia sono una compagnia più piacevole e Anne ama passare del tempo con loro nonostante tutti reclamino di continuo la sua attenzione. Va tutto bene fino al giorno in cui rincontra proprio il capitano Frederick Wentworth, il suo primo e unico amore. Anne fa di tutto per spegnere le emozioni, il suo cuore palpita fortissimo quando lo vede, ma sa di non avere più nessuna possibilità dopo il modo in cui si sono lasciati otto anni prima. Sarà davvero così?
Ho apprezzato davvero tanto le illustrazioni che sono splendide e sanno cogliere gli stati d’animo dei protagonisti. Bella l’evoluzione della storia, le caratterizzazioni di tutti i personaggi perché nulla viene lasciato al caso e nonostante il riadattamento è facile intuire le peculiarità di ognuno di loro. Avverto le piccole lettrici che saranno molti quelli che troveranno indigesti, sorelle e padre di Anne su tutti, ma che ci saranno anche delle belle sorprese perché non tutti sono come appaiono all’inizio e Anne dovrà ricredersi più di una volta.
Piccole lettrici e grandi amanti di Jane Austen non potete permettervi di lasciarvi sfuggire una serie così bella, visti insieme questi romanzi sono una delizia per gli occhi e presi singolarmente sapranno allietare le vostre giornate e farvi credere nella potenza del vero amore.
October 16, 2022
Fabulous! You root for Anne to finally be able to talk to Frederick about there love for each other but she can’t make the first move, or any move… but but a lot of twists and turns they finally get engaged!! She is a quite girl who loves walking and shopping
December 12, 2023
This is OK for the audience it is aimed at - children. Certainly an adequate introduction to a great author, although it is not in itself particularly well written. I have given 3 stars rather than four because the drawings are unbelievably bad and because one of the most romantic letters Austen wrote
is unsympathetically butchered.
is unsympathetically butchered.
December 2, 2020
From September 2019 to October 2020, we were treated to a series of splendid illustrated books, drawn by Églantine Ceulemans, collectively entitled “Awesomely Austen – Illustrated and Retold.” The series features all of Austen’s completed novels, repackaged as enjoyable children’s books, seeking to introduce the delights of Jane Austen to a younger generation while also entertaining long-time fans.
Since these books are aimed primarily at children and young adults, Jane Austen’s most memorable quotes are understandably absent. Written in Regency-era “British” English, Austen’s original prose may be difficult for younger readers to fully appreciate.
As such, long-time fans should not expect to read such iconic and deliciously witty statements as Pride and Prejudice's “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" or Emma's “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”
In their place are wonderful retellings done in a language more accessible to their target audience, accompanied by Ms. Ceuleman’s charmingly quirky illustrations.
These children’s books retain the spirit of Austen’s wicked wit, insightful social commentary, and ahead-of-its-time focus on strong female protagonists.
In this way, the “Awesomely Austen” series provides a wonderful venue for a new generation readers to discover the delights of Jane Austen, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Since these books are aimed primarily at children and young adults, Jane Austen’s most memorable quotes are understandably absent. Written in Regency-era “British” English, Austen’s original prose may be difficult for younger readers to fully appreciate.
As such, long-time fans should not expect to read such iconic and deliciously witty statements as Pride and Prejudice's “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" or Emma's “Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her.”
In their place are wonderful retellings done in a language more accessible to their target audience, accompanied by Ms. Ceuleman’s charmingly quirky illustrations.
These children’s books retain the spirit of Austen’s wicked wit, insightful social commentary, and ahead-of-its-time focus on strong female protagonists.
In this way, the “Awesomely Austen” series provides a wonderful venue for a new generation readers to discover the delights of Jane Austen, ensuring that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
March 31, 2022
Anne Elliot was in love eight years ago, however, her family talked her out of the match. Now her family is not so rich and her ex-fiancee is back and has made his wealth. Anen can't tell what Wentworth is feeling and wants to tell him everything that happened. As these two continue they are constantly thrown back together. Can true love conquer all? Originally Persuasion was my least favorite of Jane Austen's works. The more versions I have read the more I appreciate the story. I loved this cute version for kids. It was sweet.
August 8, 2021
This was my first Jane Austen story that I had no previous exposure to, so every scene that unravelled was new to me.
I didn't expect it to be so dramatic though. My previous experiences of Jane Austen were not like this. The dislocated collarbone?! The concussion?! And then, of course, the 'Are they going to die?! Is she dead?!' I almost forgot that the story was set in the 1800s, and it made me laugh. The plot twist with Captain Benwick also threw me for a loop and I never thought a Jane Austen book would draw that kind of reaction out of me.
This is the second book of the Awesomely Austen series and I've really enjoyed being able to experience Austen's stories without the language that I find so hard to get past. It's definitely made me want to purchase the other books in the series.
I didn't expect it to be so dramatic though. My previous experiences of Jane Austen were not like this. The dislocated collarbone?! The concussion?! And then, of course, the 'Are they going to die?! Is she dead?!' I almost forgot that the story was set in the 1800s, and it made me laugh. The plot twist with Captain Benwick also threw me for a loop and I never thought a Jane Austen book would draw that kind of reaction out of me.
This is the second book of the Awesomely Austen series and I've really enjoyed being able to experience Austen's stories without the language that I find so hard to get past. It's definitely made me want to purchase the other books in the series.
February 10, 2023
If you want to get into Austen’s literary works but are struggling to get your head around the language I encourage giving these a read to learn the story and characters! These are such cute adaptations of the books that are true to the story but the language is written for younger readers! I really enjoyed reading persuasion in this format and felt like it takes less mental energy to read the originals now that I know the general storyline! I’m also now collecting these books as heirlooms lol.
September 3, 2021
4.5 stars but with caution. This is a retelling of the classic and done exceedingly well. I was impressed that the story is kept as a whole but pared down for younger readers. I would recommend Ms. Dhami's rendition for advanced early readers through middle grades. The audiobook would make a great introduction to Jane Austin's tale for reluctant readers or those who have trouble 'getting into' the older British English that is used.
Audiobook: excellent narrator
Audiobook: excellent narrator
February 20, 2022
I recieved the complete Awesome Austen collection last year and with finishing this book I have completed the series. While it has been a wonderful journey, Persuasion was my least favourite.
Anne and Captain Wentworth were once deeply in love and planned to get married. Unfortunately Captain Wentworth was poor so Anne was convinced not to marry him. Years later the couple meet again and Wentworth has made his fortune. But can heartache be overcome and love found again once lost.
Anne and Captain Wentworth were once deeply in love and planned to get married. Unfortunately Captain Wentworth was poor so Anne was convinced not to marry him. Years later the couple meet again and Wentworth has made his fortune. But can heartache be overcome and love found again once lost.
May 30, 2022
I have read quite a few children's classics this year and this was by far the worst. The drama just didn't lead anywhere and I didn't care for any of the characters. It was all "this person is in town" and "this person wants to marry this person". It was very dull and if it wasn't for the lovely illustrations I don't think I could have seen it through.
October 10, 2025
Dad borrowed this book from the library, he wants to introduce me to Jane Austen’s books. However, this book was a retold version since he thinks Jane’s writing might overwhelm me. I’m obviously not the targeted audience, so I found it oversimplified and clearly for children. HOWEVER, as a future primary teacher, I thought it was brilliant for young readers.
August 14, 2020
If you are looking for an abridged version that is fun, entertaining and still has all of the charm these books are wonderful. You still get the language and the story. I am a mad Austen fan, but i find these a lovely quick dose of my favourite stories.
November 26, 2020
As a late-in-life Austen fan, I'm a sucker for any adaptations and this hit the spot. Perfect for anyone wary of tackling Austen proper, this was well-written, accessible, and beautifully illustrated. I cant wait to pick up the rest!
April 12, 2023
What a great way to make Austen approachable to younger audiences!! I think this stays oh so true to the original Persuasion (which admittedly I have read once so it's not the tale I know the best) but it is simpler.
However that does not mean the language has been dumbed down. Far from it. I like how Austen's voice was preserved. Just some of the unnecessary accoutrements were gone.
I need to recommend these to my patrons!
However that does not mean the language has been dumbed down. Far from it. I like how Austen's voice was preserved. Just some of the unnecessary accoutrements were gone.
I need to recommend these to my patrons!
September 5, 2023
Having no prior exposure to Austen's work, this was a good way to experience to Austen's stories without the difficult language to get passed.
Liked how Austen's voice was preserved in this re-telling. Considering reading the originals now that I know the general storyline.
Liked how Austen's voice was preserved in this re-telling. Considering reading the originals now that I know the general storyline.
November 12, 2025
Persuasion is one of my favourites of Austen, and although this was a nice retelling, it fell a little short of the intricacies of the original. It seems to follow the same pattern as the TV adaptions where Anne Elliott is a bit of a drab, which is a pity.
November 7, 2020
Please note this rating refers to this version only, I have a separate review for the main book, which is actually my favourite Jane Austen novel.
July 30, 2021
What a fun series! Jane Austen’s classics, retold for younger readers accompanied by fun illustrations.
November 24, 2021
Austen aimed at the younger audience. It is a simpler and toned down version of Austens book and a great introduction into her works. After reading this I would be happy to read the original version.
May 11, 2023
What a sweet retelling of my favorite Austen.
October 21, 2023
This series is perfect for my middle grade classroom. I love it!
October 21, 2024
my girl anne aint takin no scrubs!!
July 27, 2024
The story of Anne Elliott was so cozy and heartwarming, and I throughly enjoyed every moment of reading it! But Anne's life is not all happy and joyful. She also experiences hardships and struggles throughout the course of the story. I loved the character all the more for seeing the way she deals with those struggles, and finally living happily ever after.
I highly recommend the "Awesomely Austen" series for young readers like myself. The stories are not only beautifully illustrated, but they are also retold in a manner that makes the story easier to read than the full novels, and retold in an appropriate way for younger readers.
I highly recommend the "Awesomely Austen" series for young readers like myself. The stories are not only beautifully illustrated, but they are also retold in a manner that makes the story easier to read than the full novels, and retold in an appropriate way for younger readers.
October 19, 2025
🖼The retelling by Narinder makes this story understandable for a younger audience (and me included!) There is no tricky language and it's simplified enough even for my brain.
For me, there didn't feel like a lot was going on in this book and merely a case of will they won't they get together.
I feel, I have yet to find the elusive Jane Austen story that will stay with me.
🖼Unfortunately another Austen that I won't remember. The search continues.
🖼🖼🖼/5
For me, there didn't feel like a lot was going on in this book and merely a case of will they won't they get together.
I feel, I have yet to find the elusive Jane Austen story that will stay with me.
🖼Unfortunately another Austen that I won't remember. The search continues.
🖼🖼🖼/5
December 31, 2021
This book was a lovely adaptation of Persuasion. I was interested to see how a more serious Austen held up to a child friendly adaptation and was pleasantly surprised by the author’s ability to make it child friendly without loosing the emotional struggles of Anne. Would definitely recommend for someone looking for a quick dip back into Austen’s works or for someone looking to get into them.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews