Persuasion

I am half way through my Jane Austen reading campaign. I still have Emma and Mansfield Park yet to read. I have a feeling Persuasion will be my favorite. I do so love Anne Elliot, who makes the best of her life, with dignity and compassion for those around her. Her family, oh my. They are just the worst, I so bad wanted Anne to just tell them off. I know, this is not done in JA's world. When the dashing Captain Frederick Wentworth comes in, I held my breath too. I know a book has captured my heart when I feel like I’m the main character. I’m sure you all have that sensation before. That the book and your life is becoming one. The characters in the book fuse with people in your own life. When Anne finally realizes: “His feelings as to first, strong attachment, sentences begun which he could not finish, his half-averted eyes and more than half-expressive glance, all, resentment, avoidance, were no more and that they were succeeded, not merely, by friendship and regard, but by tenderness of the past. Yes, some share of the tenderness of the past! She could not contemplate the change as implying less. He must love her.” I was as happy for Anne as it was my own self. My cheeks brightened and my eyes came alive as hers. I finished Persuasion sad to see Anne, Captain Wentworth along with the happy Musgroves, Lady Russell and Mrs. Smith to go. As with all good books, they are only waiting for us to come again and dive into their world. I do encourage all of you who haven't read it, to do so. Here is part of my favorite passage from Captain Wentworth. I did watch the most recent 2008 PBS version of Persuasion which I enjoyed except when they had Anne running all over to find Captain Wentworth to answer his letter. I do want to watch the 1995 version. I'm currently immersed in the whimsical, magical and sometimes trippy world of Alice in Wonderland. I have seen the Disney and other versions but never read the actual book. I am enjoying it. I was inspired to actually read the story since I'm taking part in the 2nd annual Mad Tea Party being hosted by Vanessa. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go click on the link. Or the first button of the right sidebar. Once I'm finished with Alice, it's off to either Emma or Mansfield Park. Haven't decided which one yet. So this is quite a long post. Let me end it now, I must share I do adore the Chesire Cat. He is quite a character. Have a wonderful Wednesday. As always, Sweet Dreams to you all.