The Comfort Book Club / Persuasion by Jane Austen
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- Опубликовано: 27 окт 2022
- Welcome to October's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about this month's book club choice, Persuasion by Jane Austen, my favourite Jane Austen novel. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion:
Heather from the USA
Penny from Colorado, USA
Helene from New Caledonia
Chelle from Upstate New York, USA
Jason from New Zealand
Cristina from Spain
Gina from Pennsylvania, USA
Nancy from Long Island, USA
Victoria from California, USA
Susan from Florida, USA
Antoinette from Toronto, Canada
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BOOK CLUB: I host the Comfort Book Club with my Mum, Donna, and every month we pick a comforting read and discuss it on the last Friday of the month. Everyone is very welcome to read along with us. Learn more about #TheComfortBookClub (and find the list of upcoming reads) here: mirandasnotebook.com/the-comf...
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
Dorset Apple Cake Video Recipe: • Baking Apple Cake, Nat...
Persuasion by Jane Austen: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Wintering by Katherine May: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro... 
Развлечения
Happy Friday everyone! Please check the Comfort Book Club page for an updated list of upcoming reads, as well as discussion dates and deadlines for sending in voice messages (any voice messages sent after these dates will not be able to be used): mirandasnotebook.com/about-the-comfort-book-club
I didn't enjoy this novel when I was a teenager and put it down without finishing it. I remember feeling very impatient with the characters. It wasn't until I was many years older that I picked it up again and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now it's one of my favourites!
Many people seem to appreciate this one more when they’re older!
Thank you Ladies for the wonderful lively thought provoking discussion 👍 I have read Persuasion years ago as a younger person but your comments as well as others members interesting insights made me want to read the book again 😊 xxx
Anne is the elegant person we all strive to be. I do like that Jane Austen doesn't always seemingly punish the bad characters, they seem to acquire money but not the wealth of a happy life. In Georgette Heyer's novel Cotillion, the heroine claims what is the point of a hero who cannot save one in social misadventures which are more likely to occur than being a damsel in distress, that, i believe, is the heroism of Wentworth. I love Wentworth for being angry with Anne and acting the lover scorned. And Anne for being absolutely alright with her punishment and not being a mess of self pity, which we all wish for ourselves.
I read Miss Buncle because of you and am now developing my tbr based on your recommendations.
Love the Georgette Heyer reference! xxx
Sunny, Miranda hooked me on the Miss Buncle books too. I just finished Miss Buncle Married which I loved even better than Miss Buncle 's Book. Can't wait to read The Two Mrs. Abbots.
This was such a wonderful comprehensive discussion of Persuasion. I felt like I was in a cozy room with good friends enthusiastically talking about a beloved favorite book and author. Thank you for the insights about the role of friendship in Persuasion. With this reread I was struck with how lonely Anne's life seemed at the beginning of the novel (which made me feel quite sad) but as the story progressed it was heartwarming to see her develop warm and soul satisfying relationships and by the end my heart was full - not only with the love of Anne and Captain Wentworth but also with the joy of their friendships. What a lovely life they were going to have together!!
Thanks so much Nancy, and for your lovely voice message! I so agree: Anne is lonely at the start of the novel, and it's wonderful to see her have such worthy friends by the end xxx
My favourite novel… I long wished for my Captain Wentworth to reappear… alas it was not to be. Thank you to all in the Comfort Book Club for your wonderful discussion ❤
What a great choice, Miranda! I simply love Anne and Captain Wentworth. They embody my idea of what romantic love should be. And who wouldn't want to receive the greatest love letter? Thank you, you and your mum are the best hostesses.
I so agree, the best letter! Thanks for your kind words!
Always a treat! Can’t go wrong with Jane Austen. It’s cold and rainy here in Texas today, so the comfort book club is perfect…..
Thank you! Hope you enjoy a cosy weekend.
What a good discussion on this wonderful book. My very favorite Austen. There are so many likable characters, Anne, Captain Wentworth, the Musgroves and the Crofts. I loved Anne's loyalty and kindness, like her friendship with Mrs Smith. I too found this an easier book to read because of the characters and how relatable they were to me. Thank you for picking Persuasion. Best ending period exclamation point. 😂👍📚💕
Haha thank you, Diane! So glad you enjoyed the discussion & that you’re a Persuasion fan too. I agree there are so many likeable characters! 🧡
Thank you for recommending this book - it is probably a decade since I last read it and it was a wonderful return, especially in Autumn. Although I remembered the metaphorical aspects of Autumn (how grim to be a mature woman at 27!), I had forgotten how much actual Autumnal weather etc we get. Persuasion is not my favourite Austen but it was really interesting to hear of so many people's love for Anne. It struck me that Anne is much more transparent to the reader - certainly in her emotional life - than most of the other beloved Austen heroines (perhaps excepting Fanny Price). All Anne's thoughts and feelings are described straightforwardly as internal monologues, whereas we have to work harder with, for eg, Lizzie Bennett (who generally reveals herself in dialogue) and, my own favourite, the perennially sure but emotionally blind Emma. What a gifted writer - never a wasted word, as Donna mentioned, but also with such mastery of multiple narrative techniques.
So glad you enjoyed returning to this book! I love all the autumnal descriptions too. And I agree that the reader sees so much through Anne’s eyes and is very aware of all that is going on in her inner life.
Thank you, Miranda and Donna, as always, for an insightful discussion; I really like the 'overcast day' description you mentioned of Anne's situation, and the different motivations of persuasions per the book's title. And thank you for the best book club ever! Best wishes, Jason
Thank you so much for your support & wonderful contribution as always, Jason! Both are very much appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful weekend 😊
Thank you to everyone who took part in this wonderful book club discussion, I am so envious of those who were reading this novel for the first time! Thank you as ever Miranda and Donna for your choices, your thoughtful discussion and the ambiance of my favourite book group.
So glad you enjoyed it, Joy! Thank you for your very kind words xxx
What a wonderful discussion! Thank you very much for everything, Miranda and Donna. This CBC is an absolute JOY.
Thank you for your lovely voice message as always, Cristina! 🧡
@@MirandaMills I feel honoured to participate in this wonderful CBC🥰
Thank you Miranda and Donna for this wonderful edition of the CBC. It was a delight. Persuasion is an ethereal, exquisite novel to me. At the same time there is so much humor in it. Jane Austen knew how to highlight human folly and idiosyncrasies! Her command of language-stringing various words together to create a perfect description or picture is amazing. I love Jane Austen’s creative ways of adding suspense and moving the plot along-like Louisa’s jump and Captain Wentworth’s letter. I could go on and on. Your channel is a joy to many. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.🧡🍁
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Penny! I so agree with your comments, and I love the wet humour in the novel too 🧡
This is marvelous ✨️! So many voice-mails and I so enjoyed hearing everyone's perspective. You and Donna are precious and thank you for the comfort book club 😊
So glad you enjoyed our discussion, Kami, thank you! xxx
Great discussion Maranda and Donna.
Every Austen novel I reread seems to become my favorite, until I get over the first glow of the recent read and then go back to having the fondest feelings for Persuasion. The only serious contender to tie for favorite is P&P, but Persuasion always wins out. At least to date anyway😊
I’ve enjoyed this CBC chat very much and look forward to the coming months chats also. A wonderful weekend to you both 💕💕
Thanks so much, Sandy! Persuasion is very hard to beat 😄🧡
I've never read Persuasion or any other of Jane Austen's works, but after this interesting discussion I'm so convinced that I should start with reading Persuasion. The discussion here truly depicted the various aspects, both explicit and implicit, of this novel, and I understand that Persuasion is more that what it is. I'm thus interested to explore what Jane Austen delivered to us through her writing. Note: I liked Antoinette's intervention at the end of the discussion, and found it so genuine.
Oh I hope you do give the novel a try! Glad you enjoyed the discussion!
This was superb. I so enjoyed the read and learned a lot from this discussion. I agree with all the points made, especially about the astonishing modernity of Jane Austen's ideas. I would add the idea of 'found' as opposed to biological family, how Anne struggles to re-enter the family narrative after her time in Lyme, and how at the end of the book she feels unable to offer Wentworth real family (even if they had not opposed the union)- she puts forward the idea of family as a nurturing group based on shared, worthwhile values. I love Wintering, I first read it during deep grief and exhaustion and have kept it with me. I look forward to the discussion. Have a good weekend!
Thanks so much, Fiona! Yes, Anne chooses a much nicer family for herself in the end! I’m looking forward to returning to Wintering myself. Xxx
Thank you to both of you. Always enjoy the both Mother and daughter together
What a joy at the end of my work day to come home to this discussion!!!!Thank you both for hosting such a satisfying community to be a part of,and for the time and effort you put into these videos.im looking forward to many many more 💜💜💜have a wonderful and tea filled weekend my sisters in literature.💕🍂
Thank you so much for your kind words, Susan, and for your lovely voice message!
What a lovely conversation about a lovely book! Thank you, Miranda and Donna 💙
What a joy to hear you discuss these classics. You and your listeners are so intelligent and charming! A refreshing refuge from such much of our modern world!
So much
Another great video and discussion. Jane Austen showcases, yet again, the lack of a good mother in her place. What a lovely story.
So true! I think Jane had a bit of a fraught relationship with her own mother! Thank goodness she had Cassandra.
One thing I wanted to include but didn't want to go over time was that I know Jane Austen and Anne Elliot disliked Bath, but I loved it! I hope you and your Mom have a wonderful time there in December! Thank you for hosting this wonderful, relaxing book club!🍁
Thanks so much, Heather. I love Bath too & am very much looking forward to returning when the Christmas market is on! Xx
I used to think that Pride and Prejudice was my favorite Jane Austen novel but re-reading Persuasion has me convinced it is now my favorite. It is such a rich story with so many underlying themes that are so thought-provoking. Thank you for such a wonderful discussion with so many deep insights throughout the story that have made me realize there is so much more going on than you first think. Thank goodness for Mrs. Smith and Nurse Rooke!! Where would Anne have been without them!!! 😉 Have a wonderful weekend!
Yes, thank goodness for those two!! Thank you, Rhonda; I’m so glad you enjoyed the discussion xxx
What a wonderful discussion of Persuasion. I so enjoyed Anne Elliott character.
my favourite novel❤❤❤
pure delight "Persuasion"
Thank you so much, Miranda and Donna!🌷
What a fabulous discussion! Love the comments from everyone who phoned in!! Each time I read an Austen novel, I marvel at her ability to choose just the right word or phrase to convey the exact sentiments or imagery a scene dictates. For me, in Persuasion, the line, " It was almost enough to spread purification and perfume all the way.", stops me in my tracks each time. Such a small and simple sentence but so powerful. The happiness that Anne emanates during that walk to the Westgate Buildings is tangible, and conjures up memories from my life when I felt as if I were walking on clouds. One can almost see the flowers and rainbows spilling off of the deliriously happy Anne as she walks along. Brilliant turn of phrase.
Thank you, Faith! So glad you enjoyed the discussion. And I agree, there are so many fabulous lines in the novel 🧡
Thank you Miranda and Donna for such a lovely review of Persuasion with the Comfort Book Club
😀💕xx thanks Miranda and Donna. I have read only a couple of Jane Austen titles and tried Persuasion but although I mostly love your book choices I just couldn’t get on with this book. Look forward to the next one. Lots of love to you both.
This is a book I could’ve read this month. Then again, I’m trying very hard to get back to reading.
What a wonderful discussion on Austen’s Persuasion. It is apparent how beloved it is amongst so many. Always lovely to hear so many thoughts across the globe. Thank you for your inclusion of my message. You and your mum are a joy always.
So glad you enjoyed this discussion, Antoniette! Thank you for your lovely voice message xxx
What a beautiful, engaging and thoughtful conversation. My deep love for Persuasion has only expanded with every year, life experience and re-read. 💕💐
Oh wow! I had already decided to read “Wintering” by K. May next month! What a coincidence 😊 I guess I’ll be reading along with you then, somehow. I’m looking forward to that discussion ❤ also thank you for this month’s read. I couldn’t participate in reading the book, but watching the video and hearing everyone’s opinions and comments made me want to read it again. And it’s not small feat, seeing as I’m not the biggest Jane Austen’s fan 😅 but this book is slightly different from the perhaps most famous ones, so I hope I’ll appreciate it more this time around. Have a lovely weekend ❤
Hello Miranda and Donna, what an enjoyable discussion of the wonderful Jane Austen novel "Persuasion". For me one of the most interesting themes running through the novel is the healing power of water and the restorative power of the sea air. The sea plays such a huge role in the lives of many of the characters in Jane's story, from those in the navy to those separated from their loved ones by it's vastness. Jane loved the sea and I do too. When I walk by the shore here on the island I live on I sometimes think about how important it is in literature and how so many writers have been inspired by it. Thank you for another brilliant choice for the Comfort Book Club and to everyone for their insightful comments and recorded thoughts which I so enjoy. Happy reading, Teresa 🌊
Thanks so much Teresa! I love the descriptions of the invigorating sea air in Lyme too. 💙
My favourite Austen's novel.
Thanks so much for this wonderful discussion!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your support ❤️
Loved the group discussion. Very thought-provoking. I enjoyed the book and after all the discussion of “the letter” felt I needed to go back and focus on it again. Points were spot on as usual in the discussion. Thanks to you Miranda and Donna for your suggestion of the book and your enlightened discussion. Thanks to all who contributed 🥀
Thank you, Shanne! So glad you enjoyed the discussion. Xxx
It's Friday, pay day, and Comfort Book Club day! Thank you both for such a wonderful discussion. It's wonderful hearing your thoughts, as well as those who "phoned in". After hearing everyone's comments (and that Greta Scacchi narrated an audiobook version), there is a re-read in my future!
Thanks so much for your voice message, Gina! I’m so glad you enjoyed the discussion, and that you’re already planning a Persuasion reread 😊
Thank you for another great discussion. It was nice to hear so many voice messages. The "room" felt full with every one of their perspectives shared. I appreciate your ability to bring this all together.
Thank you so much for your support, Deb! It's much appreciated, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the discussion! xxx
Thanks once again for the club and these wonderful videos discussing each reading, it's always very interesting to hear other readers' points of view. xxx
So glad you enjoyed the discussion! Xxx
What a great way to spend a Friday evening: to learn from others and appreciate Persuasion even more.Thank you for all of the work you go through to coordinate and include our comments. I’m looking forward to discovering Wintering!
Thanks so much for your support, Chelle, and your fab voice message! 🧡
I haven't read Persuasion as yet, but this was so interesting I believe it will be my next book. I have the 7 book boxed set of Jane Austen's with the same cover as the one you are reading. It's a lovely set. This was very enjoyable. Also, I hope this is ok to say, but Miranda, your Autumn colored blouse looks brilliant on you with your lovely coloring. It touches a bit on the discussion. Your book club is interesting and intelligent, as are you and your mother, but also lovely and insightful. Thank you to you and your mum and those members who contributed to the discussion. Truly enjoyed it.
Thank you Maureen! So glad you enjoyed the discussion, and I hope it does inspire you to read Persuasion! Xxx
Great discussion on Persuasion. Thank you Miranda and Donna. It's my favourite of Jane Austen's books.
Mum and I really enjoyed the discussion, and I'm so glad you did too! xxx
I love this Jane Austen novel the most too, like you and Donna. Anne is such a likable heroines (and so unlike most of Jane Austen's other heroines). I read the book again this summer (after many years) ... and I watched the 1995 film adaptation last evening, following your recommendation at the weekend. I loved it so much. Thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos, Miranda. All your book/audiobook/film recommendations are so welcome. ❤
Thanks so much Suzy! I do think Anne is an unsung heroine - a real favourite of mine!
This is my favorite Jane Austen 🎉
I love Persuasion! Great novel…better than Pride and Prejudice.
This was my first time reading "Persuasion" and I thought it was wonderful. I very much enjoyed the discussion which made me appreciate the book even more. This was my fourth novel by Jane Austen, so I have "Northanger Abbey" and "Mansfield Park" left. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks again for the book club and discussion!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and discussion. Have a lovely weekend too 😊
The thought of Persuasion as a ghost story is such a chilling one that I had never contemplated before; Anne begins the novel as a shell of the woman she once was (in Captain Wentworth’s eyes), haunting the halls of Kellynch once all of her family have left her for Bath. Then you have Captain Benwick grieving the loss of his fiancé, then finding a second chance with her in some sense through the injured Louisa Musgrove, who in essence is the ghost of Fanny Harville. Of course you have Anne for a moment considering the marriage to Mr Elliot, which would make her the new Lady Elliot, filling the ghostly shoes of her late mother. This all feeds into the idea that death does seem to hover around the periphery in this novel, particularly around the Musgroves, who have had to deal with a fair deal of death and injury within their family.
Hi Miranda and Donna- Such a great video! Really wish I could be a guest in your home, the conversation and the cake looks so yummy! You have such a cozy space, love the décor and the ambience.
Persuasion is my favorite novel of Jane Austen, I love Anne and Wentworth's connection and the emphasis on the constancy of love. Compared to P&P it is a more subtle book, Anne has delicious sense of irony with respect to her own family and her place within society. Compared to Elizabeth Bennett, she has a greater sense of who she is which is due in part to her age and losing Wentworth the first time.
So glad you enjoyed the discussion! I agree that Persuasion is a very subtle novel 🧡
I hesitate to call Anne strong. I think she is kind, capable & conscientious, all qualities that Wentworth comes to realise about Anne. I often wonder about Anne's parents'
relationship, maybe he got worse as he aged ! Re heroes - mine are Mr Knightly & Capitain Wentworth. On another topic - I picked up a copy of " Nella Last'sWar " today at
our town's annual Bookfest. A great find.
I think Anne has great strength of mind & is a resilient character. Yes, you do wonder how Lady Elliot came to be Lady Elliot! Hope you enjoy Nella Last’s War xxx
Thank you Miranda, and Donna.
Thank you so much for your kind support! xxx
Hi Miranda and Donna! I feel a bit bad because I've never been able to engage with Jane Austen's novels and I don't really know why. I even bought Persuasion in Shakespeare and Co in Paris, of all places! (mostly because I was ovewhelmed with options and didn't know which one to choose) and 7 years later I've yet to read it. I've listened to all your comments and thoughts. Hopefully one day I'll be able to :) Thank you :)) xx (every time I watch one of your videos I can't help but wonder if you have read all the books we see in your bookshelves... and how hard must have been to pack, move and unpack them all in the new home!!)
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support. It’s very much appreciated! 🧡
I discovered your wonderful channel a few weeks ago and I have been trying to catch up with a lot of your amazing vlogs and books sadly today the sub --titles have not been activated I managed to follow most of it as I adore Jane Austen's work, I have ordered the rest of the books for the club and so looking forward to reading along with all. Sadly, I could not pick up the voices on the voice messages without sub-titles I got most of the conversation from yourself and your lovely Mum was saying with volume high, lovely vlog as always Miranda & Donna Keep Safe both of you
Glad you enjoyed the video! I have done nothing differently from any other video, so the subtitles must just be delayed.
@@MirandaMills Thank you Miranda for quick reply, I will check back later.
I can see the subtitles appearing for me now. It’s a longer video than usual, which I imagine is why there was a delay.
Not wanting to make you rue the day you mention hoping to do something in the future, but way back when you mentioned that your Mum Donna likes to read books of...and I forget how you put it...Diary, Memoirs, Letters type books. Those are a favorite Niche of mine as well and I'd be oh so pleased if you all are able to pencil that into the future. I know how these things probably come about organically to some extent... when serendipity makes it just the right time to cover such a theme! Until then it's not like I don't have a zillion books on my to-be-read list which grows every time I watch one of your videos! Thank you for the book club and all you do!
Thanks
Thank you so much for your generous support! I so appreciate it ❤️
Hello Miranda: Enjoyed this tremendously. Thank yoy! Also,I want to let you know that the Support button is not showing up. I don't know if this is an YT problem or just my device. Lynn
Thanks, Lynn! I think the issue is at your end! Xx
Hi! The support button does not show up on my cell phone ( which I'm usually on when I watch a CBC video, unfortunately) but does show up if I watch on my laptop. So it seems to be device sensitive.
How strange! I can see support heart buttons on my cell phone, in the same panel as the thumbs up like button, just further along.
@@MirandaMills Yes, definitely not there on my cell. When you first turned the Thanks button on, I saw it for two or three videos but then it disappeared. I have a Samsung not an iPhone, so don't know if that's the issue. It's a new phone though, so it shouldn't be an issue with obsolescence.
Hopefully RUclips will sort this out sometime soon!
Miranda as I have just found you can you tell me your background? Degree in English literature?
I love this book so much and it’s my favourite Jane Austen. I tried to watch the Netflix film but found it to be an insult to Jane Austen. Why did they feel the need to strip away all the Wit, Charm and Sophistication and completely change Anne’s character. Is it really necessary to do this just to fit in with modern sensibilities? I only managed 15 minutes, just imagine it being your first experience of Jane Austen, quite sad really.
The Question still remains: Did you watch the Netflix version? 😂
I tried watching but couldn’t get through it!! Definitely not for me; I’m too attached to the novel!
@@MirandaMills That’s a good sign. You DNF’d the adaptation 👍🏽
@@MirandaMills I knew it!🤭
Great discussion Maranda and Donna.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind support! ❤️
Thanks!
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Thanks!
So very generous of you, Barbara! Thank you so much for your support - it means so much! 🧡
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your support! It means a lot to me! ❤️
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support! I so appreciate it ❤️📚🌷
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your support; it's much appreciated! xxx
Thanks!
As always another brilliant discussion! Thank you Miranda and Donna for your thoughtful insights and hosting yet another delightful book club conversation.
Thank you so much for your kind support and comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed this discussion! 🧡