The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow ~ My Review

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow 

Publication Date: August 6th, 2014 
Publisher: Heather Ridge Arts 
Pages: 266 
Received: e-copy from the author for my honest review 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


A Novel ~ wherein she tells her own story of Lost Love, Second Chances, and Finding her Happy Ending.

I loved The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen! Shannon Winslow has rewritten the ending of Jane’s life and has given her the happily ever after that we all hoped Jane would have. It is beautifully written, and it’s a story I think Jane herself would be proud of.

The story is written from Jane’s perspective as she sets out to pen Persuasion. At the same time, she also begins a journal recalling the first time she meets Captain Devereaux and writes of all of her time with him that so parallels that of Anne Elliot’s. 

In her twenty’s, Jane meets and falls in love with Captain Devereaux. Her parents do not approve of the marriage, and Jane will not go against their wishes. Captain Devereaux goes away angry, and Jane doesn’t see him again for another four years. Unfortunately, this meeting does not end as well as Anne and Captain Wentworth second meeting. No, Jane has to wait much longer than Anne for her happy ending.  

Not only are there many parallels to Persuasion, I see many similarities to other aspects of Austen’s books. Just as Elizabeth calls out Darcy for eavesdropping on one of her conversations, Jane calls out Captain Devereaux:

“Do not you think, Captain Devereaux, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was giving my opinion of Giaour?”

Captain Devereaux also has a friend, a Captain Bothwell, who reminds me a little of Captain Wentworth’s friend, Captain Benwick. Although, he is not as depressed as Captain Benwick, he has suffered an injury that prevents him from sailing again. Bothwell and Jane become quite good friends. 

I also love how Jane quotes her characters or speaks about them as if they are real people. And I delighted in little conversations like this one between Cassandra and Jane: 

“Now you sound just like Lizzy Bennet. How delightful!"

“You know that she is my model in all things.”  

“I thought it was the other way round, Jane - that Lizzy was patterned after yourself. Either way, I am sure Captain Devereaux must have felt the point of your wit!”

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen is a wonderful read, with a plausible ending that was cleverly done! It warmed my heart to know Jane knew what it was to love, to love deeply, and to be loved back! Well done! This book is the first I’ve read by Shannon Winslow, but it won’t be the last! I would highly recommend The Persuasion of Miss Austen for your reading pleasure! 

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.

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To read a lovely guest post by Shannon Winslow where she talks of love letters and The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, click here.

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!