Persuasion

Jane Austen · 1775–1817 · England

Why it matters

Her last and most autumnal novel: a second chance at a love refused eight years before. Quieter and more inward than the rest, it shows where Austen was heading, and its final letter is the most romantic page she ever wrote.

At a glance

Austen's plainest late style, though its emotional restraint rewards close reading.