Jane Austen's Persuasion follows Anne Elliot, a woman who broke off an engagement years earlier due to family pressure, only to encounter her former love when he returns wealthy and accomplished. Austen's final completed novel is a mature exploration of second chances, regret, and the courage required to claim one's own happiness. More melancholic than her earlier works, the novel reveals the costs of yielding to others' expectations.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Austen understood that sometimes the bravest thing is admitting you were wrong.

DETAILS: • Author: Jane Austen • Publisher: Penguin Classics • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: December 31, 2002 • ISBN: 9780141439686 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days