Level 2: Persuasion Paperback

AN abridged re-telling of Persuasion by Derek Strange 1991 included in the audio cd pack which was my purpose in borrowing from the library ~ travel time shortened while I was read Anne &amp; Frederick's story...<br/><br/>Penguin Reader series offer simplified texts illustrated with excellent b&amp;w sketches. They list various reading levels so definitely an asset to ESL learners or younger readers.<br/><br/>My joy was in having the story unfold as I covered some country miles on my return journey to the city.. Loved the British accent of the narrator bringing life to this English tale of life and love past due date for Anne Elliot, now in her spinsterhood due to refusing the marriage proposal of her pursuer, Frederick Wentworth. She had bowed to the persuasion of a family friend and confidant, Lady Russell, who had stepped in to fill the role of Anne's deceased mother. Convinced her sailor would not have a future other than what he was at the time of their courtship, she had let him go off to pursue his life and dreams without her by his side.<br/><br/>Now, 8 years later, he returns a hero with a fortune and in need of a wife as Jane Austen has famously stated in opening Pride and Prejudice.<br/>"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife". And Captain Wentworth is proving her point as he flirts with Anne's sister Mary's young sisters in law upon his return. His own sister, Sophy and her husband, have rented the Elliot's home, Kellynch Hall, for their home when Anne's father has had to retrench to save financial ruin induced by living above his means.<br/><br/>The Captain's evident interest in the Musgrove sisters ends in a near fatal accident which allows light to dawn on him and his heart's precarious position. He and Anne are thrown together in various and increasingly frequent situations, enabling opportunities to re-evaluate their relationship...<br/><br/>The audio gives a great abbreviation of the story and it's hour long duration was the perfect accompaniment for a repetitive journey. Entirely satisfying, I would recommend it as an additional resource to the full length story whether read or heard.