Modern Persuasion - Sara Marks

Date of Reading: 06/07/2018

Author: Sara Marks

Publisher: Illuminated Myth Publishing

Year: 2017

Rating: 4/5

(This review copy is offered to me by Lola's Blog Tours, but the opinions expressed are completely my own)

About the book:

This story of second chances is inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion. 

Eight years ago Emma Shaw picked her career and family over Fredrick Wentworth, the man she loved. Since then she has built a career as a book editor and spends her free time making sure her father and sisters are taken care of. Fredrick has spent the same years building his career as a screenwriter under increasing public scrutiny as a celebrity. When the editor of Fredrick’s first book is injured, Emma is forced to travel with Fredrick on his book tour. The former lovers are joined by his publicist, Patrick, and her intern, Louisa, who play intermediaries over the month. Emma and Fredrick spend the entire tour avoiding the elephant in the room. 

Tension builds as they each learn about the current version of the person they once loved and resolve the ramifications of their choices.

My Review:

        I have always found it tough to decide which of the Austen books is my favourite. And 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Persuasion' were the top two contenders. I haven't resolved it yet, still, the latter is a book I keep close to my heart. So I jumped at the opportunity to review this modern version and as expected it was mesmerising.

       The author has retained the names of the original characters except that of the heroine, who is addressed as Emma instead of Anne. The story is set in the background of the publishing industry and that is what captivated mostly. Who could put away a book that talks about writing and publishing and book tours?

        Emma is an admirable protagonist who turns down Fredrick's proposal, not because she is persuaded but for her career. And she came up as a successful editor too. A level-headed heroine who is not looking for her Prince Charming to rescue her, I must admit, gives due justice to Austen's lead role.

      I did love the narration and the way the story progressed quite freely without any digressions. What it offers us is a peek to the publishing world and the delicate way books are judged and promoted. If you are looking for an enjoyable read to finish in one sitting, then this is just your pick.

Meet the author:

Born in Boston, MA and raised in Miami, FL, Sara has two masters degrees and plans to never stop getting over educated. She now lives in Lowell, MA and is a librarian at UMass Lowell. She likes the idea of having all the academic regalia she can ever possess and winning with the most degrees in her family. She cries at nearly every movie she sees (ask her about when she cried at a horror movie), but it’s full-on weeping for Disney animated movies. She loves reading nearly every genre but likes to write romance and fantasy books.