One title on the list:Persuasion, by Jane AustenRead about the other books on the list.
It's hard to make a list of love stories nowadays without including a Jane Austen novel. And certainly Persuasion – a book that some Jane-ites love even more than "Pride and Prejudice" – is a worthy addition. The story of the romance between Anne Elliot and naval officer Frederick Wentworth gives new hope to all readers who would like to believe that even a terrible mistake – in this case, Anne's youthful refusal of Frederick's marriage proposal – doesn't close the door on the hope of a happy ending.
Persuasion is among Howard Jacobson's 5 favorite literary heroines and top ten novels of sexual jealousy, Elizabeth Buchan's top ten books guaranteed to give comfort during the ending of a relationship, and appears on John Mullan's list of ten of the best concerts in literature.
The Page 99 Test: Persuasion.
--Marshal Zeringue
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