Persuasion is the last novel fully completed by JaneAusten.The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young English woman of 27 years, whose family is moving to lower their expenses and get out of debt.

They rent their home to an Admiral and his wife. The wife's brother, Navy Captain Frederick Wentworth, had been engaged to Anne in 1806, and now they meet again, both single and unattached, after no contact in more than seven years.

This sets the scene for many humorous encounters as well as a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne. Anne Elliot is noteworthy among Austen's heroines for her relative maturity.

The novel was well-received in the early 19th century.

Greater fame came later in the century, continued in the 20th century, and through to the 21st century.

This is accepted as Austen's most maturely written novel showing a refinement of literary conception, indicative of a woman approaching forty years of age.