A Contemporary Romance Set to the Familiar Tune of Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Persuasion Modern Adaptation

THE PREMISE: Anne wouldn’t move to Europe for him; she was persuaded by her professor to stay in Toronto and finish her doctorate. Eight years later she is the new composer-in-residence for the National Philharmonic of Toronto, and the man who broke her heart eight years ago and is a celebrated and sought-after European maestro- Frederico Valore – was just appointed as principal conductor. Not only will Anne and Fred be forced to see each again, they will have to work closely together throughout the year.

WHAT I LOVED: 

• Contemporary Persuasion: I am a big fan of Riana Everly and of contemporary Persuasion stories – so this is a win-win. This is actually the 28th modern adaptation of Persuasion I’ve read to date – I can never get enough!

• Toronto: I absolutely loved the world Riana Everly created in this story – both physically and musically. Toronto was an inspired setting for this story – it felt so vibrant and cultured. I loved following Anne in her day-to-day life as she navigated work, social engagements, and fun with friends all around this artsy city. I am now eager to plan my first visit there – I want to see the CN tower, explore all the ethnic districts, and listen to music everywhere! I just might make sure I don’t go during any winter months! 

• The Music World: I loved seeing a story set in the world of music and musicians. It is a world I have a passing familiarity with (though not on such a sophisticated and elevated scale), and I loved being surrounded by music and witnessing all the forms of working musicians. Composer, conductor, symphony board member, professor, orchestra member, private instructor – Riana Everly skillfully gave little glimpses into all of these important roles and professions.

• The Music Descriptions: I really appreciated how the music being played or composed was described in this story. Riana Everly did a marvelous job finding articulate vocabulary and analogies to describe what readers could not hear. Such vivid and tangible descriptions can be understood by all – no matter their musical knowledge or skill. I especially loved the descriptions where the tones and moods of various instruments were being described as colors and seeing how moments in Anne’s compositions were inspired by nature and poetry.

• Character Tweaks and Interpretations: I love when modernized Austenesque feels like its own story instead of an updated version of the same plot points.Some characters were minimized, revamped, or completely missing. This made the story feel fresh, original, and unpredictable. I loved Anne’s time with her dear friends Sophia Croft and Jasmine Smith, I was intrigued to see Anne casually date board member William Barnett, and I appreciated the clever overhaul of Sir Walter Elliot’s and Penelope Clay’s characters.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• More Emotion: Even though we have expressive music and scenery being described in nearly every chapter, I felt there was one area I wanted to feel more and that was with Anne. At times she seemed a little bit too passive and sedate. In Jane Austen Persuasion we see how Anne feels emotions so powerfully albeit privately. But the reader is aware of her despondency, her turmoil, and her cherished hopes. In Preludes, I just didn’t feel that same depth of emotion with Anne.

CONCLUSION: Like a great symphonic work – Preludes is a well-crafted composition comprised of adept instrumentation harmoniously balanced, compelling themes and drama that inspire emotional connection, and impressive innovation that displays mastery in the art. This beautiful, lyrical, and evocative tale is not one to be missed!

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