For me, Peruasion sparkled in a different way. P&P sparkles in a young energetic way, Persuasion sparkles in a more mature way. Having now read all of Austen (or the major ones anyway), I think she was still 'finding' her style somehow. NA and P&P are both biting satires (the latter a little bit deeper than the former), S&S is a bit more serious, but I find a little awkward. Emma is more and more complex satire again. Mansfield Park is more symbolic and more serious. There are funny bits, like aunt Norris. The conversation about the apricot tree is hilarious if it is read as starting from the idea that the apricot stands for knowledge, wisdom and maturity. But the whole of that novel is not laughing from beginning to end, not like P&P. And so is Persuasion. It sparkles, but it is the sparkling of a thirty-year old woman, not one of 17. if you see what I mean.
I wish I had a hubby like that. :jealous: