Around Christmas time I read a review of the classic novel Persuasion by Jane Austen. Even though I have read nothing but non-fiction books for two decades, something in the review spoke to me and I told my daughter that it would be a great gift – knowing the chances of me buying it for myself were slim.
Being the type to read four or five books at once, it took me nearly six months, but two nights ago I finished it, and last night I read the ending again.
This was Jane Austen’s last book – published after she died – and the most autobiographical of her works. The one thing that’s different from her real life is the ending. I won’t give it away in case you want to read this beautiful story.
But what I love is that Jane Austen was able to rewrite her life in a way that made sense to her – in a way that fed her soul and gave her peace I would imagine.
I think everyone needs a way to do this – everyone needs their art. Whether it’s writing books, music, dancing, or painting, art seems to be how the soul makes sense of life.