The Art of Persuasion

A witty and tender comedy of manners with a political bite. If Jane Austen was twenty-five today, would she be a greenie or a member of the Young Liberals? Probably neither. But for 25-year-old Hazel, reading the classics starting with A is a way to pass the time while jobless and plotless. A chance encounter with an irresistible older man provides a much-needed distraction. When Hazel is partnered with him on a political campaign, her attraction is deepened by the strength of his convictions. Can she persuade him to embark upon romance? And what does Jane Austen have to teach a young woman about life, love, and literature in the 21st century anyway?

Susan Midalia grew up in the Western Australian wheatbelt and has lived in Perth for most of her adult life. She is the author of three collections of short stories, A History of the Beanbag, An Unknown Sky and Feet to the Stars. Her collections have been shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards and twice for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. She retired from teaching in 2007 to become a full-time writer and freelance editor.