Little Book World Classic: Lady Susan

“I am tired of submitting my will to the caprices of others; of resigning my own judgment in deference to those to whom I owe no duty, and for whom I feel no respect...” **** Lady Susan is an epistolary novel by English author Jane Austen. The novel was first published posthumously in 1871, although Austen had written it between 1793 and 1794. The novel tells the story of Lady Susan Verney, a beautiful and charming young widow who uses her wit and charm to manipulate others for her own gain. About Author: Jane Austen (born December 16, 1775, Steventon, Hampshire, England—died July 18, 1817, Winchester, Hampshire) was an English writer who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern novel by portraying ordinary people in everyday life. Her works are characterized by keen observations, wit, and a deep understanding of human nature. Austen’s works are timeless classics that have remained critical and popular successes for over two centuries since her death. Lady Susan, although lesser-known than some of Austen’s other works, is a captivating novella written in an epistolary format. Its importance lies in its exploration of complex female characters and their social maneuverings. The eponymous protagonist, Lady Susan Vernon, is a charming but manipulative widow who navigates society with wit and cunning. Through her character, Austen delves into themes of love, marriage, and morality.