Persuasion (Classic by a woman author)

Jane Austen's Persuasion's main  protagonist is 28 year old Anne Elliot. She had been engaged to Frederick Wentworth, but broke off the engagement. But when Anne and Frederick cross paths again eight years later, will their romance be rekindled or have they moved on?

When I read Persuasion, I couldn't help but see characteristics of my sisters and I in the interactions between the sisters. I like the humor in the book - for example Anne's role as mediator between her younger sister Mary and Mary's husband.  It gives us a glimpse into attitudes and customs of the day.  Though set in the early 1800s in England, this book is so timeless because of the characteristics of the people are still present today.

Ivanhoe - 19th Century Classic

Ivanhoe was written by Sir Walter Scott and published in 1819 or 1820. I really enjoyed Ivanhoe. It is a great adventure story. I know it is billed a romance, but it is not a romance in the modern sense of the romance genre. The characters were stereotypes, but that was part of what made it a fun read. That and the band of outlaws lead by Robin Hood. Oh, and the jester Wamba, who was much more wise than the fool he played. While the story was entertaining, it was not all fluff. For example, the authors use of the stereotypes to make his point, or the criticism of the early church (Drunk friars, unchaste warrior monks).
The only part that was a little disappointing was how one of the characters died. The character shall remain nameless so as not to spoil it for those who have not read the book. But dying because of conflicting inner passions??
I also liked the glimpse it gave into the long-ago era, though I am not sure that the novel is entirely historically accurate. But that just means I am now inspired to learn more about a time I have somewhat ignored.