Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Pages: 325
Published by Barnes & Noble Classic
Publication Date July 25, 2004
Source: Bought
Genres: Classic
Goodreads
Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility is a wonderfully entertaining tale of flirtation and folly that revolves around two starkly different sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. While Elinor is thoughtful, considerate, and calm, her younger sister is emotional and wildly romantic. Both are looking for a husband, but neither Elinor’s reason nor Marianne’s passion can lead them to perfect happiness—as Marianne falls for an unscrupulous rascal and Elinor becomes attached to a man who’s already engaged.
Startling secrets, unexpected twists, and heartless betrayals interrupt the marriage games that follow. Filled with satiric wit and subtle characterizations, Sense and Sensibility teaches that true love requires a balance of reason and emotion.
Sense and Sensibility is a novel of the Dashwoods. Mrs. Dashwood, a silly women focused on acquiring a comfortable fortune and abode along with marrying off her daughters well. Elinor, a very sensible girl who always does the logical or right thing. Marianne who unlike her sister follows her heart and lives in the moment. She is also overly emotional and a drama queen which gets her into trouble. Lastly, there is the youngest sister Margaret who is yet to be developed.
After the death of Mr. Dashwood, the estate is passed to the next male heir, John Dashwood his son from a previous marriage. Before his father’s death John promises to take care of his Step-Mother and Sisters but like so many money gets in the way, along with a greedy wife. He is eventually convinced to give the girls less than they probably deserve. Eventuality, after realizing that neither Mrs. Dashwood can stand each other’s company any longer they move to Barton Cottage.
Elinor, while not as entertaining as her sister is more thoughtful and is a better confidante, and when her love interest is just out of hands reach it pulls at your heartstrings. Marianne on the other side is still hung up on a previous love and sometimes wonder if she ever really let go; even after her marriage. Although, I think Sense and Sensibility still has a fulfilling ending.
In classic Austen, we have our fair share of love triangles, scandal, a sense of entitlement and don’t forget the sexy bad boys and noble gentlemen competing for our heroine’s affections. Sense and Sensibility invoke so many emotions, from love and compassion to empathy and astonishment, so that it’s hard to put down.
I love this book!!! It is one of my favorites. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Great review of a great book.
It is extremely hard to put down!!! Great summary.
I love Sense and Sensibility, though not as much as some other Austen books. I like the ending too, and I also like how Austen didn't make Willoughby the complete bad guy by offering him a minor reprieve in the end.
Great review! 🙂
I really liked Sense & Sensibility, too. Hope I get a chance to reread an Austen novel this summer.
I think this is my third favourite Austen book, so sweet!
Love it. Love your breakdown.
I adore this book – and think it is actually better than Pride and Prejudice. I love the cover of your edition of Sense and Sensibility!
I *heart* this book! It is right up there with Pride and Prejudice for me 🙂
Such a concise and lovely review! I love the way you have described the plot. I am having a lot of fun with Jane in June. Two down and four more to go. And I must say I absolutely love the covers of your copies…which publication??
Socrmom2– I absolutely love this book too!
Rose City Reader & Kathrine– thank you!
Kals–I did like that Willoughby was given a small reprieve to his honor.
JoAnn–I hope so too!
Becky– I think this is my second favorite Austen novel.
A Bookish Space– Better than P&P? I don't think that could be possible in my book.
Felicia– I heart this book too!
Vaishnavi– I'm enjoying Jane in June too. I know, aren't these covers pretty? They're Penguin Classic Edition.
I'm reading the book at the moment and loving it!