Sense and Sensibility is the last of Jane Austen's main works that I had not read. I can't believe I had saved this one for last! It's much different and slightly more serious than Pride and Prejudice, but I think that I enjoyed it just as much, just in different ways.Sense and Sensibility follows the story of two sisters who have been displaced of their family's wealth by it passing to their half-brother and his rather ungiving wife at the death of their father. The story follows their adventures as they are wooed by men of very different temperament, but which ultimately leads them both to similar situations. Gossip, both true and false, plays a big part of their story as they live in a society that greatly values appearances.
Unlike some of her other characters, I could totally relate to the sisters Elinor and Marianne. Elinor is the practical, tempered, and protective older sister, while Marianne is the dramatic, book-loving, and idealist younger sister, and I can see bits of me in each of them. Austen beautiful paints the drastic differences in how they handle their remarkably similar situations.
I recommend Sense and Sensibility to anyone who loves Pride and Prejudice or even is new to Jane Austen's work. It's definitely a must read!
Here's a quote that my fellow book-lovers will enjoy:
"...and Marianne, who had the knack of finding her way in every house to the library, however it might be avoided by the family in general, soon procured herself a book."
This is my first book review of my list for the Spring Reading Thing 2008.
Widget by Css Reflex | TutZone
I may have to go back to re-read some Jane Austen, now. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this one too, I have the complete works. Pride and Prejudice remains my favorite though.
ReplyDeleteLoved this one as well! My family is glad that I read it as they were tired of me quoting P & P and have no idea that I am quoting S & S now! LOL
ReplyDeleteI liked this book, but I have to admit that I just don't think it can compete with Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't quite love Marianne as a heroin and there just wasn't enough character development on Edward. But it is still wonderful Austen material.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason why I love it so much is that I see myself in BOTH Elinor and Marianne. Maybe not because of some genius of Jane Austen, but rather the mixed-up rational/emotional person that i am!
ReplyDelete