Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics)
Jane Austen's first published work, meticulously constructed and sparkling with her unique wit
Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love - and its threatened loss - the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. This edition also includes explanatory notes and textual variants between first and second edition.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love - and its threatened loss - the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. This edition also includes explanatory notes and textual variants between first and second edition.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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Readers say *Sense and Sensibility* offers insightful observations on love, family, and social status through the contrasting Dashwood sisters. Review...
This is my first Jane Austen novel that I've read with intent. I know all the stories, I've seen all the movies, but I told myself I was going to read all of her books in order of publication in a summer. Nope - that's not going to happen. One does not simply read Jane Austen; one becomes pulled into Jane Austen's world. Her books are not "quick reads." They are literature to savor, to pour over. Every word must be read in detail, every sentence examined for its truth.
Sense and Sensibility follows the lives of two sisters, Marianne and Elinor, in their quest for love. They are opposites in every way except their love and compassion towards one another. Marianne is compulsive, prone to rash decisions and bouts of drama. Elinor is reserved and polite, Ms. Manners at all times. While Marianne falls for the charming, yet unavailable (not that she knows this) Willouguhby, she suffers a heartbreak like no other. Elinor, ever stoic in her demeanor, suffers her own heartbreak at the presumed lost affection of Edward Ferrars. Both sisters must learn to cope with the unexpected outcomes of love; however, in the end Jane weaves a tale that returns the reader to the idea of true romance.
Reading Jane is not for the non-committed. Her prose is intricate and admittedly, I almost gave up. However, perseverance gave me the best reward - entering Jane's world. I am quite ready to pick up the next book Pride and Prejudice knowing full well it will impact as much as her debut novel has.
Sense and Sensibility follows the lives of two sisters, Marianne and Elinor, in their quest for love. They are opposites in every way except their love and compassion towards one another. Marianne is compulsive, prone to rash decisions and bouts of drama. Elinor is reserved and polite, Ms. Manners at all times. While Marianne falls for the charming, yet unavailable (not that she knows this) Willouguhby, she suffers a heartbreak like no other. Elinor, ever stoic in her demeanor, suffers her own heartbreak at the presumed lost affection of Edward Ferrars. Both sisters must learn to cope with the unexpected outcomes of love; however, in the end Jane weaves a tale that returns the reader to the idea of true romance.
Reading Jane is not for the non-committed. Her prose is intricate and admittedly, I almost gave up. However, perseverance gave me the best reward - entering Jane's world. I am quite ready to pick up the next book Pride and Prejudice knowing full well it will impact as much as her debut novel has.
Very much in the same thread as Anna Karenina, this was another pleasant story of love and loss among aristocrats. The characters were cleverly written and well developed, the plot was interesting, and I enjoyed the read. Elinor was an excellent protagonist.
Though I enjoyed while reading, I don’t think this book will really stay with me the way that others have. There wasn’t really a moral or anything thought provoking. It was a great story: nothing more, nothing less.
Though I enjoyed while reading, I don’t think this book will really stay with me the way that others have. There wasn’t really a moral or anything thought provoking. It was a great story: nothing more, nothing less.
I started out eagerly reading this book as I love the movie, but before I was even half done I'd lost nearly all interest.
The constant fretting about money and connections and social standings left me bored. I really don't care how many pounds this man gets per year, or how many this lady has. It just...no, I did not enjoy this book. I think I'll stick with the movies. 12 hours of social events heartache is simply too much.
The constant fretting about money and connections and social standings left me bored. I really don't care how many pounds this man gets per year, or how many this lady has. It just...no, I did not enjoy this book. I think I'll stick with the movies. 12 hours of social events heartache is simply too much.
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