Sense and Sensibility (Puffin in Bloom)

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.

Re-Read Every time I re-read Jane Austen, I’m struck by how many things that feel completely normal for women today were barely imaginable in her time. Sense and Sensibility is undeniably a work of art. Yes, it’s usually labelled as a romance, but I’ve always felt it’s more accurate to call it a satirical romance, and honestly, that applies to most of Austen’s books. Romance may sit at the centre, but it’s never the whole point. I can’t help but wonder what these women would look like if they existed today. If a modern-day Marianne changed her mind, realised her big romantic ideals were flawed, would she really find “happily ever after” with Colonel Brandon? Or would she be travelling the world, performing concerts, and finding a kind of love that truly fulfils her on her own terms? Would Elinor constantly carry the weight of social perception, financial insecurity, and quiet restraint, or would she find it easier to say what she feels and let practicality take a back seat? And would Lucy Steele still scheme her way into security, or would she simply say “to hell with it” and build a life where her happiness doesn’t hinge on someone else? What really lingers for me is this: what would these women be doing if their worlds and their ability to live comfortably didn’t depend so heavily on men? Did I find the men in this book particularly appealing? Not really. Was the romance the highlight for me? Not quite. But did I enjoy the book, its themes, and the sheer craft of Austen’s writing? Absolutely. And do I love the moral questions it raises - the push and pull between reason and emotion, and the case it makes for balancing sense with sensibility? Without a doubt. So yes, Jane Austen still rules the world of literary romance. But what makes her truly enduring is her keen observation of her world. Sense and Sensibility also shows that indulging in romance and grand ideals was, in its own way, a pragmatic strategy, one of the few available, at a time when women had far less agency than they do today.

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.

Great classic! I have truly grown in my admiration for Jane Austin!

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.