Scan barcode
A review by so_brookeish
Dashed by Amanda Quain
4.0
A fun modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility!
I’ve actually read one of Amanda Quain’s other retellings and throughly enjoyed that book as well, making Amanda one of my go-to recommendations for someone looking for classic retellings with a clean, modern, YA twist!
In “Dashed,” Amanda Quain offers a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, featuring Margaret Dashwood, our type A, list making, plan having heroine, as she embarks on a summer cruise meant to be a 6 week long break from life, school, heartache, and a chance to bond with her sensible sister, Elinor. However, when their romantic sister Marianne crashes the trip, Margaret’s meticulously planned vacation turns into a chaotic journey of self-discovery, love, and family dynamics. Amidst elaborate fake dates for Marianne, and begrudgingly herself, as well as her own growing feelings for crew member Gabe, Margaret must learn if following the plan or following her heart is more worth it.
I always throughly enjoy stories about sisters, not growing up with any myself (but marrying into a wonderful family with three girls) I find the sisterly dynamics, feuds, unconditional love, unspoken grievances, and fierce protectiveness absolutely FASCINATING! In Dashed we experience sisterhood through the varying relationships of our three sisters: Margaret, Elinor, and Marianne. I thought their dynamics were authentically portrayed, showcasing both their conflicts and their deep bonds. Their interactions are touching and relatable, capturing the essence of sisterly love and support while also honoring the sometimes difficult feelings sisterhood can evoke!
All in all the slow budding romance was palpable and deeply enjoyable, the cruise setting was immersive and so fun, the plot was engaging (if a bit off in pacing at times) and the Austen inspired elements were clever!
This book is a perfect end of summer read if you enjoy heartwarming YA contemporary romance stories of sisterhood, self-discovery, healing, and classic literature retellings, all set against the immersive backdrop of a cruise ship! 🛳️
I’ve actually read one of Amanda Quain’s other retellings and throughly enjoyed that book as well, making Amanda one of my go-to recommendations for someone looking for classic retellings with a clean, modern, YA twist!
In “Dashed,” Amanda Quain offers a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, featuring Margaret Dashwood, our type A, list making, plan having heroine, as she embarks on a summer cruise meant to be a 6 week long break from life, school, heartache, and a chance to bond with her sensible sister, Elinor. However, when their romantic sister Marianne crashes the trip, Margaret’s meticulously planned vacation turns into a chaotic journey of self-discovery, love, and family dynamics. Amidst elaborate fake dates for Marianne, and begrudgingly herself, as well as her own growing feelings for crew member Gabe, Margaret must learn if following the plan or following her heart is more worth it.
I always throughly enjoy stories about sisters, not growing up with any myself (but marrying into a wonderful family with three girls) I find the sisterly dynamics, feuds, unconditional love, unspoken grievances, and fierce protectiveness absolutely FASCINATING! In Dashed we experience sisterhood through the varying relationships of our three sisters: Margaret, Elinor, and Marianne. I thought their dynamics were authentically portrayed, showcasing both their conflicts and their deep bonds. Their interactions are touching and relatable, capturing the essence of sisterly love and support while also honoring the sometimes difficult feelings sisterhood can evoke!
All in all the slow budding romance was palpable and deeply enjoyable, the cruise setting was immersive and so fun, the plot was engaging (if a bit off in pacing at times) and the Austen inspired elements were clever!
This book is a perfect end of summer read if you enjoy heartwarming YA contemporary romance stories of sisterhood, self-discovery, healing, and classic literature retellings, all set against the immersive backdrop of a cruise ship! 🛳️