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A review by rosemarieshort
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
5.0
Sense and Sensibility is without doubt one of my favourite books of all time. Forgetting that it was written by a woman in a time when men dominated in every way Sense and Sensibility is, essentially, a fantastic story.
For those who prefer the underdog, the intelligent, devoted and determined character with quiet compassion and gentleness, there's Elinor. For those who prefer their characters to be outgoing, passionate, trusting and fiercely romantic then Marianne is a foil to Elinor's quiet strength of character. Either way the story of the Dashwood sisters provides enough plot, combined with its socially dictated romance, to make it engrossing - and provide the reader with a very determined view of how you would like the story to end.
Believe me when I say you can begin determined not to have any interest in the romantic dalliances of the Dashwoods, and in turn end up rooting for your suitor of choice as he attempts to earn the affections of his chosen lady. That's not forgetting that this novel is an Austen and therefore littered with female side characters - whether in mocking or not it's refreshing for the landscape of the time to be so female oriented. Humour comes in the form of Sir John and his family, disdain and despair from Willoughby and hope rises in the form of Colonel Brandon, while Edward Ferrars gives us a show of backbone in the novel's final crescendo...in the most painful, annoying way possible. It's a screen shot of Austen's world and she breathes life into it like no other.
There is nothing revolutionary for the modern reader here but there is a gentle breath of a time long gone by and, for me, a fond reminder of my reading this book when I was a teenager (and of course falling in love with Colonel Brandon), curled up in bed with tea and my duvet. A great read for all ages - thoroughly recommended.
For those who prefer the underdog, the intelligent, devoted and determined character with quiet compassion and gentleness, there's Elinor. For those who prefer their characters to be outgoing, passionate, trusting and fiercely romantic then Marianne is a foil to Elinor's quiet strength of character. Either way the story of the Dashwood sisters provides enough plot, combined with its socially dictated romance, to make it engrossing - and provide the reader with a very determined view of how you would like the story to end.
Believe me when I say you can begin determined not to have any interest in the romantic dalliances of the Dashwoods, and in turn end up rooting for your suitor of choice as he attempts to earn the affections of his chosen lady. That's not forgetting that this novel is an Austen and therefore littered with female side characters - whether in mocking or not it's refreshing for the landscape of the time to be so female oriented. Humour comes in the form of Sir John and his family, disdain and despair from Willoughby and hope rises in the form of Colonel Brandon, while Edward Ferrars gives us a show of backbone in the novel's final crescendo...in the most painful, annoying way possible. It's a screen shot of Austen's world and she breathes life into it like no other.
There is nothing revolutionary for the modern reader here but there is a gentle breath of a time long gone by and, for me, a fond reminder of my reading this book when I was a teenager (and of course falling in love with Colonel Brandon), curled up in bed with tea and my duvet. A great read for all ages - thoroughly recommended.