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What are readers saying about Sense & Sensibility?
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A Reader posted a review at 2012-01-15 12:34:16.
(Language: English)
 
Love all things Jane...just do.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-09 09:11:05.
(Language: English)
I caught this movie on cable a few weeks back and fell in love with it. I think I like the plot more than Pride and Prejudice. The Vintage edition keeps a lot of the old school language (like "choose" is "chuse" and "dote" was spelled "doat") and was really annoying at first, and seemed to be typos, but I got over it. I only wish I'd read the book before I saw the movie! The book obviously offers more. There's additional characters and great dialogue, although I'll admit more superficial than P&P.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-13 02:08:09.
(Language: English)
Although not my particular favorite of Austen, Sense is nonetheless a must read for anyone calling themselves an Austenite. The characters are on par with every ridiculous person I've ever known....and yet they remain believable and human. Mr. Palmer is by far my favorite character because he's freakin hilarious and is very much like Mr. Bennet but meaner, thus more amazing. And I think every woman dreams of a steady, dependable, and wholly devoted man like Colonel Brandon to wait for us (in our insanity) while the countless fucky Willoughby's in our lives frustrate and disapoint to no end. If only wisdom and sense went hand in hand with love so that no person had to ever fall for and then eventually forget a Willoughby. But such is youth.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-16 12:03:19.
(Language: English)
Upon beginning this book I believed my love for Emma Thompson's screenplay could not be rivaled, that nothing could be more vivid than Kate Winslet's portrayal of Marianne. I was utterly and completely wrong and quite happy to be.Every character is more vibrant; even annoying Mrs. Jennings becomes a woman of tolerable if not likable quality. I understand, more than ever the motives of John Willoughby and find myself more willing to forgive him than I knew myself to be capable. The fate of both Elinor and Marianne seemed a constant mystery despite having seen the film- thus is Austin's ability to keep you on your toes. By the last page I was fulfilled in every sense of the word. Sense and Sensibility is witty, clever, ironic, poignant, and timeless.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-26 05:15:17.
(Language: English)
My daughters wanted to watch the movie that was made from this novel. I beleive that you should always read the book first. So we read this book together. Jane Austen has a way of writing that helps you to paint the picture of what is going on. You almost develop a relationship with the characters. You as a woman both ache for the sisters as they go through love and anguish. You almost hate the men for their lack of honesty & love. My middle daughter requestes her own copy of Shakespere's sonnets because of this novel and is an avid reader as well. I think that this style of writting has been lost. You can depict a deep desire for each other, without the characters disrobeing everytime you turn a page. This is a must read and share.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-24 02:03:56.
(Language: Spanish)
el título es una traducción literal del inglés pero en español no significa igual. Hablan del sentido como el raciocinio, pararse a pensar antes de hacer locuras y de la sensibilidad como pasión, lo contrario (entiendo que raciocinio y pasión era un mal título). Dos hermanas se enamoran a lo largo de la novela de dos hombres (cada una del suyo) y cada una afronta el rechazo de una manera distinta, una tragándose sus sentimientos y la otra expresandolos en exceso. Bonita lección ya que al final se demuestra que en el término medio está la virtud. Le doy un 8.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-27 02:24:19.
(Language: English)
Ragione e Sentimento è la prima opera della giovane Jane Austen. Il libro è godibile e scritto in maniera incredibilmente leggera e scorrevole se si pensa che è del '700. A mio avviso non è la sua opera migliore, il finale poi mi ha lasciata un po' perplessa (in particolare per quanto riguarda in personaggio di Marianne), ma è interessante vedere come siano già presenti quegli elementi che verranno ripresi e sviluppati in seguito in opere più mature come Orgoglio e Pregiudizio.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-13 08:04:58.
(Language: English)
This novel is so wonderful...and for that reason, I had to read it twice. There are many interesting layers to uncover, and it was just as enjoyable the second time around! The sisterhood between Elinor and Marianne is a comfort to the characters and inspirational to me. I find myself relating to Marianne in many, many ways and thus am able to more fully revel in her joys and acutely feel of her loss and pain. Great life lessons concerning the choices we make and the consequences they bring, not only to our lives, but to the lives of others, are found within. For me, it was the cause of serious reflection. I truly love this book! An unforgettable read...ENJOY!
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-10 01:47:31.
(Language: English)
i just finished the book and i watched the BBC version of Sense and Sensibility a few days ago..but while i was reading..i had the impression that in the book, Elinor was more hungover Edward than he did. it could be because i didnt read the book thoroughly enough but i felt very sympathic to Elinor because it seemed like she liked and missed him more. It just seems like in the book, Edward was just being friendly to Elinor but because everyone around her said that he liked her too, she really started to like him.......i dont know...i was kindof weird forme.... I really like the bbc version because it shows Edward trying to express his feelings when he meets her at londo i think they should haveput more of Edward and Elinor's relationship...this makes me wonder that in the original book.. if Edward actually loved Elinor.....
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-10 05:12:33.
(Language: English)
Elinor and Marianne are two daughters of Mr. Dashwood by his second wife. They have a younger sister, Margaret, and an older half-brother named John. When their father dies, the family estate passes to John and the Dashwood women are left in reduced circumstances. Fortunately, a distant relative offers to rent the women a cottage on his property.The novel follows the Dashwood sisters to their new home, where they experience both romance and heartbreak. The contrast between the sisters' characters is eventually resolved as they each find love and lasting happiness. This leads some to believe that the book's title describes how Elinor and Marianne find a balance between sense and sensibility in life and love.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-26 09:36:57.
(Language: English)
Once more, a delight! I absolutely adore Jane Austen and after reading and re-reading her books I find different aspects of England's life style and manners that we today - 200 years later - still follow, in some degree. Only lacking on the upmost delightful ascent and impecable manner of women of society, with that in mind; what really happened to the women of society? Love to travel back ...
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-23 07:25:39.
(Language: English)
Somewhere along the line, I forgot to read this book. I'd seen the movie so many times that I just assumed that I'd read it. When I finally picked it up I discovered much that was new and surprising, and really, quite unlike any other Austen novel I'd read. The characters' faults and failings are sharply displayed, but gradually soften as the story develops and we see them reacting to the various scandalous events and revelations that drive the story. By the end, every major character has been through some kind of moral test, and you are left with the sense that their true colours have come through. Overall, I found Sense and Sensibility a really satisfying read. I would love to know how it was received when it was first published.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-05 05:13:35.
(Language: English)
This is a book set in 18th century rural elite society of England where all that matters is your connections and status. In this background, The Dashwood family of Sussex has to leave their ancestral home to a new place to Barton Cottage, thus moving from a mansion to a common dwelling. Mrs. Dashwood, her three daughters of which Elinor and Marianne are the protagonists, have to bear many trials and tribulations of life. Elinor's sense is captivating, as is Marianne's beauty. Their journey to London and then to neighbouring countrysides help them to discover the bond between them, help in their understanding of the world and realizing that true love encompasses time, distance, treachery and falsehood. Apart from that, this book is also a comment on the contemporay society of rural London, where one has to have a sense of propriety all the time, even if there are many false layers beneath, and a social satire on the rich.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-16 09:31:17.
(Language: English)
***SPOILER ALERT***This novel is set in a small English hamlet and revolves around two sisters and their love interests but also is a social commentary on this class of English people at the height of the Empire. The sisters are the younger siblings to a half-brother who is dimwitted but kindly married to a miserly woman. After their father's death the sisters and their mother are forced to vacate the family estate for a small "cottage" which they rent from a friendly cousin on their mother's side. The girls meet three men with whom they are interested. The first is their sister-in-law's brother who seems interested in Elinor, the oldest but turns out to be already secretly engaged to a woman who his mother disapproves of. The second man is a Colonel who is also interested in the girls but it is unclear in which one - he is terribly old (35). The final man is very infatuated with the younger woman - Marianne. They seem to be in love and on the verge of becoming engaged but he instead marries a wealthy woman. The first man has arranged to be married and is not disavowed. This allows the man to marry Elinor with whom he is now enamored. The colonel all along has been in love with Marianne and after her heartbreak is somewhat healed is able to woo her. The intricate rules of society combined with the treachery make Austen a fun read.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-01 09:52:45.
(Language: English)
The book tells us the story of two sisters, very much unlike each other in character, one, Elinor, very mature and stable, and the other, Marianne, impulsive and easily excited. The difference between the two sisters is brought out at every instance. In their behaviour with their acquaintances, Marianne is sometimes rude and insensitive to the feelings of others, but Elinor is always steady, and trying to make up for Marianne’s rudeness as well. Marianne is hasty in passing judgement on others, in spite of Elinor’s advice and caution. The difference in their characters is seen even in their choice of life partners. Both the sisters fall in love (with different persons of course), and are (at least temporarily) disappointed in their lovers. We see how Elinor bears her loss bravely and with fortitude, whereas Marianne simply falls to pieces and even comes close to death. As usual, as in her other novels, Jane Austen creates her characters, who are so believable and so next-door type. Everyone is sure to have in his/her acquaintance a Sir John, a Mrs. Jennings, and even a Nancy Steele :-) As the story draws to a close, Marianne realizes her own folly and resolves to be better in future. And this time she choses a much more suitable partner for life. Elinor is also pleasantly surprised when she finds out that what she had thought she had lost forever, she had not lost at all! I feel that the heroines in this book are all well sketched out, but the heroes are too hazy and weak. Edward Ferrars does not look to me at all deserving of the able Elinor. Even Colonel Brandon is too weak a hero, whereas Willoughby is truly detestable. As a heroine-centric book, it is worth a read, but it does not rise to the standard of the other Jane Austen novels.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-28 09:39:33.
(Language: English)
I did like this book, but, as many others have said, I definitely liked Pride and Prejudice more. The relationships between the characters were, at times, oddly confusing. If I hadn't seen the movie, I would've wondered at Edwards treatment of Elinor, which was not that of even a friend most of the time. Marianne's reckless regard for her life because of Willoughby was, in my modern mindset, quite over-the-top. However, the general flow of the story was interesting to read through, and the passionate way that Jane Austen's characters always embrace family and friends is a nice change to the lack of civility found in some modern books. Other than a bit of a slow start, I did enjoy reading this book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-30 07:07:52.
(Language: English)
This book has a compelling story (two women, one with a lot of sense, the other very sensible, who deal with the trials and tribulations of romance, betrayal, heartbreak, reconciliation, and marriage) that, in my opinion, wasn’t told very well. I notice that in some passages the author seems to offer a summary of events rather than elaborately and eloquently delving into scenes and showing things to the readers like Dickens often does in his work. Perhaps my reaction to this story was heavily influenced by the fact that I read Sense and Sensibility immediately after I read Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Either way, I generally don’t like stories that read like they’re being summarized. I found myself drifting off when I read many passages in Sense and Sensibility. Would I recommend this book? I don’t think so. If I were to recommend this book it would only be so others could be familiar with Jane Austen because she was an important and influential writer in 19th century British literature. My personal opinion, however, is that there are better Victorian writers (ie. Charles Dickens).
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-11-29 08:09:50.
(Language: English)
Jane Austen is perhaps my favorite novelist in existence. That being said, this is definitely not her best work. While it was still engaging and endearing, I found myself struggling to like the characters or the ending. Marianne was truly a passionate well thought-out character, as well as Willoughby. I found myself truly hating him, which I think was Austen's intention! :) As I said before, there were two points I didn't care for. I am supposed to be fond of Edward, the main love interest of Elinor. While I do find admirable qualities within him, I also abhor that he seems to be lacking in spirit, courage, and boldness. I found him timid and pathetic in some aspects, almost like an annoying, hypochondriac cousin. The other thing that made this book seem not as brilliant as previous Austen works was the abrupt ending. I found Marianne's attachment to Colonel Brandon sad and shallow. Maybe it's just me, but I found the book wrapping up to quickly, almost as if Austen lost steam, not knowing where to end the novel.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-17 10:31:26.
(Language: English)
The book might not be as animated as P&P but Jane Austen bares a bit more of her soul in this book. Those who the life of Austen would agree. It is a slow moving and dull book because their isn't much added to the plot, but it has the happy ending that we all eagerly look for in the works of Austen's.I love reading about the social behavior of that era. It seems so docile, polite and civilized. People back then were more honest with their feelings and thoughts. Few words barely were spoken behind one's back. I guess in their own way people were more alive back then than they are now.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-06-19 01:27:09.
(Language: English)
When Mr. Dashwood dies, the family estate passes to his son, John. The widowed Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters are left homeless and with little money. A kind relative offers to rent them a small cottage on his property. The two eldest Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, find both romance and heartbreak in their new home. Elinor is sensible and restrained, so that even when she falls in love with Edward, she keeps her feelings to herself because she knows that marriage is not a possibility. She has no money for a dowry. Marianne, on the other hand, wears her heart on her sleeve. When she falls in love with handsome playboy Mr. Willoughby, she doesn't care who knows about it. Both sisters experience heartbreak before they find love and happiness.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-11 01:14:21.
(Language: English)
Excellent! Though P&P is still my favorite Austen novel, (ok, so I've only read two... :) I really enjoyed Sense and Sensibility as well! Before finishing the book, my only other experience with the story was the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet movie version. I don't remember it containing the scene where Willoughby comes back to explain himself and ask forgiveness so that was something new. Although the point may have been to redeem the character a little, I found that it made him even more unlikeable as it proved he chose money above love. My favorite line of the book is the very last: "and among the merits and the happiness of Elinor nad Marianne, let it not be ranked as the least considerable, that, though sisters, and living almost within sight of each other, they could live without disagreement between themselves, or producing coolness between their husbands".
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-15 12:23:48.
(Language: English)
Sense and Sensibility is equal to Pride and Prejudice in every way. Some people don't like Austen simply because they cannot grasp the world Austen was in, the world she wrote about. In response to a previous reviewer, understand that Austen did not consider love to be everything, she considered survivoring by getting married to be everything and dearly wished for love to accompany that marriage. Marriage was nearly every woman's only option, so do not criticize something when you don't understand it. Sense and Sensibility was wonderful, once again, because of the characters. Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are incredible (arguably as incredible as Lizzie Bennet to some Austen fans) and Colonel Brandon was the epitome of a great man. Austen creates real people (or reinvents them? hmm, no way to tell) and lets real situations OF THAT TIME unfold. Brilliant again!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-29 05:15:40.
(Language: English)
Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility" concentrates upon life in the Dashwood family and the relationship of two sisters, particularly in reference to the amorous events in their lives transpiring over the course of a year or so. The younger sister, Marianne, represents “sense,” as she views and lives life in a romantic, sensual, and dramatic manner, while Elinor, representing “sensibility,” is more reserved in her expressions of feeling, and her pragmatic, moral way of making decisions. While treating one other, at times, with brutal honesty, attacking the other for who they are not, each eventually learns that there is a deep love between them. Additionally, the sisters learn that there is something of value in the dominant characteristics of the other’s personality, and this works to positive effect for the love lives of both as time passes. Austen paints a picture of early nineteenth century England, especially with a focus on the position of women, who were largely dependent on marriage for their survival. Yet, in spite of this, Austen’s characters hunger for their dreams, for love that does not compromise their existence merely to pragmatic ends. In narrative terms, Austen’s genius never fails to come through with unseen twists in plot and beautiful, moving dialogue that has been kept at bay to be delivered to the anxiously-waiting reader at just the right moment.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-03-13 04:06:49.
(Language: English)
The same struggle we find in all of Austens' books. The heroines want to marry someone they love, they don't want to marry only for status and money. The fact I found funny was that in almost all her books the man they fall in love with and who loves them back, has quite an acceptable fortune and social standing, so they don't really need to decide. The only exception is Persuasion, which gives a bit more complexity to the choices. I think she wrote the book at a later stage in her life and you can see the difference.
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