Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics)

What a blast it was re-reading Sense and sensibility after more than 30 years. Jane Austen was never an assigned author in my high school or college classes, but I picked up Pride and Prejudice at a used book sale and loved it. Following that good experience, I read through S&S, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Somehow I missed out on Lady Susan, so I still have that to look forward to. Sense and sensibility was selected as my local book club's September pick, and the prevailing opinion was very positive with a definite desire to read at least one classic a year. Most of us had read it before and enjoyed the repeat. One of my favorite aspects of Austen's writing is the humor, which is so clever and timeless, and her observations about the human character are astute and still relevant two hundred years later.

I have always loved Jane Austen’s stories and for good reason, but this was the first time I read one of her novels all the way through. I was struck by the beauty of her words, her witty sense of humor, the realness of her characters, the strong and powerful females she writes, and the 1700-1800 English society she depicts. Sense and Sensibility tells the story of two opposite sisters who are pained in love and life. Elinor’s calm and sensible demeanor mirrored by Marianne’s romanticism and innocence beautifully shifts as the sisters grow and learn. Is reason and prudence most important when entering a marriage, or passion and romantic idealism? I would highly recommend this book and this version to anyone looking to read a classic romance novel. Jane Austen was a master of her craft and it clearly shows both in her elegant writing and the timelessness of her stories.

Love it

😍 loved this book is far better than the movie

"Sense and Sensibility" was first published in 1811, although it appears that Jane Austen had worked on various versions of the novel since the 1790's. It is less polished than the later, classic "Pride and Prejudice", but it contains all the familiar elements we expect and enjoy in an Jane Austen novel. The novel is built around the two Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, whose contrasting styles are the "sense and sensibility" of the title. Elinor is the elder sister, patient, considerate and practical. Marianne, on the other hand, knows no halfway love of anything in life. As the story opens, their father has just died, leaving the family estate to his son by a first marriage and his second wife and three daughters in near destitution. The widow and three daughters move to a small cottage on the estate of a distant kinsman in Devonshire. Elinor leaves behind the cherished Mr. Edward Ferres, a shy but loyal and seemingly compatible friend, who has however strangely not offered marriage to Elinor. The beautiful Marianne attracts two suitors soon after their arrival in Devonshire, the older, sober and respectable Colonel Brandon, and the young, handsome, and charming Mr. Willoughby. Willoughby wins Marianne's heart, and an engagement is expected momentarily. To Marianne's immense disappointment, Willoughby unexpectedly departs for London without proposing. The two sisters are persuaded to travel with an aunt to London to take part in the social scene. In London, the sisters will learn shocking news about their respect suitors, and each will learn to cope with the help of the other. The journey back to Devonshire will set the stage for dramatic developments for Elinor and Marianne. Austen's sense of dialogue and ability to set up scenes staging are less acute in "Sense and Sensibility" than in later novels, but she makes up for it by a more emotional approach to the characters and some savage if indirect commentary on the social customs of the day. Those readers whose introduction to the story is the excellent 1995 movie "Sense and Sensibility" will find a longer, more subtle, and complex story in Austen's novel. This novel is very highly recommended to fans of Jane Austen.

I've read Sense and Sensibility multiple times, but there's something about having the Penguin Classics edition on my shelf that feels right. The introduction adds helpful context without spoiling anything, and the notes in the back are great for understanding references I might have missed. The binding feels solid and the paper quality is nice—it's held up well to rereading. Elinor and Marianne's story hits differently each time I revisit it, and this edition makes it easy to get lost in their world. If you're looking for a quality version of this classic, this one's a reliable choice.

This might be my favorite Austen book of the 4 ive read (P&P, MP, Persuasion and this)

I have read most of her works and watched some of the movies made from her books. I'd seen the movie of this (and loved it) but I like to compare them together. As usual though, the books are usually better!