i_need_organization_skills's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bnsumrall97's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessica_h's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars! ✨ It’s become a habit for me to watch an Austen adaptation for each novel before reading that particular one for myself and over Christmas I watched Ang Lee’s film of Sense & Sensibility from 1995. Whilst I enjoyed it, I would say I much preferred the novel, which is rather unusual for me. The novel continues a little beyond the rather abrupt ending of the film and in particular, I preferred the character of Willoughby on the page. This is my second favourite novel from Austen (after Emma) out of the four I’ve read so far, but despite always enjoying her plots, I can never quite get totally swept away by her writing. I listened to this one on audiobook, like I’ve done with Pride & Prejudice and Emma, narrated this time by PJ Roscoe, but I wonder now whether that’s really the way to go for me to consume Austen. I used to think listening to the story would enable me to appreciate the mode of storytelling more, but I always seem to get distracted and my attention wanders off. I think I’m much more capable now than I was a few years ago in actually reading Austen and getting the most from it. Perhaps for the remaining two novels I have to read, I will do just that!
adogmomsbookishlife's review against another edition
1.0
I only had 100 pages left when I decided to put this one down for good. I watched the movie, hoping it would peak my interest and make the reading easier, but all it did was make me not want to finish it because I already knew how it ended. The way the book is written is like reading a totally different language. The words are eloquent and beautiful, and I love the way we used to speak, but it just doesn't work for me in reading a book. I did enjoy the challenge that Pride and Prejudice presented so I had high hopes for this one, but I just could not care any less about it.
klynnweber's review against another edition
4.0
My goal this year is to get caught up on Jane Austen novels; there are some I've missed and others I've read but my memory is jumbling all the details. Having been reading so many modern novels recently, I had a hard time getting back into Austen's classic style, despite the fact that I do thoroughly enjoy it. Perhaps it was the adjustment from modern literature to classic, but the beginning of this one felt a bit slow to me. This book was sitting as a solid 3-star rating for me until the very end. I'm a sucker for a good Jane Austen ending.
It is worth mentioning that one of the highlights of this novel is the relationship between Elinor and Marianne. I found it rather endearing, even if it was a bit frustrating at times. Even when Marianne is selfish and over-the-top, Elinor is there for her, putting aside her own distresses. And eventually we see Marianne return the favor in her own way. This relationship is a nice contrast to some of the family relationships we see in other Austen novels.
It is worth mentioning that one of the highlights of this novel is the relationship between Elinor and Marianne. I found it rather endearing, even if it was a bit frustrating at times. Even when Marianne is selfish and over-the-top, Elinor is there for her, putting aside her own distresses. And eventually we see Marianne return the favor in her own way. This relationship is a nice contrast to some of the family relationships we see in other Austen novels.
abiggal's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Elinor is the original eldest daughter, and Marianne was an empath before it was cool.
This novel had many great twists and turns. It genuinely had my jaw drop multiple times. Sometimes the characters’ lack of sense and sensibility was a little maddening and made them harder to appreciate. But, I do think I felt more connected to these characters by the end.
Out of the 4 I’ve read so far, this novel has felt the least like Jane Austen to me? Maybe because it was her first, or maybe I just have just gone too long without her. However, Austen delivered again her sharp and unmatched commentary on human behavior. She’s just so talented, I can’t get over it.
And depend upon it, I wish we still lived in a world where women could go into a fit of hysterics, go hide in their room, and still be welcomed without a thought when they wished. Let’s bring that back
This novel had many great twists and turns. It genuinely had my jaw drop multiple times. Sometimes the characters’ lack of sense and sensibility was a little maddening and made them harder to appreciate. But, I do think I felt more connected to these characters by the end.
Out of the 4 I’ve read so far, this novel has felt the least like Jane Austen to me? Maybe because it was her first, or maybe I just have just gone too long without her. However, Austen delivered again her sharp and unmatched commentary on human behavior. She’s just so talented, I can’t get over it.
And depend upon it, I wish we still lived in a world where women could go into a fit of hysterics, go hide in their room, and still be welcomed without a thought when they wished. Let’s bring that back
sabinasolorzano's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
pippapineapple's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
doctortdm's review against another edition
2.0
I like some of the words used by another reviewer - The characters are too numerous and indistinguishable to be memorable. These parlour-dwellers are invariably judgemental, sanctimonious, shallow and passive-aggressive, bearing little resemblance to the unusual and far more interesting creatures that populate reality.
And contrary to many reviewers JA was supposed to be a mix of realism and romanticism. However, if writing today she probably would do well to be listed with the romance writers her success was being at the right time and place.
And contrary to many reviewers JA was supposed to be a mix of realism and romanticism. However, if writing today she probably would do well to be listed with the romance writers her success was being at the right time and place.