A review by genny
Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
I first read this when I was 12, and I remember enjoying it but I doubt I fully understood what was going on. More than a decade later, I've finally reread it. I'm surprised by how funny this was (this is my first Austen book, forgive me)!
"Oh," cried Marianne, "with what transporting sensation have I formerly seen them fall! How have I delighted, as I walked, to see them driven in showers about me by the wind! What feelings have they, the season, the air altogether inspired! Now there is no one to regard them. They are seen only as a nuisance, swept hastily off, and driven as much as possible from the sight."
"It is not everyone," said Elinor, “who has your passion for dead leaves."
💀
I adore Elinor and even learned to care about Marianne despite how overly dramatic she was. But while I liked the sisters, I couldn't say the same for their romances - Edward didn't have much of a personality and we barely got to see him, so he felt more like a ghost that haunted Elinor; Colonel Brandon was nice enough, though his attraction to Marianne weirded me out. But, y'know. Different times, I guess. The other characters were amusing in their own way - I particularly liked Mrs. Jennings in all her well-meaning fuss.
The resolution, though. Oof! That big plot twist came out of nowhere and felt way too convenient. I'm all for happily-ever-afters, but everything wrapped up too neatly and too quickly! What a letdown. Still, it was a lovely (and very quotable) story. I keep seeing people comparing it to Pride & Prejudice, so perhaps that'll be my next Austen. 🤠
I adore Elinor and even learned to care about Marianne despite how overly dramatic she was. But while I liked the sisters, I couldn't say the same for their romances - Edward didn't have much of a personality and we barely got to see him, so he felt more like a ghost that haunted Elinor; Colonel Brandon was nice enough, though his attraction to Marianne weirded me out
Spoiler
considering she was close in age to Eliza, Brandon's ward...and Brandon was attracted to Marianne because she reminded him of his dead lover....hahaThe resolution, though. Oof! That big plot twist came out of nowhere and felt way too convenient. I'm all for happily-ever-afters, but everything wrapped up too neatly and too quickly! What a letdown. Still, it was a lovely (and very quotable) story. I keep seeing people comparing it to Pride & Prejudice, so perhaps that'll be my next Austen. 🤠
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death