A review by misslisa11
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behavior leaves her open to gossip. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

Buddy read with @frillsandchills.bookclub! I love Jane Austen and I think this may be the only book of hers that I haven’t read before, so I was happy to change that. This wasn’t my favorite book by Austen but it was definitely enjoyable and full of humor mixed with Austen’s usual commentary on society. As always, Austen masterfully explored of themes of class, greed, wealth, and women in society. I think part of the reason I wasn’t as impressed by this book as I was by her other works is that I struggled to connect with most of the characters. Colonel Brandon was definitely the best character of the entire book and deserved so much more. Marianne’s character was prone to fantasizing and impulse, which made her come across as flighty and inconsiderate. Elinor’s character was fine but she didn’t stand out to me as Austen heroines usually do. And Fanny and her mom were total bitches. But Austen’s clever writing made up for this, and overall it was an enjoyable read.