Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility

Hi

Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen’s first published novel but the second novel she wrote. This is my second time reading it.
It has 405 pages and a very beautiful cover.
You can find all my Jane Austen reviews here.

“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 behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. 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.”

I think this novel is not just an argument for more sense or more sensibility but for a balance of both. Happiness is only possible when one learns to accept both sides.
Jane Austen’s writing is sassy, ironic, witty and subtle. The way she conveys her criticism of the disagreeable characters is (when reading carefully), very, very funny; especially in the introductions.
Mr. Palmer is a perfect example of her subtle humor. By reading his papers, Austen mocks the overly dramatic and irrational women in the novel.
Willoughby is a unique Austen villain. Next to faults, he has merits. He gets a chapter to explain himself and he gains more depth in it. As far as I remember, this is the only time she does that.

The ending is a bit too perfect in my opinion. I know, all her novels end well, but this one is a bit too perfect, a bit too convenient.

Happy reading.

Helena

Sunny afternoon!