Raison et sentiments
by Jane Austen
- First published 1970
- 334 pages
- French
- Classic
When the sudden death of their father leaves the Dashwood sisters and their mother in drastically reduced circumstances, they are forced to leave their beloved home. Relocating to a modest cottage in Devonshire, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood must navigate a society where a woman's future often hinges on a suitable marriage and financial security is paramount.
Elinor, the elder sister, embodies prudence and restraint, facing her personal trials with quiet dignity and logic. In contrast, Marianne lives by her intense emotions and romantic ideals, expressing every joy and sorrow without reserve. As they encounter new acquaintances and romantic entanglements, their distinct approaches to love and life are tested. This narrative explores the tension between sense and sensibility, the societal expectations of 19th-century England, and the challenging path to finding happiness and understanding oneself amidst adversity.
Elinor, the elder sister, embodies prudence and restraint, facing her personal trials with quiet dignity and logic. In contrast, Marianne lives by her intense emotions and romantic ideals, expressing every joy and sorrow without reserve. As they encounter new acquaintances and romantic entanglements, their distinct approaches to love and life are tested. This narrative explores the tension between sense and sensibility, the societal expectations of 19th-century England, and the challenging path to finding happiness and understanding oneself amidst adversity.
What readers say
4.09
1.4M ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
This book is widely praised as an excellent and accessible adaptation, particularly for introducing younger readers to the works of Jane Austen. Many reviewers, including an 8-year-old fan, loved it as a wonderful entry point to classic literature. The adaptation is commended for successfully retaining the original spirit, mood, and tone of Austen's writing without being overly modernized or complex. Readers appreciate the inclusion of fun black and white illustrations, which are noted to be helpful for early readers. Adults also found it a quick and enjoyable read, serving as a good summary and even a useful tool for English language learners.
However, some reviewers expressed reservations, primarily concerning the book's target audience and narrative pacing. While marketed for children, several readers questioned if very young children would fully comprehend the story, suggesting it might be more suitable for slightly older readers, around 10 years old and up, due to its central focus on romantic relationships and emotions. Additionally, a few readers found the plot to be somewhat dull, feeling that "nothing happens," and struggled with the sheer number of characters, which led to confusion and difficulty tracking who was who, especially in the latter parts of the book.
In conclusion, this adaptation generally achieves its aim of providing a simplified, engaging introduction to a classic Jane Austen story. It is best suited for pre-teen and early teen readers, or adults seeking a quick and light summary, who are interested in the original's themes and characters but prefer an abridged format. While it serves as a charming gateway to classic literature, potential readers should be mindful of the points raised about character complexity and the story's emphasis on relationships, ensuring it aligns with the reader's age and preferences.
However, some reviewers expressed reservations, primarily concerning the book's target audience and narrative pacing. While marketed for children, several readers questioned if very young children would fully comprehend the story, suggesting it might be more suitable for slightly older readers, around 10 years old and up, due to its central focus on romantic relationships and emotions. Additionally, a few readers found the plot to be somewhat dull, feeling that "nothing happens," and struggled with the sheer number of characters, which led to confusion and difficulty tracking who was who, especially in the latter parts of the book.
In conclusion, this adaptation generally achieves its aim of providing a simplified, engaging introduction to a classic Jane Austen story. It is best suited for pre-teen and early teen readers, or adults seeking a quick and light summary, who are interested in the original's themes and characters but prefer an abridged format. While it serves as a charming gateway to classic literature, potential readers should be mindful of the points raised about character complexity and the story's emphasis on relationships, ensuring it aligns with the reader's age and preferences.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Christian Bourgois, 1994
- ISBN
- 9782267001617
- Language
- French
Original edition Sense and Sensibility Originally published in 1970 · English · Signet Classics
