Sense and Sensibility

Name: Sense and Sensibility
Rating: 7.78 (153 reviews)
Author: Jane Austen
ISBN: 9781535194792

Language: English
Published in: 2016
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Pages: 242
ISBN: 9781535194792

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.

Subjects

Original edition details

Sense and Sensibility Originally published in 1811

Original language

English

Original publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Other editions (1811)

Sense and Sensibility

2003 • Penguin

English

The Annotated Sense and Sensibility

2011 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

English

Sense and Sensibility (Annotated and Illustrated) Village Lane Classics Edition

2023 • Village Lane Publishing

English

Sense and Sensibility An Annotated Edition

2013 • Harvard University Press

English

Sense and Sensibility Annotated

2022 • Independently Published

English

7.78 / 10 (153 ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

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.

Negatives

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.

Conclusion

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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Rating sources

Subjects

Original edition details

Other editions (1811)

Sense and Sensibility

The Annotated Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility (Annotated and Illustrated) Village Lane Classics Edition

Sense and Sensibility An Annotated Edition

Sense and Sensibility Annotated