Earlier this year I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time and was really looking forward to reading more Austen. Sense and Sensibility did not live up to the high standers I had set for it, but It was a good read. The slow start describing the family situation ruins the race of the story and makes it very had to get into. I had a problem with Marianne as a character, but I can see how she could be endearing to some. In short this was a classic worth reading. ( )

Thus far, my favorite Austen novel. Her prose rendered my eyes glued to the pages. ( )

A classic story set in England.

Marianne and Elinor experience the highest and lowest points emotionally in their quest for love. One begins to feel sorry for Colonel Brandon and wonders why nobody has recognized his amiable qualities before. Marianne's eventual love for Brandon arises in the last page of the book. ( )

Maybe Twilight had one redeeming feature. It made me think "right, that's it, I'm going to read something by Jane Austen now to get the taste of Bella & Edward out of my brain". And at the bookshop, there was a tantalisingly gorgeous and ridiculously cheap edition of Sense and Sensibility, and I was thinking that maybe I hadn't read it, or then again, maybe I had...

So, due to my incipient early-onset-Alzheimer's, I got to re-read a Jane Austen novel, as if it was brand new. Completely cleaned the synapses of glittery vampires, too. What's not to love?

I really enjoyed this amusing tale of two sisters, one far too emotional for her own good, and the other one far too emotionally bottled up for her own good. I did side with Elinor for the most part, but I actually had a lot of time for silly Marianne, who usually I would have dismissed as a drama queen. I can't believe that anyone could write a drama queen as a character I would care for, but I obviously underestimated Miss Austen's talents. Shame on me.

And now I can go and read Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. :) ( )

In typical Austen style, [Sense and Sensibility] begins with numerous characters being thrown out at the reader and many names and connections need to be digested and remembered. Somehow in all of the near confusion characters named Elinor, Marianne, Colonel Brandon, Edward Ferrar, Willoughby and Mrs. Ferrar stand out.
Class distinctions and hypocrisy of the 19th centery are addressed and brought to the forefront.
The story seemed to drag a bit in the middle but overall a very satisfying read and I give it my hearfelt "approbation". ( )

Jane Austen wrote two of my favorite books --- Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice. Each time I re-read them, (yes, I am a serial re-reader) I am overcome by the amount of emotion she can fit on a page. Sense & Sensibility ranks right up there for me with the best of the tearjerkers.

Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are incredibly close sisters but could not be more different. Elinor is strong and reserved, Marianne is emotional and prone to outbursts on any opinion she might have. They are opposites in many ways with the exception of their love lives which can be described as nothing more than shambles. Elinor is in love with Edward and she feels, and her family is assured, that she will someday be his wife. Marianne falls for a man named Willoughby . He is dashing, daring, and falls amicably in love with Marianne soon after their first ill-fated meeting. Her happiness is not meant to last and, after leading her on, he leaves her with no warning.

When an opportunity arises for the sisters to be in London, Marianne readily agrees much against the more strident arguments of Elinor to stay at the cottage with their mother. It is in London that Willoughby is sited and Marianne’s hopes rise only to be completely dashed when it is rumored that he is to marry someone very rich, something Marianne is not and has no hope to ever be. The death of their father and the miserly ways of their half brother, John, have left the Dashwood women rather less endowed.

While in London, Marianne goes into a stupor on finding out about Willoughby and Elinor does her best to care for her. Unbeknownst to Marianne, Elinor is experiencing much the same torment --- she has heard from an acquaintance, Lucy Steele, that Edward is engaged. In fact, he is engaged to Lucy and Elinor is forced to listen to her drivel about their difficulties in not being able to express their love openly and to marry. Elinor is strong under the strain but somehow, while reading, you just wish she would sit and give in to her emotion but she doesn’t. That is the beauty in reading Austen, she pulls at the heartstrings but her characters can take it.

An illness strands Elinor and Marianne on their way home but thanks to the help, and love, of a family friend, they are reunited with their mother and return home where each has time to recover from their love ordeals. After a few weeks, Elinor is surprised by Edward and an offer of marriage she had convinced herself was impossible and Marianne finds happiness in love in the place she least expected.

The one thing I adore about the Austen novels I have read are the characters and this book does not fall short. The Dashwoods’ sister-in-law, Mrs. John Dashwood (Fanny) is probably one of the most conniving and annoying characters in the book. Her cheap nature, mean spiritedness, and jealously for the sisters is appropriately aggravating. In one scene, she complains about having to give away the good china when she of all people is forcing the Dashwoods from their beloved home now that her husband has inherited it upon of the death of his father. She plays a very small part but is unforgettable for me and one character I cannot stand to come across. She is so conniving she is wonderful and makes you want to hate all sister-in-laws even if you love you own.

Why do I re-read this book over and over? Each time I find something new to love. I feel more and more each time for Marianne and the deep depression she falls into over losing Willoughby and what she thought, and was led to believe, would happen between them. Willoughby becomes more and more of a rascal, to use a proper Austen term, and so viciously cruel that Marianne’s torment becomes even greater. And dear Elinor, the strong sister who seems capable of running the world if given the chance with her calm and cool demeanor, to suffer so in silence almost to the end is just heart wrenching. When the happy ending arrives you almost want to celebrate and cry along with the characters. ( )

A masterful examination of rationality (Sense) versus romanticism (Sensibility) and a good story about two sisters seeking love and successful marriages. Classic Austen. ( )

Sense and Sensibility illustrates well the old saying "appearances can be deceiving." Sensible Elinor appears to feel things less deeply than passionate Marianne, who pursues what she admires and avoids what she does not with equal zeal. However, in allowing her feelings to govern her behavior, Marianne is insensitive to the feelings of others, while Elinor, by doing what is expected of her in social situations, suffers all the more. Not only does Elinor do the right thing even when it is difficult and painful, she does it for the right reasons. I'm glad for Elinor's sake that she ends up with the man she loves. I can't help thinking, though, that she deserves a better man than Edward, and I find myself agreeing with many of her friends and relations that Colonel Brandon would have been a good match for her. ( )

Loving Austen's work as I do, it would take me months to write a real review of Sense and Sensibility that would encompass my emotional and intellectual reactions to the novel and its place in Austen's oeuvre, so the only thing I'll be "reviewing" here pertains to my latest reading of the book that spans April to September of 2009. My significant other and I read aloud to each other. (Yes, it's sickeningly adorable, we know.) It started as a project of reading the other our favorite novels. Since he had already read my actual favorite, Persuasion (at my encouragement the year before), I selected Pride and Prejudice and to continue the Austen education (as we're still muddling through his selection of Moby Dick), he requested Sense and Sensibility.

Reading a novel aloud, you might guess, makes for an interesting experience, particularly when it's a novel that you're quite familiar with... because somehow, you stumble upon things you never noticed. Words that you might have skipped over in a quick read or never knew how to pronounce are brought into the spotlight as definitions are requested or pronunciation corrections given. In addition, to read a novel aloud to someone means that reading is no longer this solitary communion between reader and novel. With an additional participant, there's an added dimension of dialogue and discussion. We try not to get "teacher-y" with leading questions, as obviously one of us knows how the story will turn out while the other is being exposed to everything for the first time. I also tried not to let my Austen research seep in too much as side commentary, but I couldn't always help myself. Some things, like how the novel was originally titled "Elinor and Marianne" or that it was originally published without Austen's name, but rather it was listed as "By a Lady"... well those things are harmless. Telling him that in the Ang Lee version, Emma Thompson plays Elinor and in real life, she married Willoughby... well, that got a little confusing for him.

So, my listener and I might summarize the basic plot of the novel as such: Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are two sisters with very different means of expression. Both are thoughtful and feeling young women, but Elinor tends to keep things to herself whereas Marianne sees no reason to hide emotions. Their father dies and their family (including mom and a little sister that we basically ignore) moves into a cottage owned by their mother's cousin, but not before Elinor develops an attachment to her half-brother's wife's brother, who is considered out of her league in terms of fortune by his family. Once they move to Devonshire, Marianne falls head over heels for the dashing Mr. Willoughby, though she also inspires a quiet love in the older Colonel Brandon, who has a somewhat complicated past. Austen originally intended to show "sense" triumph over "sensibility," but as she wrote the novel, her feelings wavered on whether one should entirely discount "sensibility."

My own love for Sense and Sensibility aside, I was a little surprised at certain of his reactions to particular sections... and then quickly realized that, as an intelligent reader, he did have some points. Whenever he complained about Elinor being a bit of a wet blanket... well... he's kind of right. And yes, Marianne is incredibly selfish. And it's not terribly easy to remember all the names and family connections. (I made him a character list/family tree chart that he would occasionally consult as I read.) But it was comforting to know that a surprise at the end of the novel was just as much of a surprise for him as a first-time reader as it was for my pre-teen adolescent self when I first read it. And even more so, I was pleased that he found this to be a delightful and interesting plot-point rather than something ridiculous that reflected poor planning on the author's part.

I might adore the novel, but even I can admit that it certainly reflects Austen as a younger, less developed writer. Sense and Sensibility is a very different novel from Pride and Prejudice, but it's impossible to not make certain comparisons as both novels focus on two sisters who are not wealthy. And while S&S might have been written and published first, it's a much sadder novel than P&P, and actually a little more complex when it comes to how Austen feels about her characters. This is not to say that there are more complex characters here, it's just that this is a more interesting novel to study in terms of an author's complicated relationship with her characters. Austen might align herself with Elinor, but we must admit that there's the touch of the Marianne about her.

I've discussed Sense and Sensibility with people any times before, but never in a situation where our reading at the same pace allows us to address immediate scenes and actions. As a result, we often discussed particular phrases as it pertained to her writing style, making comparisons with P&P or Persuasion. We spent a lot of time talking about some of the supporting characters (and why their voices are so much more fun to do than the main characters'), why Austen considered certain scenes to be necessary in the general arch of the story, and where we saw clear foreshadowings of particular scenes or characters in P&P.

Overall, if you're looking to read an Austen novel to your significant other, I would recommend Pride and Prejudice over this one, unless you're prepared to handle a few outbursts. ("Yes! We get it! Elinor is bottling it all inside! But can't she just punch Lucy in the nose just once?" or "Wait a minute. That was a duel. There was a duel in an Austen novel and we don't even get to see it?! And they both miss?! That's utterly ridiculous!") We had a great time, though, and it was a quick read for us. It's a beautiful, fantastic novel that any real literature fan should experience -- preferably before the Ang Lee version, though I consider it to be one of the best Austen movie adaptations out there.

Next up for our reading? Wuthering Heights. But we're still disemboweling whales on his side, so I might try to make it through a bit more of that before we start to tackle Heathcliff and the moors. ( )

While I read this book I had the most unfortunate habit of comparing the work to Jane Austen's best known novel, Pride and Prejudice. It's quite unfair, I think, to do that because P&P is so definitely superior to S&S, and I probably didn't give it a fair chance. But that is just my probably misguided opinion.

Elinor, as a cold and reserved woman, took a while to engage me. Emotional and energetic Marianne is a little easier to care about because she does where her heart so blatantly on her sleeve, but her self-pity and emo-attitude got annoying at times. I guess that's the big problem with the novel for me. I found too many of the characters irritating, and not in a comedic way. I think the only one who lasted the whole book without annoying me was Colonel Brandon.

But for all I know, that could have been Austen's intent. All these ladies fussing over marriage, incomes and gossip, complaining about an income of only two thousand pounds which according to measuringworth.com would be close to 150,000 pounds today! That's not a small sum - these women were far from "poor" indeed!

Oh well. It wasn't a bad read - I was certainly entertained the whole time. It just wasn't as good as I hoped/expected, but like I said at the beginning I couldn't honestly say I judged it fairly. ( )

The first of Austen's novels to be published, Sense and Sensibility is considered less mature than the four novels that followed -- Pride + Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion. The main characters, Elinor and Marianne, are drawn with exaggeration and remain something of a puzzle. Why exactly are they so superior to those that surround them? The minor characters are a fascination, the cad Willoughny, the awkward Col, Brandon, the pained Edward Ferrars. Even Lucy Steele is admirable for her manipulations and ability to win over others against all odds. And the satire on British customs is piercing if short of savage. Elinor's silent condescension after hearing the account of Brandon and Willoughby's duel is priceless. ( )

Two sisters who approach life and love in two very different ways. ( )

I've actually already read this book, but I think it's my favorite Jane Austen, so I decided to read it again. Or at least it used to be my favorite. On rereading it, I think Emma or Persuasion might have the edge. But it's still very good. I'm not sure I understood all of Austen's semi-snide comments on human behaviour as a teenager. ( )

A great read! Not quite on the same level as Pride and Prejudice. but definitely an engaging story with characters who have you on their side from the beginning. ( )

This fantabulous classic was part of my read for the Everything Austen Challenge. Due to my love for anything and everything Victorian, I can say that it was only natural that I’d fall in love with this timeless piece. This story of the very different Dashwood sisters and their clashing tastes in their choices of men to love, was endearing as well as very frustrating at times. Just when I thought the obvious about Colonel Brandon, Edward or Willoughby- the story took a different turn just to add to the intrigue of it all; classic Austen at its best.

The story revolves around love-sickness, love-triangles, a marriage of convenience, age and love, differences of choices and opinions, wealth and social status, influence, family conflict, secret-filled pasts and ultimately…and appropriately so: sense and sensibility. I’m still not sure which of the sisters I concurred with the most; Elinor or Marianne... Austen brilliantly shifts us from one perception to the other while embracing both depending on the situation. Ultimately the girls’ reconciliation and love for eachother blends the disparities of state helping them come to terms with their own serenity. Love can then be found and accepted under a new light.

Sense and Sensibility is a light read embedded with deeper meaning that brings comfort, peaks interest and offers a colourful variety of figures (the comical busy-body Miss Jennings is indeed very special!) On the whole, this read meshed excitement, passion, drama as well as ‘sagesse’ in the lives of two otherwise very ordinary ladies of the times. The book doesn’t skip a beat with essential meanings and turn of events within every paragraph- With this one, you won’t want to blink:)

One can never get enough of elegantly written suspense-filled love twists and pangs. At least I can't- Loved it! ( )

I have the full Jane Austen collection from Doubleday. The hardback covers are pastel colors and very girly. This was the first Austen novel I read and I was not disappointed. It is full of vivid descriptions with an intriguing story to go with it. You can almost see the main characters in big 19th century dresses as you read it. A very romantic novel. I loved it. ( )

What more can you write about any of Austin's books? Wonderfully written with humor, love and sensitivity to the era and characters. This particular edition - Konemann Classics- are small pocket sized hardback books with insightful notes in the back. Paper and binding is beautiful. ( )

Sense and Sensibility is another classic Jane Austen book about marriage. She traces the courtship of two sisters with all the ups and downs, misunderstandings and risks that accompany giving your heart to another. One sister is restrained and sensible while the other is very emotional and artistic. It is interesting to see how there different personalities influence their way of falling in love. ( )

Good....Probably Not Austen's Best, However: I used to wonder why so many people preferred Pride and Prejudice over Sense and Sensibility. What differences were dynamic enough to make so many people sway? I read the novel and was intrigued, yet not as much as I was when reading Pride and Prejudice.
Sense and Sensibility is a delightful story with characters easy to fall in love with. You automatically root for Elinor at the drop of a hat, and though we prefer to think of Marianne as someone completely different from ourselves, we resist reproaching her and root for her instead. Though I wouldn't call it Austen's best, this book is a great way to pass time, especially on a shaded porch swing in a drizzle.

Aaaahhhh....Colonel Brandon. The most unsung hero of romantic literature...in my humble opinion. ( )

Very good. This was the first time I'd read Sense and Sensibility, after watching the most recent movie adaptations (Emma Thompson's). I had seen the BBC’s version a long time ago as well. It feels much more introspective than Pride and Prejudice, since so much of the drama is wrapped in the minds (and the distress) of Marianne and more so, Elinor. Notable differences from the adaptations were: the character of Lady Middleton was more fully developed (but, in fairness, not critical to the story), the confession of Willoughby to Elinor (and her inner compassion for it) was described in detail, as was the explanation of the marriage of Robert Ferras to Lucy Steele (which seemed such a mystery in both adaptations). ( )

Not as good as Pride and Prejudice but still a good read. ( )

My favourite of all Austen's novels. The emotion created through the relationship of the two eldest Dashwood girls is the living thread that binds the novel together. A truly beautiful novel that alone should have Austen declared a national treasure. ( )

I liked this book just as much as Pride and Prejudice. It took me forever to read, but it was well worth it. The story was very sweet and a little romantic. Typical Austen. I would reccomend it to anyone who enjoyed her other books or classics. ( )