Reason and Romance

(Review originally posted on my blog: http://awordsworth.blogspot.com/2011/09/reason-and-romance.html)

Reason and Romance takes the story Jane told in Sense & Sensibility and transposes it into 20th century living. Most of the details are 'the same' and it's easy to pick up on the original themes in the beginning. But Smith took some interesting liberties with the story itself - Ted (the 'Edward' of our tale) is a student in Elaina's (Elinor) graduate course and is much more involved with the Wood (Dashwood) ladies' lives than in the original. Other characters are tweaked around and storylines fuzzed a bit. I understand adjusting things to make them fit contemporary society, but some of the changes are just awkward. Maybe even a little show more weird.

I also had a seriously hard time with Ted's portrayal of Edward. Ted is in a (second) secret engagement with Lorna (Lucy), but has no qualms about making moves on Elaina - going so far as to consider how to get out of his engagement. Where Edward is sort of lovably oblivious, and determined to keep his word, Ted comes across as keenly aware of what he is doing and actually works out a plan to rid himself of Lorna. I found Ted rather distasteful as a hero. In an interesting contrast, Willis (Willoughby) was actually more believable an interest for Anna (Marianne) - he was the 'star' she'd joked with Elaina about marrying one day. Yeah, he turned out to be scum, just like his original, but there was a bit more foundation for his character than the Ted-Edward thing. Dr. Brixby (Col. Brandon) was endearing, as he should be, which was a relief. And I liked the sense of humor Elaina displayed. show less

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