Sense and Sensibility (Oxford World's Classics)

Paperback, 384 pages

English language

Published March 9, 2004 by Oxford University Press, USA.

ISBN:
978-0-19-280478-5
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OCLC Number:
53871388

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4 stars (16 reviews)

When Mr. Dashwood dies, he must leave the bulk of his estate to the son by his first marriage, which leaves his second wife and three daughters (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) in straitened circumstances. They are taken in by a kindly cousin, but their lack of fortune affects the marriageability of both practical Elinor and romantic Marianne. When Elinor forms an attachment for the wealthy Edward Ferrars, his family disapproves and separates them. And though Mrs. Jennings tries to match the worthy (and rich) Colonel Brandon to her, Marianne finds the dashing and fiery Willoughby more to her taste. Both relationships are sorely tried. But this is a romance, and through the hardships and heartbreak, true love and a happy ending will find their way for both the sister who is all sense and the one who is all sensibility. - Publisher.

169 editions

Overlong

3 stars

I noted when I read Mansfield Park in March that, had I begun my Jane Austen Challenge with that novel, I almost certainly would not have gone on to read any of her others. Well, had I chosen to read them in order and started with Sense And Sensibility I definitely would not have continued! I really struggled to finish this novel because it is verrrrry sloooow.

There are redeeming moments of course and I accept that I am probably in a minority of people who were underwhelmed with this much-loved classic. I did feel that Sense And Sensibility started out well. I enjoyed the interactions between John and Fanny Dashwood and both Mrs Dashwood and Mrs Jennings are fun. Unfortunately they are only supporting characters though so not on the page enough to liven up endless rounds of pseudo-polite chitchat with little plot to drive the narrative in between. …