Sense and Sensibility in Retro Chapter Chicks

Jun 22, 2019 Theresa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: z-pop-sugar-2019-reading-challenge, satire, revisiting-faves, classics-and-classic-redos

Only the second time reading this, and the first time was about 40 years ago, I am actually for more familiar with Emma Thompson's brilliant movie adaptation. More comparing the two later.

We all know the basic story about the Dashwood sisters and their financial concerns, family and romantic troubles. This was the first of the Austen novels published, definitely showing signs of first-novel-itis. For me specifically it was a little long, a bit repetitive and a few sections a bit muddy. But those Only the second time reading this, and the first time was about 40 years ago, I am actually for more familiar with Emma Thompson's brilliant movie adaptation. More comparing the two later.

We all know the basic story about the Dashwood sisters and their financial concerns, family and romantic troubles. This was the first of the Austen novels published, definitely showing signs of first-novel-itis. For me specifically it was a little long, a bit repetitive and a few sections a bit muddy. But those are quibbles. It is still absolutely brilliant creating not just extraordinary primary characters like Elinor, Marianne, Willoughby, but deftly portrayed secondary ones like the Palmers. I also noted those themes and relationships that Austen revisits in other novels - the dour serious man enamored of the young melodramatic miss, the elder sister in the role of manager and voice of reason in a family, at least one silly, missing, or irresponsible parent, the intense attention to money at (or potentially do) one's disposal, and even one sibling at least who has no one to talk to in any comfortable way.

It was wonderful spending time with the Dashwoods on the printed page! My copy even had lovely pen/ink illustrations by Hugh Thomson. However, my mental image as I read were all from the 1995 movie, which was so brilliantly cast, acted, written, and filmed. I particularly have to comment on just how amazing Kate Winslet's performance as Marianne was. On the page, the over 'sensibility' a/k/a melodrama she exhibits is a tad one note, irritating. Winslet brought such depth, so much under the melodrama, that rather than slapping her (as I wanted to do as I read), you understood the delight others took from her. I also think Austen portrays Willoughby in a worse light than Thompson does in the movie, but of course still less cruelly than the similar character, Wickham in Pride & Prejudice.

There are large sections of the story starting in London and running to the end that enhance the plot and characters in the book that are not in the movie, particularly another major scene or two involving and illuminating Willoughby. These added a delightful sense of discovery, given how familiar the movie adaptation is to me. Thus reason enough to revisit it in print. ...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Book Concierge rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio, sisters, england, 19th-century, classic, library, concierge, strong-women, literature, jane-austen

When Mr Dashwood dies, his estate goes to his eldest son by his first marriage, and the second Dashwood family is left in reduced circumstances. Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters – Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret – leave the estate and move to a cottage on the estate of Sir John Middleton, a cousin of Mrs Dashwood. The eldest two Dashwood sisters are as different as night and day in their approach to life and its joys or obstacles. Elinor is restrained and proper, known for her intelligence and kee ...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Kris (My Novelesque Life) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-freebie

5 STARS

"The contrasting personalities of two sisters are the centre of the story, supported by a wealth of satirically portrayed minor characters." (From Amazon)

I love the Dashwood sisters and their romances. Elinor is the sensible one when it comes to love and Marianne the romantic - maybe a little too fanciful in her dream guy. I find Edward a bit wimpy, and Willoughby too swarmy. Col. Brandon is a quiet sensible man who I imagine to be handsome. ...more

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Jun 27, 2023 Tasha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics

Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4 for GRs.

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Jun 22, 2023 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it really liked it

Shelves: classics, nook-lendables

Marianne and Elinor, two sisters, are different women but also so similar in many regards. Marianne is a young romantic that idealizes the world. Elinor has experienced romantic disappointments and struggles with societal structure. The Dashwood sisters are a remarkable pair, and with their struggles, they balance and compliment one another's strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed the humor and Austen's commentary on society in Regency Era England in Sensense and Sensibility. Austen never ceases to ...more

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