Sense and Sensibility
By Jane Austen
Charnwood Large Print (1995)
ISBN 10: 0-7089-8246-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-7089-8246-4
Genre: Classic Literature
Reviewed by Auggie Moore - October 15, 2007
Sense and Sensibility was the first novel by Jane Austen (1775-1817) to be published, although it was not the first book that she wrote. It is the story of two impoverished, but equally beautiful sisters, Marianne and Elinor Dashwood. They are striving to find love, and husbands, in a world where material wealth and social standing are seen as more important factors than love and compatibility when it comes to marital bliss. For the Dashwood sisters, making a suitable match is even more important than for most, for upon the death of their father they were forced out of their childhood home, and if they do not manage to make good matches, they face the prospect of spending the rest of their lives living in genteel poverty.
In this tale, which is both poignant and satirical, we meet the Dashwood sisters. Elinor, the eldest is sensible and down-to-earth, while Marianne is romantic and emotional. Marianne has set her eye, and heart, upon a new neighbor, John Willoughby, as her future husband. Elinor, for her part, also has a potential suitor in the form of Edward Ferrars. However, Marianne's imprudence and failure to adhere to social norms soon turns Willoughby against her, while Elinor heart is broken by the quiet Ferrars.
Austen follows these two sisters as they learn to deal with their shattered dreams, broken hearts, and at times, unrealistic expectations. All the while, Austen pokes fun at the mores of her time, where the sole purpose of a young woman's life was getting a husband, and the varied schemes and machinations that went into securing a suitable match. In the end, both Elinor and Marianne grow from their experiences, and are rewarded by suitable matches that will secure their futures financially and emotionally.
Ordinally published in 1811, Sense and Sensibility was an instant 'hit' and it quickly made Austen a household name. Like any true classic, this is a story that has withstood the test of time and it still connects to readers of all ages. It also provides a unique view into life in Austen's England. Best of all, this large print edition from Charnwood Large Print makes this classic work of literature accessible to readers who need or desire a large print edition of the text.
Sense and Sensibility can be purchased directly from Ulverscroft, the parent company of Charnwood Large Print.
Related Reviews:
Emma, by Jane Austen.
Emma Woodhouse is a spoilt aristocrat who has nothing better to do than to play match-maker to all around her. The only problem is, her matches tend to go horribly wrong in this delightful comedy of errors.
Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen. In this satirical work that pokes fun at gothic novels, we follow Catherine Morland on her first visit to the city of Bath. Catherine is fond of reading gothic novels, a fondness which makes her prey to seeing horrors where none exist!
