Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics)

Edition Review:I have had my eye on the Chiltern Classics edition since a friend showed me her growing collection. My old copy is getting tattered so I decided this was the edition I wanted to replace it. Hardbound with gorgeous raised art print cover, gild-edged pages, ribbon marker, heavy paper stock and easy-read page font. In a word, exquisite! It is not much larger than a paperback and has a comfortable cushioning to the hardcover for reader comfort. Giftable and collectible!Book Thoughts:Sense & Sensibility is the story of the Dashwood sisters coming of age, losing their home and previous income/status, first throes of love and starting over, and making their way along a new path after their romantic adventures are settled. There are two sisters who are central, but it is the oldest whose perspective is most utilized.Many folks are drawn toward one or the other sister, but personally, I've always thought the point was not to go toward either extreme, but to find balance between all sense or all sensibility.I've also found the surrounding characters a split between comedic and dramatic. Some characters fall into both camps. I detest Fanny Dashwood, but I got a real kick out of that scene when she discovers the truth about the simpering, flatterer Lucy Steele. And, that moment when Edward shows up to visit with Elinor in London and comes on Lucy Steele cracks me up almost as much as Mrs. Jennings- my favoritest of S&S characters.I pick up something new each time I read this book and this time it was how Elinor was almost too perfect. She's nineteen and has the wisdom and grounding of a woman far beyond her years. I think back to myself at nineteen and I know for a fact that if I had a mother and sisters up in alt like that and a girl like Lucy Steele rubbing my face in it over her secret engagement to the guy I'm half in love with, trust me, I would have had a few moments of losing my cool and not just internally. I've always cut Marianne some slack because of her age, but never considered how improbable Elinor's behavior was for a woman of her age.And, speaking of Marianne, she wasn't the only one who fell for a less than pristine hero. Willoughby and Edward Ferrars both were not honorable toward these women for more than one reason. Just by conducting themselves so that impressionable and vulnerable ladies allowed themselves to become attached was doing them the injustice of sabotaging their chances of marriage- when they needed the stability of that- with other honorable gentlemen. These guys weren't just wounding the gals' hearts and lying to them, but they were making their chances of future comfort that marriage could give them harder than ever. Neither started out to hurt the women intentionally, but neither were free to court or even let a woman think them eligible for courtship at the time. But, only one of the men really crossed the line. Edward later showed he had honor though it was hard on Elinor's heart at the time.So, it was a wonderful perusal of a fabulous classic.

very good quality, beautiful item

About version C. E. Brock- excellent digital copy, working pages and chapter links and no noticed typos or errors. Got it for 99 cents so excellent buy.About the novel:I've completed 3 Austen novels now bye order of my favorite stories through film and TV adaptations. Each has its charm but P&P is still my favorite and S&S now ranks third above Emma.I find the dynamics of the sisters Elinor and Marianne most intriguing and endearing. Their mom and baby sister being more ornamental it's difficult to get a feel for them.Perhaps I see some of my relationship with my siblings here but this novel really speaks to me. I can even relate to the brother and sister in law.Spoilers.................................The sisters contrast more than Jane and Lizzy though we don't really get a Jane POV so it's not a fair comparison. Both have their own unique ways of navigating their world. Elinor all shy, reserved and carefully concealed emotion makes her stronger of the two especially in a society that doesn't reward passionate outbreaks. I felt bad for Marianne but also frustrated with her mom who failed to chaperone properly or even get her own head on straight and not encourage Willoughby without an idea of his intentions. A dad with some standards, and alive, would have stood some protection for these girls. Elinor is mislead too but I see that she did her best to remain detached and have no expectations though her hurt wasn't any less when "that hussy" (LOL Mrs. Jennings) stuck her claws into Elinor.I wish I had read these books as a young teenager. Women haven't changed a whole lot (ans lying men too) and some of the double crossing and betrayals I suffered might have been avoided learning from these characters and Austen wisdom.Her sarcasm is ever present as well. And overall it's an enjoyable read. It flowed better and faster than Emma which seemed to get hung up in places reminding me of Miss Bates rambling on and losing her point.Willoughby is definitely a Scoundrel up there with Wickham. He is all about and only for himself and even as he tries to "apologize" to Elinor in one seen he never really does. He just had a minor twinge of conscience when he heard Marianne was possibly dying and had to insert himself into the drama of wronged star crossed lovers. He never meant to hurt her, but he never meant to marry her even though he gave her every expectation offering her expensive presents (horse Queen Mab) and showing her his would be future estate. No he is just like some guys today wowing the girl d'jour with his richest, having fun bathing in her admiration and his conquest of her (same as that unfortunate ward of Brandon's) and poof he's gone to hunt elsewhere.People never change and Austen can teach us the way of the world and entertain as well.

I’m re-reading Jane Austen’s works to commemorate her 260th birthday year 2025.I’ve started with Sense and Sensibility as her first published work and going through in order of publishing.I love this book and her ability to tell a great story while making comments on disparities of her times. Just read, and enjoy!