Sense & Sensibility Review

Although Sense & Sensibility might have been Jane Austen’s debut first novel published more than two hundred years ago, it still remains a true and timeless classic that is beloved by millions, even to today. The universal themes of love, youth, society, wealth, poverty, romance and following one’s dreams, are such topics that all readers can identify with, regardless of their backgrounds. The sisters Elinor and Marianne are characters that many readers can sympathize with and root for. With Elinor, the calm, responsible and sensible sister, who represents the virtuous Austen heroine, is partnered with her opposite natured sister Marianne, the carefree, romantic and spiritual Dashwood daughter. Both sisters undergo drastic character developments throughout the novel, in which the consistent theme is that everything in life must have a balance. There’s a time to be sensible and a time to follow your heart. Ultimately, you cannot be too sensible or too carefree, because life requires a bit of both.

This novel continues to be one of my favorite Austen novels, after Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion. Although the book ultimately has happy endings for both sisters, it’s the journey along the way that makes this novel truly heart warming, enjoyable and endearing.

If you’re a fan of Sense & Sensibility and are looking for a modern retelling with a twist, then check out my new novel “The Ambassador’s Wife” by Kristina Stangl.

The Ambassador's Wife