Sense and Sensibility Book Summary

In 'Sense and Sensibility', Jane Austen weaves the poignant tale of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in Regency England. With contrasting personalities, Elinor's pragmatic approach stands in stark juxtaposition to Marianne's passionate spirit, bringing their differing views on romance to life. When faced with financial ruin and the challenges of gentlemanly suitors, their resilience is put to the test. Filled with wit, irony, and keen social commentary, this novel explores the balance between emotion and reason in matters of the heart. Will the sisters find true happiness amidst the trials of their respective romantic endeavors?

By Jane Austen

Published: 2003

"It is not what we have, but how we use it, that matters most."

Book Review of Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen's first published work, meticulously constructed and sparkling with her unique wit Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love - and its threatened loss - the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. This edition also includes explanatory notes and textual variants between first and second edition. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

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It is not what we have, but how we use it, that matters most.

Sense and Sensibility

By Jane Austen