Sense and Sensibility
By: Jane Austen
This is one of Jane Austen's first novels, written in 1795- I believe. It is also one of the best stories! It does take a while to get into- but once you get into it you can hardly leave.
J I remember the first time I read it I complained to mom at about 9:30 p.m. that it was boring, but she said to keep reading. I stayed up until 3:30 before finishing it! It was so hard to stop reading!
The story centers around Elinor and Marianne Daschwood- two sisters. They have one younger sister, Margaret and their mother. Their father dies at the very beginning of the book- unable to leave them anything but 500 pounds a year. They move to a new, smaller house and work at completely downsizing.
Elinor is a composed young woman who controls her feelings and reveals very little of what she's feeling. Marianne is the exact opposite- she is very romantic, outgoing and always reveals her thoughts.
The story is mainly how they look for, and find, husbands . But it is a journey as well, from Marianne meeting the dashing Willoughby and the calm Colonel Brandon to the end when she sees that each is not really what they seem and learns to protect her heart. Elinor has struggles, as well. It is not too easy to begin to love someone- as she does Edward Farrar and then to find out he is engaged.
This is a beautiful story- showing what real love is. Another aspect that I loved about this story is Elinor and Marianne's relationship. They disagree, and they occassionaly say things that aren't especially nice- but they love each other so much and work for the other to be happy. They aren't just selfishly going their way looking for some rich guy to marry, they are comforting each other when something goes wrong, congratulating and hoping when it goes right, and always "being there."
Get a paperback copy!( or... Get this book being read aloud on tape by Kate Winslet (Marianne in the 1995 film)( or.. Get a hardback copy!(
Movies Based on the Book
I have seen two versions… my favorite comes first.
Actors: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise and Alan Rickman
Company: Columbia TriStar, I think
Director: Ang Lee
Year: 1995
Acting: Terrific! The actors all do a wonderful job, you become immediately transported to Regency England. They completely reveal their characters and wrap you up into their personal lives.
Filming:
Gorgeous scenery, beautiful houses, the filming is excellent!
Things you might not like in this movie:
Some of the womens' dresses are too lowcut at the top- they stayed very historically accurate, unfortunately.
Rating: PG (Some of the story line is a bit advanced)
Screenplay:
Emma Thompson (Elinor) wrote it. She did a wonderful job. She stayed so true to Jane Austen's theme in "Sense and Sensibility" and made it such a warm, loving film. She took out a few characters and adjusted the story line a bit- but she made it such a beautiful script- you feel like you are really in the story.
I highly recommend this movie!
