Summary: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in late 18th-century England. After their father's death, the sisters and their mother are left in reduced financial circumstances and must rely on the kindness of relatives and friends. Elinor, representing sense, embodies reason and restraint, while Marianne, embodying sensibility, is passionate and impulsive. The novel explores their contrasting approaches to life and love, with Elinor's reserved affection for Edward Ferrars and Marianne's relationship with John Willoughby.
Opinion: The most compelling aspect of Sense and Sensibility for me was the vivid portrayal of the Dashwood sisters' contrasting personalities and how they navigated the societal pressures of their time. The characters were alike and different, which is very hard to portray in a book. I had no disappointments throughout this book and thought that the entire book was always building up to the next plot point leaving no gaps for boredom. I would recommend "Sense and Sensibility" to anyone who loves classic literature, rich character development, and stories that dive into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. It has a mixture of romance, social critique, and timeless themes. I give this book a 5 out of 5.