Jane Austen’s debut novel is a brilliant tragicomedy of flirtation and folly in which two sisters who represent “sense” and “sensibility,” or restraint and emotionalism, experience love and heartbreak in their own separate ways.
One daughter, the impetuous Marianne, falls passionately in love with the dashing John Willoughby and makes no secret of her affections. Meanwhile, Elinor and the mild-mannered Edward Ferras feel a mutual attraction, yet neither has the directness to acknowledge it.
When it is revealed that Willoughby is in fact an unscrupulous fortune hunter and that Edward is bound by a previous commitment to another woman, each sister’s romantic hopes are dashed. As they bear their grief in their different ways, Marianne learns from Elinor’s quiet restraint, while Elinor learns the value of Marianne’s candid expression.
In the end, both sisters are happily settled, having each developed a more balanced approach to life and love.
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"I love reading it, (and by IT I mean Pride and Prejudice) but is it sacrilegious to say I love the BBC movie series even more??? I am picturing all those scenes while I read, not sure I would have conjured up such great impressions and images of characters and scenes were it not for that series!!"
— Christa (4 out of 5 stars)
“As nearly flawless as any fiction could be.”
— Eudora Welty, New York Times bestselling author“[Narrator Wanda McCaddon gives] a spirited reading, using skillful phrasing to interpret the text. She gives the characters distinct voices and captures their personalities perfectly.”
— AudioFile“Miss Austen gives us all the agony of passion the human heart can feel; she was the first; and none has written the scene that we all desire to write as truthfully as she has…It is here that we find the burning human heart in English prose narrative for the first, and, alas, for the last time.”
— George Moor, Irish poet and novelist" Have read Sense and Sensibility so far. I think I will read the books in the order they are presented, from 1st published to last. Reading Austin is definitely different than reading todays romance/historical romance novels and I am enjoying the change in pace. "
— Deanna, 2/17/2014" This is an amazing book, I woudn't suggest that you get the complete works...its a bit daunting! But I did plow through it! Wonderful none the less! "
— Natasha, 2/12/2014" I don't know why I didn't read her books sooner, but I am sure glad that I finally did. It was fun reading them all at the same time. She's awesome! It's hard to say which book was my favorite...I'll have to think about it. "
— Julia, 2/10/2014" Some are better (Persuasion) than others (Northanger Abbey.) However, I have read all more than once and they feel like old friends...Though read long ago and some again more recently, this list just didn't feel like me without including this book. "
— Elisabeth, 2/2/2014" The best romance the world of literature has to offer. Witty, sparkling, endearing, satirical, honest, lovely... "
— Jayna, 1/27/2014" Love Jane Austen. Her stories will never be out of fashion. They're true classics... The women in her stories always end up happy; they always get their man. :) "
— Sarah, 1/19/2014" Many funny ways to describe people...very old fashion style but fun. This is not as good as Pride and Prejudice....but has moments. "
— Kaye, 1/18/2014" I absolutely adore Jane Austen, I have read this entire book at least 20 times. "
— Elle, 1/16/2014" I love Jane Austen, especially Sense and Sensibility and I love having all her novels together in one book. However, I've still had to buy separate individual editions too as this book isn't very practical for commutes!! "
— Evangeline, 1/3/2014" I am excite dto read all of her novels. I am really into Jane right now. Its kinda nice. "
— Samantha, 12/30/2013Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.