#16: Sense and Sensibility

Austen, Jane: Sense and Sensibility. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 2003. E-book. 380 pages (actual text: 340 pages). 
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SETTING: 19th century England, primarily in the southwestern county of Devonshire.
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SUMMARY: Per law in 19th century England, property and assets were inherited by the next male heir.  As such, after Mr. Dashwood's death, his home is inherited by his son from his first marriage, and his second wife and three daughters are forced to leave their comfortable home in Norfolk county for a cottage in Devonshire, many miles away.  The two elder Dashwood sisters are transformed in character as they are made to fend for themselves in this patriarchal society, while at the same time having to face the joys, sorrows, and, above all, heartbreaking disappointments that come with love.
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FAVORITE QUOTE: "Marianne was silent; it was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion; and upon Elinor, therefore, the whole task of telling lies, when politeness required it, always fell." - Part 1, Chapter 21, page 140.
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I've always been able to adapt to new situations quickly; at the same time, I hate change.  This move from the West to the East Coast has been the biggest environmental change I have had to encounter thus far in my life, and, although I'm loving it so far, it's nice to have a piece of home within reach when I have those "I MISS CALIFORNIA!!!" moments.  So, to get that sense of comfort and familiarity, I decided to re-read my third favorite Jane Austen novel (Pride and Prejudice is obviously #1, followed by Persuasion) because well read and well-loved books are a part of what makes my home.  I also haven't had time to explore the local library or the undergraduate library on campus, so paying a visit to my favorite novels may be happening until I do make the time to scout out my new literary-fix providers.  
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Things I like about this book:

1. Elinor Dashwood.  Her strong personality combines with the perfect amount of class and etiquette to create this power woman who knows what she wants.  She's able to control her emotions in horrible situations, and is the most rational and level-headed character in this book.  She deserves more than Edward Ferrars, but if a dope like him is really going to make her happy, I guess I shouldn't judge?  If I were to write a sequel to Sense and Sensibility, it would have Elinor leaving Edward for someone far more intelligent and rational, someone on her own level of awesomeness, because Edward plain ol' sucks.  See point 2 under "Things I don't like about this book" please.
2. 19TH CENTURY BRITISH LITERATURE.  My favorite!
3. The entire story line.  The beginning is as strong as the middle, which is as strong as the end.
4. It's an "and they lived happily ever after" story!  As I was discussing with my roommate earlier today, real life has provided more disappointments in the romance and love department, but fiction!  Fiction can always be relied upon to end well.  Because it's not real life.  :]

Things I don't like about this book:

1. Marianne Dashwood.  "Selfish," "irrational," and "immature" pretty much sum up her character.  I'm also grossed out by the fact that she marries someone approximately 20 years older than her.
2. Edward Ferrars.  Another selfish character who needs to man up.  Straight and simple.
3. Lucy Steele.  She is annoying.
4. How forgiving Elinor Dashwood is of Edward Ferrar's cheating love.  Perhaps I should see it as a virtue that she is so forgiving, but I don't understand how anger doesn't overshadow and beat down the need to forgive him.

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I love 19th century British romances because the heroines' lives are the complete opposite of my own life.  It's an escape from reality for me, and in a strange way, these books make me re-realize that I love life and the opportunities I have.  3 centuries ago (and even 100 years ago), women would not be able to do what I'm doing in life.  In no way do I want to assume the lifestyle women had in the 19th century, but it's fun to read about it and feed the horribly skewed perception I have of that time.   
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Recommend?  Yes!!!  Read this book, and we will be the best of friends.  Read P&P and we'll be super friends for life.