10 June, 2014

Book Review: Sense and Sensibility

From Goodreads: 'The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'
 
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.


Thoughts: You can always tell when I'm back at the gym - I start reading Austen again! Dare I say I'm rather starting to enjoy my little Austen sojourns.
So, Sense and Sensibility - this may possibly be my favourite Austen so far. I loved Elinor - so sensible, level headed and together. Marianne's drama gave the book zest and the men as always broke hearts and mended them.
As always there is a character to annoy and frustrate - more than once I wanted to be able to step between the pages and slap Lucy! 
Really, this review from Goodreads sums is up pretty well for me (if you ignore the bit about being a bloke - 'cause obviously I'm not!) It manages to sum up why the book was so good.
The question now is, which Austen next?? I have Persuasion, Northanger Abbey or Mansfield Park to choose from. Recommendations??