Sense and SensibilitySense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm officially upgrading my rating on this book from a 3 to a 4 star, and honestly, it comes down to one simple realization: understanding the story actually makes the book better.

The first time I read this, I struggled. I zoned out constantly, had to backtrack, and never felt grounded in what was happening or why it mattered. This time around, going in with a better understanding of how classical lit works... the pacing, the social rules, the quiet character arcs... everything just clicked.

What really stood out to me NOW was how intentional the emotional arcs are... Elinor and Marianne aren't just sisters with different personalities... they also represent two extremes that both need to be tempered. Impulsive romanticism is grown out of... Restraint is rewarded.

That said... I still have opinions.  Click to reveal spoiler!
I never fully bought into Marianne and Col Brandon as a romantic pairing. I know, I know... It's thematic and purposeful... but it reads more like a lesson than a story, and Elinor deserved him WAY MORE. They are a match. THE MATCH. Edward is... fine.

While this may not be my favorite J.A. novel, I'm really glad I gave it another shot.

P.S. This cover is lovely. I really like the Union & Co Signature Classics Paperbacks!
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2022 Review
I must admit that I didn't love this and I'm really bummed about it, because I've heard lots of good things. I just couldn't get into it and I kept zoning out and having to backtrack. I don't even know if I got enough out of it to write a review, but here we are...


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