Charlotte H. (Char) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. When both appear to be deserted by the men they were to marry, the stage is set for a delicous comedy of manners.
Nancy D. (kestral) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
What can I say? A wonderful book, that can be read over and over.
Jan W. (jwinter) -
Helpful Score: 2
This audio book has six cds, is dramatized as well as read to you in stereo sound, and is very entertaining. The voices were amusing as is the wonderful retelling of Sense and Sensibility. 6 1/2 hours!
Donna F. (Modmom50) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Classic story of two sisters and they represent sense and sensibility. Glorious tale of early 19th Century upper and middle English society. One of Jane Austen's finest works.
MP P. (misslisslee) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A favorite Jane Austen -
Janai M. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it even more than the movie!
Helpful Score: 1
One of her best books. If you liked _Pride and Prejudice_, you'll like this one. And if you like both of these, next stop: _Emma_.
Helpful Score: 1
If you're going to read Austen, start here. I almost like this better than Pride and Prejudice! Great story, with movie tie-in cover and pics.
Victoria M. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 246 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A classic Jane Austen romance. It has 8 pages from the movie starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. A period setting in stuffy old England when they wore those amazing dresses and lived in those grand estates. Literature at its best.
Patricia M. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 52 more book reviews
Two sisters of opposing temperments who share the pangs of tragic love provide the theme ofr Jane Austin's dramatically human narritive. Elinor, practical and conventional, is the perfection of sense. Marianne, emotional and sentimental, is the embodiment of sensibility. To each comes the sorrow of unhappy love. Elinor desires a man who is promised to another. Marianne loses her heart to a scoundrel who jilts her. Their mutual suffering brings a closer understanding between the two sisters-and true love finally triumphs when sense gives way to sensiblity, and sensibility gives way to sense. Jane Austen's authentic representation of early 19th century middle-class provincial life, written with forcefull insight and gentle irony, makes her novels the enduring works on the mores and manners of her time.
...taken from the back cover of the book.
...taken from the back cover of the book.
Lisa E. (charmedkendra) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 7 more book reviews
This is a captivating audio set, which I would highly recommend to any library collection.
Christine P. (Chris) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 148 more book reviews
Love this book anyway,but it is a nice change to have it read and hear the British Accent!
Rosie M. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 9 more book reviews
Classic Austen - be prepared for the study of English mores and customs of Victorian times
Rachel R. (A2JC4life) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 40 more book reviews
I didn't find this nearly as enjoyable or satisfying as _Pride and Prejudice_. The "pull" of _Pride and Prejudice_ is great characters, but none of the _Sense and Sensibility_ characters are nearly as compelling as Lizzie (or even Jane). It was an okay book, but not one I'd want to read again.
Absolutely wonderful! Seems much more real than Pride & Prejudice, but the humor is still there. Definately a must!
Janice -
Be aware that this Highbridge Classics audio cassette edition read by Kate Winslet is ABRIDGED. Two cassettes, running time 3 hours. It is noted as ABRIDGED on the back cover. It's a great reading, even if it is shortened.
Claudia W. (cjw) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 10 more book reviews
An abridged audio edition read by Kate Winslet. Well done
Tracy G. (tracyg777) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 6 more book reviews
While not as riveting to me as Pride and Prejudice it is still a great read. If you like Austen you'll like this book too.
Jan M. (batgirl) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 284 more book reviews
Love Austen! A very "modern" woman who lived well over 100 years ago.
Laura H. (laurahun) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 19 more book reviews
My favorite Jane Austen book!
Lisa F. (x0xbookwormx0x) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 100 more book reviews
A review from Amazon.com:
Although SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is not of one Jane Austen's best novels, it is nonetheless a major novel, with the author's then-young talent in full display. Its publication in 1811 marked Austen as a huge literary talent, and its significance reverberates even today as contemporary readers re-discover the works of this author so adept at uncovering the foibles of nineteenth century aristocracy.
The title refers to the two eldest Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, one of whom (Elinor) embraces practicality and restraint while the other (Marianne) gives her whole heart to every endeavor. When the Dashwoods - mother Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Marianne, and youngest sister Margaret - are sent, almost impoverished, to a small cottage in Devonshire after the death of their father and the machinations of their brother's wife, they accept their new circumstances with as much cheer as they can muster even though their brother and his wife have taken over the family estate and fortune. Their characters, albeit wildly different in their approaches to life, are impeccably honest and intelligent - and their suitors take notice. Elinor falls in love with the shy, awkward Edward, while Marianne's affections are lavished on the dashing hunter Willoughby. As in all Austen's books, love and marriage don't come easily, as affections aren't always returned and social jockeying sometimes takes precedence to true love. In an interestingly twist, the end of this novel brings into question which sister represents which part of the title.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY only hints at the social skewering Austen would use to such great effect in her later novels, and the humor here is only occasional and slight, as this novel adopts a generally serious tone. Parody is largely limited to the gossipy Mrs. Jenkins, who jumps to wild conclusions about situations she knows nothing about. Though arranged marriage and true love figure prominently in all of Austen's novels, this novel focuses almost exclusivity on the prospects of the two main characters, making it less complex than the novels that followed. Reserved Elinor and exuberant Marianne are expertly drawn, with Edward, Willoughby, and Colonel Brandon (whose lovesick hopes for Marianne are dashed again and again) also engaging creations. Except for the first page or two where the circumstances of the Dashwoods are set up through a series of deaths and relations, possibly causing some confusion, this novel is exceedingly easy to follow for contemporary readers.
This novel is an excellent introduction to Jane Austen's works because of its relative simplicity (though readers should not dismiss it as simple) and the use of typical themes and social situations. Book clubs and students might want to explore the influence of money on nineteenth century British society as well as the meaning of the title as it applies to both the sisters and the other characters. It is also interesting to note both the helplessness and the extraordinary power of women in different circumstances.
Just because this is not Austen's best novel, I could not take away a single star because it is such a delightful book. I highly recommend this novel for all readers.
Although SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is not of one Jane Austen's best novels, it is nonetheless a major novel, with the author's then-young talent in full display. Its publication in 1811 marked Austen as a huge literary talent, and its significance reverberates even today as contemporary readers re-discover the works of this author so adept at uncovering the foibles of nineteenth century aristocracy.
The title refers to the two eldest Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, one of whom (Elinor) embraces practicality and restraint while the other (Marianne) gives her whole heart to every endeavor. When the Dashwoods - mother Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Marianne, and youngest sister Margaret - are sent, almost impoverished, to a small cottage in Devonshire after the death of their father and the machinations of their brother's wife, they accept their new circumstances with as much cheer as they can muster even though their brother and his wife have taken over the family estate and fortune. Their characters, albeit wildly different in their approaches to life, are impeccably honest and intelligent - and their suitors take notice. Elinor falls in love with the shy, awkward Edward, while Marianne's affections are lavished on the dashing hunter Willoughby. As in all Austen's books, love and marriage don't come easily, as affections aren't always returned and social jockeying sometimes takes precedence to true love. In an interestingly twist, the end of this novel brings into question which sister represents which part of the title.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY only hints at the social skewering Austen would use to such great effect in her later novels, and the humor here is only occasional and slight, as this novel adopts a generally serious tone. Parody is largely limited to the gossipy Mrs. Jenkins, who jumps to wild conclusions about situations she knows nothing about. Though arranged marriage and true love figure prominently in all of Austen's novels, this novel focuses almost exclusivity on the prospects of the two main characters, making it less complex than the novels that followed. Reserved Elinor and exuberant Marianne are expertly drawn, with Edward, Willoughby, and Colonel Brandon (whose lovesick hopes for Marianne are dashed again and again) also engaging creations. Except for the first page or two where the circumstances of the Dashwoods are set up through a series of deaths and relations, possibly causing some confusion, this novel is exceedingly easy to follow for contemporary readers.
This novel is an excellent introduction to Jane Austen's works because of its relative simplicity (though readers should not dismiss it as simple) and the use of typical themes and social situations. Book clubs and students might want to explore the influence of money on nineteenth century British society as well as the meaning of the title as it applies to both the sisters and the other characters. It is also interesting to note both the helplessness and the extraordinary power of women in different circumstances.
Just because this is not Austen's best novel, I could not take away a single star because it is such a delightful book. I highly recommend this novel for all readers.
Rebecca S. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 2 more book reviews
Excellent, Austen can be slow moving at time but it is always worth the time. Elinore is one of the best female characters of all time. And I don't know a woman who isnt in love with Col. Brandon. Austen wrote characters that are both real and lovable, a rare combination.
Cherie O. (Cherie) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 23 more book reviews
Another one of Jane Austen's fantastic books! It's intriguing to read about life in the late eighteenth century!
Michelle B. (sdshellybean) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 51 more book reviews
My other favorite from Jane Austen (the other being Pride and Prejudice). Another case of switcheroo: which sister has sense, and which sensibility? Insightful and witty look at human relationships: lovers, friends, family. Fascinating peek at the social mores of the time surrounding class and marriage.
Karen B. -
Austen is a genius. This was my intro to her writing, and I loved it so much I went out and bought all her other books before I'd even finished it.
Brittany Q. (notebook-junkie) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 81 more book reviews
I liked this book but not as well as I liked some of her other stuff.Some parts made me want to skip like half the book to see what happens at the end.
STEPHANIE S. (pk22477) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 22 more book reviews
ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS AND MOVIE. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN. DEFINATELY MY FAVORITE JANE AUSTEN BOOK. THIS IS THE STORY OF ELINEOR AND MARIANNE. TWO SISTERS WHO COULD NOT BE MORE DIFFERENT OR MORE ALIKE. THEIR MUTUAL SUFFERING BRINGS A CLOSER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO SISTERS AND TRUE LOVE FINALLY TRIUMPHS WHEN SENSE GIVES WAY TO SENSIBILITY AND SENSIBILITY GIVES WAY TO SENSE.
Cheryl G. (cheryl-momofthree) -
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was my second read by Austen. Good characters and wit. Again it does take a bit more time to read because of the old english but it's worth it!
Claudia K. (budsmomtoo) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 70 more book reviews
my favorite jane auten story
Ellie B. (minimom) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 20 more book reviews
This is an audio book with a narrator and actors performing the dialogue. Willowby and Edward Farrars are voiced by the same actor. That just does not work for me! I couldn't listen past the first disc.
Anita C. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 32 more book reviews
Masterpiece.
Barbara L. reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 988 more book reviews
"What she did, she did perfectly." So said Anthony Trollope of Jane Austen, and he has been seconded by generations of avid Austen readers. Sense and Sensibility introduces us to the Sisters Dashwood, the reserved and sensible Elinor, and the passionate and impetuous Marianne. This edition includes a discussion of Austen's original reception and ever-increasing popularity, culminating in the rash of film adaptations and sequels to her novels.
Amy B. (brownplace) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 4 more book reviews
LARGE PRINT EDITION
Classic love story. I loved the twist and turns it took. Jane Austen never gets old.
Thank you!
Amazing Grace T. (AmazingGrace) reviewed Sense and Sensibility (Reader's Digest The World's Best Reading) on + 58 more book reviews
It's Jane Austin! What more need be said. Brand new. Hardback copy.
