This post may contain affiliate links that allow me to make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Genre: 📜 Classic Romance | Age: 👩🏽 Young/New Adult (14+) | Buy: Amazon or Bookshop.org | ⭐See star rating

---

In Jane Austen’s first published novel, the Dashwood sisters grow through various troubles with their beaux. Marianne wants to experience romance and life for all it’s worth. Elinor wants to be kind, careful, and prudent with her actions. The two clash but cheer each other on for great character development.

📝 Loved Reading in Community

The last time I read this book, I listened to it through a YouTube video that used different AI voices for the different characters. I think that was helpful in following the story, but I did not enjoy the story at that time.

This time, I read the book slowly, about a chapter a day, while holding a beautiful hardcover copy, and listened to extremely interesting people discuss it along the way.

The book discussions were on Versed~Community and were so helpful. Not only was it amazing to hear the wide variety of perspectives from those new to Austen as well as those who have read Austen for decades, but the teaching tidbits about historical context and Austen’s purposes brought so much richness to the text.

🧔👩🏼Complex Characters

One of the most interesting aspects of all of the conversation was the difference in opinions about the characters. I believe that is a marker of excellent and complex characters.

Elinor can be seen as too quiet, too much of a peace-keeper. Or she can be viewed as a strong woman holding it together for the sake of herself and her family.

Marianne can be viewed as overly romantic with a smattering of toxic positivity. Or we can focus on her genuine love for life and the arts.

Mrs. Jennings could be an overbearing neighbor or a gentlewoman with an ability to read the room and proceed as needed to make all feel comfortable.

Colonel Brandon could be quiet and secretive or a hurting man trying to not be nosy.

Willoughby could be manipulative and selfish or—actually I don’t think he has any redeeming qualities. The “big reveal” at the end just proved to me how awful he was, and I could not understand Elinor’s sympathy at all.

All of these characters (and so many more) were really quite a delight for me in this reading, and I look forward to reading it again at some point in my life.

🦉Who Would Like This Book

You will probably like this book if you like:

• clean classics
• commentary on hierarchical society
• cozy settings with cottages and welcoming mansions
• complicated social scenarios
• the beautiful prose of Jane Austen.

I hope you enjoy this one!

📚 Follow on Goodreads.
📌 Follow on Pinterest.
📷 Follow on Instagram.
✒ Follow on Substack Notes.
💜 Share this post with a friend. 💜
🤖 Always written and edited without the use of AI.

Get the extra paid perks in The Cottage Membership. Find out how to join by subscribing:

Shop this post