Book Review: Sense and Sensibility, Insight Series #2

Sense and Sensibility, Insight Series #2 By Jane Austen / Bethany House

When I saw that Sense and Sensibility was available for Bethany House bloggers, I was curious. Why would a publishing company want a review of a famous classic novel? And more important, how would I write a review of a Jane Austen novel?

I had never read this classic; I had only seen the 1995 movie. I really wanted to read the whole story, so I requested it.

Here is what makes this version different: The editors are reading and commenting right along with you. There are notes in the margins throughout this Insight Series edition. Some of the notes are relevant facts about Jane Austen's life. Some comment on how a scene or character was portrayed in movies. There were notes to help me understand the culture of the time. "Ranking Our Dislike" was a comment updated often in the book, followed by a list of the characters that make you angry. Some comments are just plain funny observations. Some of my favorites:

"We'll warn you now: Marianne's bad mood is going to last the next 30 chapters."

"Why did we need to invent the word metrosexual when Jane had great words like fop, dandy, and coxcomb?"

"Those of us over 35 would take offense, but we've outlived the ability to be annoyed."

If you read this book, you will not be reading it alone. You will have others along side to make you laugh, help you understand, point out moments of faith, and sometimes give a little bit of trivia.

I found it very enjoyable.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.