Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Part II

As I get deeper and deeper immersed into this book the more I find that I absolutely adore it. When you approach about the midway point of the novel Austen begins to include the letters sent between Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby that truly allow readers to get a sense of and examine their confusing and unconventional acquaintance. Some of these letters bring me back to my fantasy world of living back in Jane Austen's time with their proper addresses of one another and elegant, almost poetic language. I can only imagine how it would feel to open up a hand written letter in beautiful script but the same letter could carry words of disappointment as this was the main means of distance communication during the time.

The novel evidences the age old debate of women getting mixed signals from the men in their lives and being absolutely heartbroken when they find out they are not the only lady in his life, nor are they his leading lady. 1700's or 2010 all women are somehow familiar with the concept of being deceived by men, even if unintentionally so, and how they deal with the situation shows their true character. Throughout the novel we see more and more the differences between Marianne and Elinor as their acquaintances, or somewhat crumbling but trying to be saved acquaintances test the two sisters rationale vs. heart. Ahh the age old battle, and the spread of gossip around the community that comes with it, yes there's that even back then as well. But as Marianne herself says, "Misery such as [hers] has no pride. [She] cares not who knows that she is wretched".

I'm savoring what I have left to devour of this wondrous novel and recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, semi-challenging, intriguing and romantic novel that contains themes present still in today's society. If this sounds like what your looking for, let me advise you not to pass up the opportunity for a great read that will transport you out of your hectic 21st century day and into the heart of those in love in the time of elegance.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I've always found that I love the classics, so why not read one of Jane Austen's most famous, especially since Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorites? Let me tell you, all you book lovers out there, there's a reason why Jane Austen's novels sell just as much now as when they were first written, their massive sales only comparable with those of vampire thrillers (confirmed by multiple Barnes & Nobles and Borders employees).

I think part of the reason I'm such a fan of the classics is because I love the language and descriptions writers of older times use; though some may deem it boring I find myself transported back in time with descriptions of lavish parties, elegant dresses, spotlessly kept households, and perfectly mannered ladies, well, maybe not always that last one. I get a thrill of the old fashioned love story and I almost wish I lived in those days sometimes; they don't necessarily seem to be any simpler than today by some standards but I can just totally picture myself being completely content in one of Jane Austen's or other classic writer's stories. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but it may just be Austen's glorification of the time that makes me fall in love with the novel, not want to put it down and realize I'm back in the 21st century, just until I have a moment of time to pick up that book again. And another plus about this novel is that the chapters a very short making the book a quick but extremely enjoyable one.

Let me take you back briefly so you can experience the time for yourself. Here we are in the late 1700's to early 1800's and we live in the world of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, sisters yet worlds apart in so many ways. The girls talk in a proper manner and amongst their days of learning the trade of being a woman during this time they each come to fall in love with men as different as they themselves even though Elinor states early in the novel that, "the more [she] knows of the world, the more [she] is convinced that [she] shall never see a man that [she] can truly love. [she requires] so much!" However the ladies' loves soon face obstacles when they discover their beloved men may have already met their matches. Care to discover for yourself what ladies of this time will do in a situation of the sort? Get yourself a copy ASAP!

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Let me begin by saying that this book is not for those who do not consider themselves fans of historical fiction, for it can be considered a bit slow at some points, especially for those who dread vivid descriptions of past events. Brooks' style is very elaborate in a sense and puts you directly in the shoes of main character, Anna Frith, who to put it mildly, has had a bit of a tough life. Living in a small village in england during the time of the plague Anna's husband dies due to a mine collapse, then a man she becomes close to staying in her home comes down with the plague and ends up on deaths door as well, then as if things could get much worse the terrible plague continues to spread around the village, robbing many of their lives, including friends and loved ones, even her two young sons dying in her own arms. You can feel the sadness that comes upon the village but hope is restored through their priest's sermon, summoning them all to stay as this plague is a test of God's. Anna lets her compassionate and hardworking sides shine through with the obstacles she overcomes throughout this treacherous time. This book also evidences the role of faith in the daily life of europeans in the 16th century; their faith was their only source of answers. Make sure if your not a history fan, you think about reading this book, but it's a great source of info about the time period if you need to write a report or anything of the sort. However, if your looking for a quick read this one is a bit tricky to fly through, but worth the wait.