Sense and Sensibility

Description

Marianne seeks a man who shares her eager spirit; Elinor is in love with the polite, considerate Edward Ferrars. Their younger sister Margaret watches in bewilderment as Marianne and Elinor experience the joys and heartaches of early adult life. Is Marianne too warm or is Elinor too cold? Whose example should Margaret follow? Margaret records the dangers presented by scheming friends and deceitful lovers. Will Elinor's sense be strong enough to support both sisters, or will Marianne's sensibility bring tragedy? What will you learn as you read Margaret's account?

JANE AUSTEN was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. Her realism and biting social commentary have gained her historical importance among scholars and critics. London-based illustrator ANN KRONHEIMER specialises in children's publishing, picture and story books, early readers and educational books for infants up to young adults. She uses a dip pen and ink, sometimes with a wash and sometimes just line, combining traditional style with modern imagery. GILL TAVNER was an English Teacher and Head of Department before turning to writing when she had young children of her own. She has also taught English in South East Asia, worked as a personal trainer, been a management trainee in an insurance company, led treks in Africa, run her own business and painted fake tattoos on Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Perhaps it is this variety that makes her such a versatile writer.

This version of "Sense and Sensibility" makes me think afresh about what it meant to be a young girl in Austen s time, wondering what the future would bring. It s an excellent introduction to the novel for young readers. Respectful, smart, and playful, Gill Tavner s Real Reads adaptations belong with the very best of the many reinterpretations of Austen s novels."