Sentido y sensibilidad

Austen's first published novel centers on two sisters with opposite temperaments. Elinor Dashwood keeps her feelings private and puts duty first, while Marianne trusts emotion and acts on it. When their half-brother inherits Norland Park and they have to move to Barton Cottage, both meet men who stir their hearts: Edward Ferrars, who is quietly engaged, and the dashing John Willoughby, who proves less reliable than he seems. Colonel Brandon waits in the background. The plot turns on money, rumor and the limits placed on women.

Anyone who likes witty social observation and period romance will appreciate it. It asks whether it is wiser to trust reason or feeling, and answers with both.

Balanced in tone; a moderate read.

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