Sense & Sensibility (The Austen Project, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Joanna Trollope's "Sense & Sensibility" (The Austen Project #1) offers a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's classic, transplanting the Dashwood sisters' story into modern-day England. While retaining the core narrative, Trollope updates the social dynamics and challenges faced by Elinor and Marianne.

The story centers on the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who find themselves in precarious financial circumstances after the death of their father. Their stepmother, Fanny, is a decidedly unpleasant character, determined to prioritize her own children's inheritance and leaving the Dashwood sisters with limited resources. This necessitates their move to Barton Cottage, a considerably humbler home, forcing them to adjust to a life of relative poverty.

Elinor, the elder sister, possesses "sense"—a practicality and emotional restraint that allows her to navigate the complexities of their situation with grace and resilience. Her restrained nature masks a deep well of feeling, particularly regarding her relationship with Edward Ferrars, a man bound by family duty and societal expectations. Their courtship is a delicate dance of unspoken emotions and social barriers.

Marianne, in contrast, embodies "sensibility," a romantic idealization of passion and emotion that often leads to impulsive actions and heartbreak. Her passionate nature, though captivating, often clouds her judgment. She falls deeply in love with the charismatic but ultimately unreliable Willoughby, experiencing a whirlwind romance that ends in betrayal and devastating heartbreak. This experience forces her to confront the dangers of unchecked emotion.

The novel explores the complexities of love, marriage, and social expectations in a contemporary setting. Trollope reimagines the characters' social circles, updating the constraints of societal class with the nuances of modern relationships and professional ambitions. Edward’s constraints, for example, are less about family lineage and more about career aspirations and societal pressure. Willoughby's charm and betrayal are still present, but the consequences for Marianne have a sharper edge in a world where reputations are easily damaged online.

Through the contrasting experiences of Elinor and Marianne, Trollope examines the importance of balance between reason and emotion. Elinor's sense guides her through hardship, while Marianne's sensibility initially leads to pain, but ultimately contributes to her growth and development. The novel subtly highlights the changing landscape of societal expectations and the challenges women face in navigating love, career, and family in the 21st century, while maintaining the enduring appeal of Austen's original themes. Ultimately, both sisters find happiness, but each must learn to balance their inherent natures with the realities of the modern world.