Well Read Company Book Reviews: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Welcome to another blog post reviewing the stories behind our new designs- this review follows Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. All our new designs include the book bag, which is our famous handbag that looks like a book. 

Beloved by bookworms everywhere, Sense and Sensibility is one of Austen’s most famous works. First published in 1811, it is still heavily in demand today due to its perfect marriage of romance, family drama, humour and social commentary. Hugh Thomson’s original gold flower cover design also adorns all our Sense and Sensibility products. Finding a literary present for the reading addict in your life has suddenly become a lot easier!

‘Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience- or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.’

The novel focuses on the two Dashwood sisters, sensible and serious Elinor, and the impulsive and emotional Marianne. Both of them fall in and out of romantic entanglements with John Willoughby and Edward Ferrars, whilst trying to avoid gossip and scandal. Through the complications and upheavals of love and growing up, the sisters learn to find happiness and their place in a society which seems more bent on status than matters of the heart.

But what exactly has made Sense and Sensibility such an iconic novel, and worthy of a place in our new range of book bag designs? Firstly, it’s funny! Humour that has managed to translate all the way from 1811 to 2021 is an impressive feat. From Marianne’s dramatic outbursts, to Edward’s bumbling inferiority complex, to Mrs Ferrars’ ruthless bullying of her husband, it’s easy to laugh at these recognisable characters.

“I will be calm. I will be mistress of myself.’’

As well as this, in the age of Tinder and endlessly swiping online, the thought of dating in the Austen-world seems even more charming. Imagine being asked for afternoon tea rather than ‘a cheeky Nandos’. The whimsical design of our Sense and Sensibility products harks back to the romantic, gentle era of courtship and hidden passions. Treat yourself by feeling like a member of the Edwardian aristocracy with the fancy design of these literary gifts! 

In the age after #MeToo, it’s a treat to be able to turn back to a classic book which presents its female characters as heroines, rather than victims. From the idealistic Marianne to the scheming Lucy Steele, there are many examples of Austen’s female characters striving to create their own lives and choices, rather than be steered by the whims of men. Jane Austen was truly one of the pioneers of feminist literature!

Sense and Sensibility has maintained its success as a treasured story due it’s warmth and honesty. Celebrate one of the heroines of English Literature by checking out our gorgeous new book bag designs, and pay homage to one of the earliest feminist romance novels.