Marianne Dashwood can't understand her sister. How could the attractive, witty, and charming Elinor fall for the quiet, self-effacing, and rather dull Edward Ferrars? And, if the two are in love, why don't they shout it to the world? Meanwhile, Elinor worries that Marianne's all-out, heart-first approach to life will hurt her, especailly when it comes to the dashing, passionate John Willoughby. Ever since Willoughby carried Marianne home after she was injured in a fall, he has become a fixture in the small cottage Elinor and Marianne have recently moved into with their mother and younger sister.
The two sisters spar good-naturedly over the merits of full-blown emotionalism versus reticence and self-discipline in matters of the heart. Fond as they are of each other, each is certain that hers is the only true path to love. Meanwhile, both Edward and Willoughby harbor secrets that will force these women to doubt their philosophies, their judgment, and their chance for happiness.
Beautifully packaged with a 'Life and times of Jane Austen'; an introduction by Jennifer C Garlen, doctorate in eighteenth-century English literature at Auburn University; Endnotes; a 'Based on the Book' section; and a section on further reading.