This is a book to warm the heart of an English major! It is attractively designed with a hard cover in silver and gray and a ribbon bookmark attached. Part of a new series of classics being offered by B&H Publishing, the goal is to help readers understand these works in light of the gospel.
The author of the introduction and reflection questions at the end of each section is Karen Swallow Prior, a Professor of English at Liberty University. She reviews the work in the context of its’ time, and gives pertinent details about the writer. For example:
“Jane Austen was a Christian–a devout believer. She did not sermonize or proselytize in her novels (she was too good an artist to do so), yet the language and themes of her work reflect a life steeped in her Christian faith.”
There are also footnotes throughout to explain words and phrases that might be unfamiliar to present day readers.
If you haven’t read this well-known classic, I won’t give away any details of the plot. Suffice it to say that it touches on the topics of love and marriage, forgiveness and moral character. Which is most important and valid in making decisions? Sense (logical reason and self control) or sensibility (emotion)? Austen uses misunderstandings, irony and satire to poke gentle fun of her characters. It falls into the genre of a comedy of manners. You’ll find yourself smiling often and recognizing different kinds of people you know today in her witty characterizations.
VERDICT: Definitely 5 Stars. This would be a great selection for a Christian book club. I look forward to seeing more in this series. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is already available, and other titles are forthcoming.
If you would like to purchase this book follow the link below:
https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/sense-and-sensibility-P005802328
The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR part 255.
Lutheran Ladies Connection 