BOOK REVIEW : SENSE AND SENSIBILITY BY JANE AUSTEN, MANGA CLASSICS BY STACY KING

TITLE : Manga Classics : Sense And Sensibility

AUTHOR : Jane Austen

AUTHOR & STORY ADAPTATION : Stacy King

GENRE : Manga/Graphic Novel/Sequential Art, Classics, Historical Fiction

FBRC RATING : 4 Stars

BLURB:

Impulsive Marianne Dashwood and cautious Elinor are as different as two sisters could be, yet both are shattered by their father’s sudden death. Elinor’s attachment to the reserved Edward Ferrars is torn asunder by family opposition and his own dark secret, while Marianne’s brilliant romance with the dashing John Willoughby comes to a tumultuous end in a devastating public betrayal. Can the two sisters overcome these trials to find true, lasting happiness?

Jane Austen’s beloved first novel, filled with romance, redemption and social critique, is brought to life for a modern audience in this gorgeous manga-style adaptation! 

FBRC REVIEW :

DISCLAIMER : Thank you Netgalley and Udon Entertainment for providing me with the arc of this book. I received a review copy for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen’s first novel. I read this book back in school and have not read it ever since. This is my first time rereading it after such a long time and I have forgotten a lot about it. Manga Classics edition was a great way of rereading it and having an entirely different experience with it. The story was simple and I believe it managed to convey the essence very well. I enjoyed reading it and had a great time reading it.

I love the historical tidbits included in the book. It helps readers have some background information of the setting and the era in which the story is set. I also loved the author’s insights on how she designed the characters and made it easier to understand her thoughts and the process. It was a peek into behind-the-scenes and it was something that I look forward to from these Manga editions for the Classics.

The characters were in my opinion well described and depicted. I loved the sketches and the designs done for the major characters as well. I think I really need to reread this book in its original form to full feel and connect to the characters. They can only show so much of their facets and personalities in this format. I believe that the original will be evoking feelings and connections while the manga is a visual treat and an easy way to learn Classics. The adaptation is to the point and simple and keeps the essence of the book as well.

The story and the central theme of it is the struggle for sense and sensibility. It’s passion Vs practicality at the heart of the story. I loved how each of the characters made their choices based on these themes. The unfairness of the wealth distribution, the right to inherit and other social customs and laws proving roadblocks in the women’s lives. The women who fall in love and then have to hide their love fearing society is such a contrast to what we see today. The trends that existed back in the day to let other’s know of your commitment to another by weaving the women’s hair in jewelry is so strange.

My favorite character in the book is Colonel Brandon. I loved how devoted and honorable he was. He is so reserved and serious. To get the depths of his character we need to read the original book. Marianne was naive, obsessed with the idea of the perfect romance. Her head is often in the clouds and she is so passionate about ho she feels that she often takes people who love her unconditionally for granted. Elinor was sensible, her nature is to hold her emotions closer and hide them. She is rarely reacting and oftentimes feels like a pushover. But her strength is in her quiet, steady nature. Edward was, in my opinion, my least favorite character in the book. He is not sure of himself, has no confidence to make appropriate decisions. He is dull and boring and has not much depth to be a love interest for Elinor in my opinion in the Manga. Willoughby is charming, flirty and full of energy to sweep the ladies of their feet. He is vain, without remorse and not at all honorable. I think he was very well presented in the book and the characters and story came together very well in bringing the core theme to the forefront of the readers.

Overall the book was an enjoyable read and a visual treat. I think for readers who haven’t read the original story, they really need to read it before reading this as it will help you love the story and get a good idea of each character and their circumstances before reading the manga. Manga, in my opinion, will not be able to help us understand all the minute details and intricacies of the characters and their personalities. I believe this Manga edition would be a great experience if you have already read and enjoyed the Classic in its original form. I am giving it 4 stars.

Definitely check these manga editions for the classics you love and let me know in the comment section down below which Manga is your favorite and why.