Isn’t it fascinating how books become classics ? Enchanted by a recently published novel, we tend to label it “a modern classic”. But who can really tell which ones are going to pass the test of time ? History proved us again and again that the opinion of ones contemporaries is not always the final destiny of an artwork. When Jane Austen started publishing anonymously, her fresh new take on the world, subtle irony and honest view of women’s condition were not set to please 18th century England. Yet, who has not heard of Jane Austen today, more than 200 years later ? Her very unique novels are a rite of passage for any reader, and with reason. Today we’ll explore her very first published novel and her very first success as a writer, Sense and sensibility.
The story in one phrase : After the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters along with their mother, move to a charming cottage in Devonshire, where they shall discover the joys, secrets, aches and misteries of the heart.
How does it make me feel : The only word that can describe my state while reading the novel, is dreamy. What if I had continued my piano lessons as a child ? Reading poetry by candlelight and making embroidered handkerchiefs, riding horses and writing letters… Yes, I feel dreamy and happy at the thought of what might have been…
Top 3 details
The best lesson in English language. For a non-native English speaker, reading any Jane Austen novel is daunting at first. You finish the first page and you begin again, and again, feeling nothing makes sense. You simply have to keep going, the details will come, when you relax enough to allow your brain to do the work. And in no time, you will improve your vocabulary just by having the courage to start a Jane Austen novel.
Falling in love with the countryside. You cannot read Sense and sensibility and not want to lose yourself in a field of high grass, that smells deliciously of rain and green. The most touching moments happen in a scenery of elegant nature, simple landscape of a pure countryside. And if that’s not an option, you take refuge in a nearby garden…
The ever changing feminine. The Dashwood sisters bring to our attention the fact that women can be sensitive but also reasonable, that some like fervent declarations, while others value consistancy and composure. No two women are alike, just like men, but for the time, Jane Austen’s subtle manifesto is remarcable.
My favourite character : Mama, the more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. With a point of view as modern as this, how can I not choose Marianne Dashwood as my favourite character ? And maybe even today, all women should have a higher set of expectations for a possible partner.
Yin/Yang : A delicately yin story, disguised as a classic Regency novel. Profoundly feminine, quiet and feminine, as an intuitive murmur of fragile sentiment.
Favourite Quote : I could choose a different quote each day as being my favourite, but at this moment in my life, this is what speaks to me : I am excessively fond of a cottage; there is always so much comfort, so much elegance about them. And I protest, if I had any money to spare, I should buy a little land and build one myself, within a short distance of London, where I might drive myself down at any time, and collect a few friends about me and be happy. I advise everybody who is going to build, to build a cottage.
Life Lesson : My life lesson from this novel is closely related to my favourite character. The narrator has a very sharp observation : Marianne Dashwood was born to an extraordinary fate. She was born to discover the falsehood of her own opinions, and to counteract, by her conduct, her most favourite maxims. For myself, this translates into knowing when to question yourself, so as to confirm or adjust your opinions.
Why you should read it : To define your own opinion of an ultra-classic, to dare think of romance in 2021, to simply give yourself the time to dream.
What can you say about a Jane Austen novel, that hasn’t been said a milion times before ? My own emotion while reading it. And if it sounds familiar, if you read or heard a similar opinion elsewhere, then know it’s probably right. For if we all like it as much, it must be worth your time…
Until next time, enjoy your reading !
The Ritual
Reading Jane Austen will instantly slow down the rythm of any 21st century reader. But only when consciously allowing the Regency lifestyle to enter your life, will you be able to trully experience an afternoon in an enchanted realm. Welcome to my moment of Sense and Sensibility…
A classic cream tea
No Jane Austen novel should be finished without enjoying at least one cream tea ritual along the way. The origin of this afternoon spread is uncertain, but since we have taken the leap into fiction, let’s admit that the tradition first started at Tavistock Abbey in Devon, in the 11th century. The first step we take towards our timeless delight, is making the scones. The process in very simple, and it has that therapeutic quality that baking alone can have. Feeling the ingredients with your hands, working the butter into the flour, you feel joyful and you’re not even half way there. The full recipe is available in the Recipes menu up top.
When it comes to serving, you have some choices to make… Devon and Cornwall have long debated on the best order of ingredients. I will not pick personal sides, but since the novel is set mostly in Devonshire, I will choose to spread to clotted cream first, followed by the strawberry jam. This way, Jane Austen chose, and who can argue with her ?A simple ritual of an afternoon tea, that not only delights the palate, but also satisfies the wondering mind, still prisoner of the book.
A little something… Hand made
Slowing down while still in Jane’s company, I often find myself longing for some old-school activities. Depending on your age and background, you might have still known knitting and embroidery in your childhood. That was the case for me, and for a long time I considered them a necessity, that my mother or my grandmothers did in order to keep the household on a budget. With time, I discovered the pleasure of these activities myself, and nowadays, I am amused at how fashionable they have become. I see women and men knitting on the subway on their way to work, more and more websites and magazines dedicated to the art of the thread. I have been a knitter for many years now, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the pleasure of crocheting. I am fortunate enough to take this new hobby on, in the era of YouTube, where you can find a multitude of tutorials, very explicit and easy to follow. Sitting down in my rocking chair, crocheing a new scarf while listening to a radio adaptation of a theater play, is my idea of an afternoon well spent. The modern problems disappear, you light a candle and you go back in time, your only worry being to keep count of your loops…
It’s always easy to experience a reading ritual. All you have to do is decide. And you’ll be elbow deep in scone batter in no time. I hope you’ve enjoyed this Jane Austen inspired moment, and let me know how those scones work out for you.
Until next time, enjoy your reading and your rituals !
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