Sense and Sensibility

 

        One of my favourite movies is the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility. I like movies based on books because if I like the movie, I find the book and read it. Many times movies have led me to books I never would have read otherwise. I discovered my favourite book, Ivanhoe, from a cheesy 1980s movie starring Anthony Andrews, but I digress.

        While I was waiting for the library books I requested, I needed something to read before I sleep at night. A copy of Sense and Sensibility that I bought was in my bedroom bookcase. I hadn't read it in a long time. definitely time to read it again.

        One of the first things I noticed is how much of the dialog in the movie was taken directly from the book. Emma Thompson adapted the screenplay and did a wonderful job. As with most book based movies, there are some differences in the plot and the characters, but these were also well done. Nothing important in the book was left of out the movie.

        Another thing I remembered is how I actually came to read the book in the first place. I didn't go out and read Sense and Sensibility after seeing the movie. Despite having seen the movie, I wasn't interested in reading Jane Austen books. I had this idea that her characters were what I called "hand wringing women", women in bad circumstances who just helplessly waiting for someone to rescue them.  In fact, I said as much to a woman who is a big Jane Austen fan. Later, I realized that I really shouldn't have said that. I had never read a Jane Austen novel so I should't criticize what I don't know.  As penance, I read Sense and Sensibility. I liked the book so much, that the next time I went to a bookstore, I bought a copy.

        While reading the book, I had also forgotten how much it can suck you in. Last night I stayed up until almost 11 because I wanted to read one more chapter. I had no idea it was so late. That's a sign of a really good book. I'm glad that I am rereading it and enjoying it again.