Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: "Sense and Sensibility" (Insight Edition)

In this sensitive and romantic tale by Jane Austin, we follow two unlike sisters in their quest for love. Set against the backdrop of England in the early 1800's, this beloved classic brings to life a time of strict cultural mores and societal roles. Jane Austin's wit and keen insight into human nature enlivens her characters and endeared them to me.

Bethany House's "insight edition" of  Sense and Sensability includes annotations in the margins with historical and cultural details, illuminating facts from the author's life, notes from film versions, the book's spiritual themes, comments on points within the story, and editors' personal opinions. While all of this sounds good, I did not always enjoy having such a constant "companion" to my reading.

I found the location of the notes in the magins drew my eye and made it difficult to ignore them. I understand the intent was to make them easy to find and read, but they distracted me from the story, especially since nearly every page contained one or more notes. The notes sometimes annoyed me for just when I would pause to make my own observations, someone else's thoughts would inject into the equation, sometimes with small spoilers. For me, it was something like sitting through a movie with someone who talks all the way through. Perhaps if the notes had been placed in a footer and edited to decrease the quantity and remove personal opinion and spoilers, I might have enjoyed this edition more.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me for purposes of review.