September is my Austen Month—and what better way to kick-start my Jane Austen Marathon than with her first published work (and a personal favorite), Sense and Sensibility? Yes, I do intend to get swept off my feet by the wicked and dashing Willoughby. I also fully intend on immersing myself completely in Marianne’s and Elinor’s affairs. Never mind that I’ve read this novel far too many times for my own good—five times, but who’s keeping count, right? I will reread each of Austen’s novels and review each work. If all goes well, I’ll also be making side-by-side comparisons when it comes to character development, technique, and the general plot.
That may seem like a tall order, but ever the Girl Scout, I have started reading Sense and Sensibility. I started a couple of days ago and things are just about to get juicy. Just anticipating what will happen next creates a strange feeling in my bosom. A feeling that can only be accurately described as nerdgasmic.
Now, over the last few years, I’ve formed certain opinions about Austen’s works. Let’s see if this year’s marathon will change any of them:
Favorite Work: Sense and Sensibility
Favorite Character: Elinor Dashwood (S&S)
Favorite Villain/s: Lucy Steele (S&S), Mary Crawford (Mansfield Park)
Favorite Love Interest: Fitzwilliam Darcy (P&P)
Least Favorite Character: Fanny Price (Mansfield Park)
Least Favorite Work: Mansfield Park
I can see a few changes in that list happening. But I refuse to replace anything without having finished all six of Austen’s novels. Now, I plan on reading her works by order of publication—which means I’ll start off with Sense and Sensibility (1811), followed by Pride and Prejudice (1813), then Mansfield Park (1814), then Emma (1815), then Northanger Abbey (posthumous, 1818), and finally, end with Persuasion (posthumous, 1818). Should be a great month, I think. And, back to reading.
Image: Jane Austen as drawn by her sister, Cassandra Austen. (1810)
The Quarter-Life Experiment 
For an English student, shockingly, I have only ever read Mansfield Park, although Northanger Abbey is next on my reading list. No one seems to like Mansfield Park but I really enjoyed it, so hopefully when I get round to reading the rest of her novels, I will love them even more! Next summer I may attempt to read her other works! I look forward to reading your reviews!
You know what, reading Mansfield Park the second time, I can say that it does grow on you. However, I think people gravitate towards “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” because they’re easier (and more exciting) reads that feature more relatable characters.
I really have a problem with Fanny, I do. There are times when I actually prefer Mary Crawford to her. Horrible, I know. >_<
Anyway, please do let me know what you think of Northanger Abbey. If you liked MP, I'm pretty sure you'll like NA too. 🙂
Strangely enough Fanny didn’t bother me all that much. She was pretty pathetic in terms of a character but Mary Crawford just really annoyed me so I think Fanny won over anyway. I wouldn’t exactly say that I ‘liked’ her but I didn’t dislike her either. I will definitely let you know what I think!
I’ve read P&P and Emma, which I liked. Her other works are in my ever growing to read-list. Are you on goodreads too?
Yes I am! But I’m pants when it comes to blog layouts or updating my Goodreads, but thanks for reminding me. 🙂 Please let me know what you think of Austen’s other works. 🙂
Um, I ♥ this project. I agree: Elinor and Lucy Steele!! And Darcy. 🙂 Though I do love Tilney and Edward Ferrars. I’ve never read Emma or Mansfield Park. I am saving them. Soon! 🙂
Thank you! Although the Austen Month is turning into an Austen Quarter. I find that the more I like the work, the slower I read. Too many emotions! Hahaha! 😀 I’m not a big fan of Mansfield Park, but I do like Emma. Let me know what you think of them. 🙂
Oh!! I do that too!! I’ve never heard anyone else say they go slower when they love a book. If I really love it, I can’t read it at all, because I still want to have the anticipation. 😛
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