Debra White Smith
Paperback - 316 pages; (June 1, 2004)
Harvest House Publishers; ISBN: 0736908773
|
|
|
|
Review by Linda Waldemar, March 25, 2005
The second in Debra White Smith's "Austen Series" is based on JA's Sense and Sensibility as is easily
determined by the title. As in her first, she tells us immediately on
which of JA's characters she has based her own. Again, this hint is not
necessary because the characters are, while changed to act like 21st
Century people, are recognizable. But, I like this technique of hers.
The Elinor Dashwood character is Elaina Woods, an English professor
at Southern Methodist University. One of her students is Ted Farris, a
pianist who is pursuing a second Master's degree. There is an immediate
attraction and Ted remembers that they met years ago when his sister,
Faye, married her half-brother, Jake.
One thing that is very different from Jane Austen, the story is told
from the viewpoints of several characters. Therefore, we know
immediately of Ted's rationalization for spending time with Elaina. We
know very early on that Dr. Bryan Bixby is in love with Anna Woods.
While a number of characters and situations are changed to make them
believable in 2005, I think that the author has successfully kept the
spirit of JA's story.
I quite enjoyed this quick and easy read and feel comfortable
recommending it.