May 28, 2001 07:43 AM
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Jane Austen again writes a book for all times, one that applies to us today as it did when she wrote it in nineteenth century England. Unfortunately, the old-fashioned language she uses makes many readers shy away from her material.
Elinor is forced to leave her home with her mother and two younger sisters after her father dies. They move to a small cottage in a new place and meet with their share of love,loss and interesting characters.
Jane Austen portrays how diverse people can be, even when raised the same in the same family. The elder sister is sensible, competent, and thoughtful. Her younger sister is impetuous, immature, basically the model of today's boy-crazy teenage girl. The two sisters are virtual opposites, each having their virtues and vices. Austen's concentration on love shows both ends, from mere infatuation to true, lasting love. We see all the nastiness of greed and snobbery, how petty and trivial, deceitful and superfluous people are. The sins of the past are the same sins of today, people still scheme and plot for money and power, girls still get their hearts broken and a man and woman can still fall in love.
Don't let age of this book keep from reading it, for it's as good a story about society as one written today. Only when man ceases to sin and ceases to love, will this book become dated and passe.
