How to Read Sense and Sensibility with the Gospel in Mind
Have you ever wanted to read a classic novel with someone who truly knows how to glean goodness from its pages? While I grew up loving literature, I feel like I never quite plumbed the depths that great books had to offer. In addition, if it wasn't an explicitly Christian novel, then I wouldn't be able to make the connections. Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books has partnered with B&H Publishing to create an incredible new resource that does just that.
I received a copy of Sense and Sensibility for free in exchange for my honest review. I purchased Heart of Darkness on my own because I want these books on my shelf. All opinions are my own.
The Beginning of Something Beautiful
I am somewhat of a book snob. While I love the classics, often the inexpensive publishing leaves me underwhelmed. I need space in the margins for notes, and with my aging eyes, I look for a font size that I can read enjoyably. When I saw the new series of classics being edited by a trusted author I was excited to try them. It's truly the start of something beautiful.
Some of the Lovely Features:
- First of all, I love a hard cover book. This one is cloth bound and beautifully designed.
- The font is clear and generous...even my mother would be willing to read this one!
- Introductions to the setting, author, and worldview of the time from a literature professor who's been teaching these books for over 30 years
- Direction in reading these classics to the glory of God
- Thought/Discussion questions to promote excellent conversations or contemplations
The Benefit of a Guide
My dad loved to fish. Love only gets you so far. You have to invest the time in the craft in order to really be fruitful as a fisherman. So he would get a guide to take him fishing in order to learn. What a difference that made!
In the same way, the classics take time to master. I love that Karen Swallow Prior is sharing her wisdom outside of the classroom in this series of books. She demonstrates how an understanding of the themes and truths hidden in the pages are applicable to our lives today in this recent article she wrote about the benefits of Sense and Sensibility in a time of crisis.
Soaking in the Goodness
I'm looking forward to sharing this beautiful edition with my girls this summer as we soak in the story. I love finding resources like this that allow me to open doors for truth, goodness, and beauty to my family.
Prior's editions will guide readers to read with the gospel in mind to the glory of God. After seeing the beauty of the Sense & Sensibility version, I also purchased Heart of Darkness. It is also exceptional.
Future titles include Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.