Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's first published novel, is both a delightful coming-of-age story and a witty romance that influenced countless novels written in its wake. Marianne Dashwood can't understand her sister. How could the attractive, witty, and charming Elinor fall for the quiet, self-effacing, and rather dull Edward Ferrars? And, if the two are in love, why don't they shout it to the world? Meanwhile, Elinor worries that Marianne's heart-first approach to life will hurt her, especially when it comes to the dashing John Willoughby. The two sisters spar good-naturedly over the merits of full-blown emotionalism versus reticence and self-discipline in matters of the heart.