Cheerflower Female, 30. Milano, Italy

The protagonists are two young sisters living in the south of England with their family. They do not work nor study, the very dream of my life: they just spend time reading books, painting, playing piano, meeting with friends and falling in love with gentlemen.
Anyway their path is not wanting in difficulties for, since their father’s death, they find themselves dealing with mean relatives and lack of money. The way to love shows itself no less troubled, and in misfortune they only find the comfort, not always discreet and suitable, of their understanding mother and some good friends.

So they often have to grow up by themselves through these obstacles, showing two different characters: Elinor is more rational and reserved, Marianne is passionate and impulsive.
The cautious, balanced approach to life turns out to be the safest guide to happiness. It has been said that this feature belongs to the character of the author. Nevertheless maybe that both sides reflect two opposing aspects of her personality and it seems to me that, at the end of the story, the passionate one appears a bit entrapped and sacrificed to convenience and an acceptable serenity.

As usual however Jane Austen never disappoints, and the final is as good to read as the preceding psychological introspection of characters, leading to success a bit sweetened, but optimistic view of life, in which elegance and propriety triumph over selfishness and calculation.
To sum up: 19th century men were no more reliable than two hundred years later ones; mothers, though sympathetic, were no less intrusive than now; good principles and well managing of emotions and impulses are always helpful in leading a happy life.