Jane Austen has been considered one of the greatest writers of all time. She has created some of the greatest love stories as well. But what if they had a little twist? “Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters” is a twisted tale of Austen’s original story mixed with writer, Ben H. Winters’ intriguing and somewhat gory approach. In this alternate reality of Austen’s novel, Regency Era England suffers under the thrall of the denizens of the deep, mutated and vicious from an event simply called “The Alteration.”
But, let me tell you my friends, there is nothing simple about it. The sea creatures of the world, from the lazy jellyfish to the absent minded trout, are vicious killers with near human intelligence. However, their only desire is to kill humanity.
There is one scene with a gang of lobsters that is beyond disturbing. I can promise you that after you finish this book, some of you will have a second thought about dumping your goldfish down the toilet.
Besides regular fish, there are also sea monsters and mermen who pretend to be humans so they can take humanity down from the inside out. Besides this element and some new places like Substation Beta and some character alterations (Colonel Brandon gets some interesting appendages. I’ll let you take that however you wish), the book stays true to the original story. Winters adds some dark humor and sarcasm that is written like Austen, which gives it more appeal and I guarantee you will ‘bust a gut.’ However, Austen is already funny if you have read her unaltered work.
The Good
“Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters” is very well written on both sides. It stays true to Austin’s work, but gives you an edge you would never see in a novel of its age. This book had great dialogue and likable characters.
The Bad
I felt it needed more of Winters’ sea monsters and battles because that is the point of the story, “The Alteration.” Sometimes nothing happens for long periods of time. I don’t recommended this book for die-hard Austen fans because it might insult you. I also suggest you read Austen’s original book first. It makes it funnier knowing what’s been changed.
Nick Bundarin can be contacted at nicholas.bundarin@ksc.keene.edu