Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters? Try Poseidon's Persuasion Instead!

The recently released Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, following on the heels of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, has received flack for its "desecration of a classic". Any writer who could create Lady Catherine de Burgh and Mr. Collins had to have a sense of humor, though, and I'm sure Jane Austen would have enjoyed a return to her thriller roots of Northanger Abbey. However, sea monsters have no place in the world of Sense and Sensibility. They belong in Persuasion, a naval tale from beginning to end. Here's a synopsis of the revised book.

The Lovers Meet Again

The Elliot family, in reduced circumstances, has decamped to Bath, leaving Anne to pack up the house and visit her sister Mary. While there she meets her former beau, Captain Frederick Wentworth. The captain has won gold and renown facing down not only Napoleon, but assorted octopi, Kraken, and giant lobsters. Rumor has it that the sea god Poseidon has been killed, and only a few roving sea monsters remain to discomfit the populace. Captain Wentworth appears to be developing a tendre for Louisa Musgrove, Anne's relative by marriage. Alas, Anne still harbors deep feelings for the Captain. The entire group plans an outing to visit Captain Wentworth's friend, Captain Harville, in the seaside village of Lyme Regis.

Captain Wentworth Faces Down a Kraken

Anne has a wonderful time in Lyme and meets the heartbroken Captain Benwick. Sparks fly. As the group is walking by the sea wall, Louisa Musgrove sees a baby Kraken and approaches it to show her daring. Unfortunately the mother Kraken is nearby and grabs Louisa. Anne thinks to pick up a harpoon lying in a nearby fishing boat and passes it to Wentworth. Benwick, Harville and Wentworth are able to beat the Kraken off but Louisa is severely injured. As Louisa recovers, her affections are transferred from Wentworth to Benwick.

Anne in Bath

While Louisa slowly recovers from her injuries, Anne joins the rest of her family in Bath. She is concerned about her family's attention to Mrs. Clay, a widow who has a slight reek of dead fish about her. Her father is also reconciled with the prodigal cousin William Elliot, who begins to court Anne. Anne is flustered to be thrown back into company with Captain Wentworth, who assumes that William and Anne are engaged.

Visiting the Pump Room

On an outing to the Pump Room, Anne is shocked to discover the foul tasting water of Bath holds a poison. All who drink the water are temporarily incapacitated with shellfish poisoning. William Elliot and Mrs. Clay seem immune to the effects of the poison, and encourage Anne to try some water, but she refuses and breaks away.

Showdown in the Roman Baths

While running from Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay, Anne stumbles into a crypt leading to the original Roman Baths. Poseidon has set up a secret hideout there with a plan to poison all of England via their drinking water. Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay are revealed as Poseidon's henchmen. Anne finds the Captain, the one man she trusts, and he confesses his love to her. The two lovers sneak into Poseidon's lair and battle, Anne with Mrs. Clay and Captain Wentworth with Poseidon. Mrs. Clay is captured, but Poseidon escapes. Anne's father finally gives permission for Anne to marry Captain Wentworth after seeing all the gold and pearls he has salvaged from Poseidon. The couple sails off into the sunset to continue their search for the evil sea god.

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, Ben H. Winters and Jane Austen

Persuasion, Jane Austen