Sisters of the North: A Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility

Kirkham gives Austen’s Sense and Sensibility a Canadian rural twist in this modern retelling focusing on Ellie and Val—sisters who have two very different approaches to life in the fictional town of Sober. While those who have read the classic will see many of the main beats have been brought over, Kirkham has rewoven the tale to be more accessible for the modern reader. Sisters of the North is an excellent Canadian alternative to Austen’s novel, and rural learners may find this retelling easier to relate to. As with the original, much of the drama focuses on relationships between the sisters and their romantic interests, which could spark discussions about communication and trust in relationships for social-emotional learning.