None But You, (Frederick Wentworth, Captain: Book 1) (edition 2007)

Since the first time I read Persuasion, I have preferred it over any other Austen. It's a quieter, gentler book than Pride and Prejudice, and my love for Captain Wentworth is very great indeed.

I'm leary of Austen spin-offs, though I've found a winner in Linda Berdoll's sequels to Pride and Prejudice. I've only read one Persuasion spin-off, Captain Wentworth's Diary by Amanda Grange, and though sweet, it wasn't very memorable.

Then I picked up the latest copy of Bookmarks (Jan/Feb 2012), and one of its feature articles was "The Regency in Modern Literature," and while I was happily checking off all the books I've read (PandP and Zombies, The Grand Sophy, etc.) I found this little gem, None But You, and like Amanda Grange's novel, it is from the viewpoint of Captain Wentworth.

After hemming and hawing for what seems like ten minutes or so I pulled out my trusty Nook and made my purchase. I'm glad I did. This novel is wonderful. Captain Wentworth was not oversentimentalized. He was fleshed out into this wonderful, complicated man with foils and foibles, uncertainties and indecisiveness. ( )

If you know Austen's Persuasion, then you know the story of Anne and Captain Wentworth, however you don't know it told through Wentworth's eyes. Until now.

Susan Kaye fills in the blanks of Wentworth's roller coaster of feelings on his reintroduction to Anne; does he love her or not and how does she feel. The book tells the tale of his journey upon arriving back on land, having to break the news to his friend of the death of his beloved fiance until the end of the group's visit to Bath- accident and all. Austen's characters are captured and re-worked yet stay true to their original telling!

I have read many re-makes, mostly of P&P but was thrilled to find another of Austen's classics re-told. Book one does not disappoint! Just ordered book two and can't wait to read! Any JA fan will enjoy this series. ( )

Did... I learn interesting trivia about the British navy?: Yes, like the source of 'letting the cat out of the bag'!

Did... I envision Ciarán Hind the entire time I read this book?: Yes, and it only enhanced the experience.

Did... I take forever to finish this book because I kept pausing to daydream over scene after scene?: Uhm, yes. It's better than any movie.

Review: As I've admitted before, Persuasion ranks very close to my favorite Austen novel, so I just couldn't resist this two book series from Wentworth's point of view.

I'm kind of bubbling over with excitement about this book (I'm dying to read the sequel, For You Alone) as it has so many great elements. Of course, there's a compelling plot line (thanks to Austen), but Kaye isn't lazy with her storytelling. She takes what we know in Persuasion but fills out all the blanks regarding Capt. Frederick Wentworth: his thoughts, his feelings, his back story.

The writing has the lovely heft of a good historical novel but excellent pacing and marvelous characters. Again, Kaye is helped by Austen's original work, but she does an excellent job of filling them out and breathing life into them without making them seem anachronistic or out-of-character. I was particularly struck by the fleshing out of Wentworth: Kaye's research into Naval life post-Napoleonic Wars is fascinating to read, heavily infused into the story without being cumbersome.

As a fan of Persuasion, this was a beautiful retelling of the story that left me very satisfied and wildly eager for the sequel. I don't think one has to be an Austen or Persuasion fan to enjoy this book; it's a wonderful, readable historical novel in it's own right. ( )

Well researched and faithful retelling of the first part of Persuasion from Captain Wentworth’s point of view. Many holes in the story are quite believably filled. Enjoyable read but would benefit from better editing. I found misspellings and use of wrong names (such as Henrietta when Louisa is meant). I am waiting on pins and needles for part II, but hope the publisher does not rush the editing. ( )