Frederick Wentworth, Captain
Book 1
None But You
by Susan Kaye


None But You
Paperback - 252 pages (January 2007)
Wytherngate Press; ISBN: 0972852948
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        Written by Jean (6/2/2007 9:10 p.m.)
I just finished reading the first book in Susan Kaye's two part take on Persuasion from Wentworth's point of view. I greatly enjoyed it. While the writing seemed more of a modern time, her portrayal of Wentworth felt very true to Austen's original character. This book takes you from the point of Wentworth being put ashore during the peace up to the point just after the accident at Lyme and Wentworth realizes how committed he appears to be to Louisa at the same time how much he still cares for Anne. She also includes some scenes from Anne and Wentworth's engagement. I liked that she did not create a great deal of extra characters for us to meet but just stayed focused on Wentworth's view of the events. I look forward to the next book.

        Written by Amanda McG (6/6/2007 1:07 p.m.)
Just finished it myself I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Persuasion through Wentworth's eyes, and I think the author was loyal to his spirit. I do question the portrayal of some other characters, however. Lousia in particular seemed to be much more devious than I've known her to be from the book, which bothered me a little.

I liked the chance to "get to know," so to speak, Harville and Benwick (albeit through the author's eyes) as they are characters I've always liked.

Mostly, I thought Kaye did a good job putting fresh perspective into a familiar story- even though I knew where the plot was going, I was still very interested in getting there. I'm looking forward to the second part.


        Written by Jean (6/6/2007 2:05 p.m.)
Yes, I agree. The portrayal of Louisa was rather harsh. I always considered her a young woman sweep off her feet by Wentworth's attentions (he did pay particular attention to her). In Persuasion, IMHO, she had every right to expect a formal proposal from Wentworth. It was a bad reflection on Wentworth in None But You to suddenly resent the claims Louisa seemed to be making on him.

I have read the first draft of the first three chapters in the next book on the Crownhill Writers site. They left me a little underwhelmed. Some of the characters again are protrayed in a harsh light. Still, it is only a first draft and imagine it will go through a lot of changes by the time we see the final book.


        Written by Debra Mc (6/4/2007 2:26 p.m.)
I recently read it and loved it! I am looking forward to her second volume very much

        Review by Linda Waldemar, 8 March 2009
I really liked this book. It is the first of two volumes that tell the story of Persuasion through the eyes of Captain Frederick Wentworth. The characters are quite true to the originals, yet become more lifelike. There was not a time when I said, as I often do when reading sequels, "She wouldn't do that!".

This volume covers the time from the "year 06" until Captain Wentworth returns to Uppercross to give the Musgroves the news of Louisa's accident. We have scenes from the ship as they reach port. A visit from Captain Harville, here named Timothy, to tell Frederick that his sister Fanny has died. He is quite relieved when our courageous Captain volunteers to break the news to Captain Benwick. This takes a couple of chapters and we are aomong the sailors who celebrate their victories ashore and aboard. Captain Benwick is devastated and Captain Wentworth is compassionate, just as we expect him to be.

As the Captain visits with his sister and the Admiral, the action continues as in Persuasion. Upon learning that Frederick has been acquainted with Anne Elliot in the past, Sophia is quite curious and asks pointed questions. The personalities of all the occupants of Somersetshire are enhanced, but the additions are completely plausible. Often, I even wondered if Jane Austen had written certain incidents. Though Frederick's request of Anne's hand from her father is not as I remember, it is not in the least objectionable.

I always felt that Frederick was a bit harsh and unfeeling when he said that Anne had changed so much that he would not have known her. Ms. Kaye puts this remark in a context that makes it much more acceptable. Another thing that I particularly enjoyed was seeing his changing feelings toward Louisa as their acquaintance proceeds.

I enjoyted this book very much and look forward to reading the next volume. I recommend that you give it a try.