Review: Searching for Captain Wentworth

Searching for Captain Wentworth by Jane Odiwe

Published in 2012

Published by Paintbox Publishing

318 Pages

Austenesque/Historical Fiction

Synopsis:
When aspiring writer, Sophie Elliot, receives the keys to the family townhouse in Bath, it’s an invitation she can’t turn down, especially when she learns that she will be living next door to the house her favourite author, Jane Austen, lived in. But, the neglected house is harbouring more than the antiquated furniture and nesting mice, though initially Sophie tries to dismiss the haunting visions of a young girl. On discovering that an ancient glove belonging to her mysterious neighbour, Josh Strafford, will transport her back in time to Regency Bath, she questions her sanity, but Sophie is soon caught up in two dimensions, each reality as certain as the other. Torn between her life in the modern world, and that of her ancestor who befriends Jane Austen and her fascinating brother Charles, Sophie’s story travels two hundred years across time, and back again, to unite this modern heroine with her own Captain Wentworth. Blending fact and fiction together the tale of Jane Austen’s own quest for happiness weaves alongside, creating a believable world of new possibilities for the inspiration behind the beloved novel, Persuasion.

On my goodness, what a lovely and entertaining book! I fell hook, line and sinker for this story. I think it is every Jane Austen fan’s fantasy to travel back in time to meet her and try to discover her secrets. Did she fall in love? Why didn’t she marry? Jane Odiwe has written an amazing tale of time travel, love and Regency Bath that one cannot forget.

Sophie is a very sweet character. She begins the story with a broken heart. You watch her heal and grow as the story evolves. The best part about Sophie is that she is able to meet and develop a close relationship with Jane Austen. Jane is witty, fun-loving, and a tease. You can see it all in your mind as your read it. Sophie and Jane try to have a very honest relationship at a time when it is difficult for women to speak their true thoughts. I really enjoyed the bond that developed between them.

I loved how Ms. Odiwe wove so many of Jane’s novels into this story. You could identify which character in the book matched with an actual Jane Austen character. Jane, herself, seemed a mixture of all of her heroines; Anne, Mariane, Emma, and even Fanny. The Elliots in this story even matched the nasty Elliots in Persuasion. I loved it!!

Of all of Jane Austen’s books, Persuasion is my favorite. When I first saw this title, I knew I had to read it and I’m so glad I did. It is so magical and romantic and such a joy to read. My recommendation is to just accept the magic, don’t question it. That way you will really enjoy this book.