Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation

by Jane Odiwe

A lost love returns, rekindling forgotten passions… In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility , when Marianne Dashwood marries Colonel Brandon, she puts her heartbreak over dashing scoundrel John Willoughby in the past. Three years later, Willoughby's return throws Marianne into a tizzy of painful memories and exquisite feelings of uncertainty. Willoughby is as charming, as roguish, and as much in love with her as ever. And the timing couldn't be worse—with Colonel Brandon away and Willoughby determined to win her back, will Marianne find the strength to save her marriage, or will the temptation of a previous love be too powerful to resist? Praise for Lydia Bennet's Story : "A breathtaking Regency romp!"― Diana Birchall, author of Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma "An absolute delight to read."― Historical Novels Review "Odiwe emulates Austen's famous wit, and manages to give Lydia a happily-ever-after ending worthy of any Regency romance heroine."― Booklist "Odiwe pays nice homage to Austen's stylings and endears the reader to the formerly secondary character, spoiled and impulsive Lydia Bennet."― Publisher's Weekly "Rollicking good fun with a surprise twist."― Austenprose

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Regency, British Literature, Historical, Historical Romance

345 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

Jane Odiwe is a British author with a special interest in writing novels inspired by Jane Austen's works. Her books continue the stories of beloved characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy in Mr Darcy's Secret, or tell Jane Austen's own story, as in the novels, Searching for Mr Tilney, Jane Austen Lives Again, Searching for Captain Wentworth, and Project Darcy. Other works include the novels Willoughby's Return, Lydia Bennet's Story and the novellas, Mr Darcy's Christmas Calendar, and Mrs Darcy's Diamonds. Jane's short story, Waiting, was published in the short story anthology, Jane Austen Made Me Do It.
Born in Sutton Coldfield, England, Jane gained an arts degree in Birmingham where she indulged her great loves of Fine Art, Literature, and History. After teaching in the Midlands and London for some years, writing novels took over her life. Jane lives in London with her husband, children and two cats, but escapes to "Fairyland", Bath, whenever she can!

Reviews

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sense and Sensibility” is such a lovely, honest, and entertaining novel; it such a shame that not many authors have attempted to compose a sequel for it. I have greatly enjoyed “Colonel Brandon's Diary” by Amanda Grange (S&S told from Colonel Brandon's point-of-view) and “Reason and Romance” by Debra White Smith (a modern adaption with Christian undertones); but neither of those are sequels or include a continuation story for Margaret. But now, having read “Willoughby's Return,” I feel I have found the sequel for “Sense and Sensibility” I have always wanted! I am so very delighted that Jane Odiwe has supplied us ravenous Austenites with this compelling and expressive sequel to cherish and enjoy!

Whatever became of Margaret Dashwood? As Elinor and Marianne's younger sister, Margaret has witnessed their heartbreaks and heartaches first hand. Has their experiences made her wiser, more cautious, or perhaps, more indifferent to love? Does she take after rational and sensible Elinor or does she favor Marianne's romantic tendencies and impetuous nature?

In this novel, Margaret Dashwood, who is at the marriageable age of 18, seems to be the victim of Marianne's matchmaking schemes. So far she has yet to meet a man that can live up to her expectation or measure up to her childhood love (can you guess who that is?). However, when Margaret meets Colonel Brandon's nephew, the handsome, romantic, and charming Henry Lawrence, she feels she may have finally met her ideal man...

Marianne and Colonel Brandon, the other couple focused upon in this story, have been married for three years and have a two-year old boy named James. Like all married couples, they are experiencing some difficulties and trials in their marriage. Marianne is exhibiting some jealousy, insecurity, and mistrust in Colonel Brandon's love for her. Colonel Brandon, trying to be a father figure in two separate households (he looks after his ward, Eliza Williams and her child, Lizzy), finds that he has unintentionally been neglecting Marianne and spending too much time away from her. Furthermore, the ghost of Willoughby haunts their marriage, both Marianne and Colonel Brandon never mention his name or their past association with him. Because of their silence on the subject, when Willoughby re-enters Marianne's life, she chooses not to share with her husband their encounters and conversations. Secrets are never good for a marriage...

Jane Odiwe has done a magnificent job of continuing the story of “Sense and Sensibility,” I greatly enjoyed spending more time with these characters and was pleased to see them so accurately portrayed. I was delighted that other minor character such as the Mrs. Jennings, the Middletons and Mrs. Lucy Ferrars were included in this novel and that they appeared the same as ever. I would have loved for Elinor and Edward to have more page time, but I understand that a story with two heroines is quite enough and to add a third heroine may have resulted in diminishing the stories of the other two.

“Willoughby's Return” was appropriately romantic, emotional, and passionate. I commend Jane Odiwe for capturing the essence and excellence of “Sense and Sensibility” and continuing the story in a knowledgeable and sympathetic manner. It is obvious that Ms. Odiwe loves and cares greatly for her characters (even the difficult ones), and I feel that Jane Austen loved her characters the same way. I greatly enjoyed this sequel for “Sense and Sensibility” and look forward to more works from Jane Odiwe.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book and while I am a strong Brandon fan, I was interested to see how the author brought back the selfish Willoughby.

Needless to say I wasn't too impressed. For one the author took far too long to get to the point. In a way that is fine for it shows the relationship of Brandon and Marianne better, but if you advertise it to be about Willoughby trying desperately to win Marianne back then the story should, I don't know, be about Marianne and Willoughby a bit more than a party here and a meeting there. It took 3/4 of the book for the author to bring about anything of interest. While I liked seeing Marianne grow up a bit, she wasn't the main character I was absolutely annoyed with.

I don't know what possessed this author to turn Margret into a cookie cutter of her older sister, Marianne, but she did! Margret was one of my favorite supporting characters because she was adventerous and bold. She never understood social niceities and was always honest. Now Margret has grown up and she basically admits she wants a romance with a man like Willoughby. Partly I am to blame for my dislike since I envisioned Margret with a Captain or another adventurer. I had always thought she would be anxious to get out and see the world not caring if it was by marriage or her own way, she would seek out her own adventure out of life. It wouldn't bother me quite so much if the author had stuck true the Margret I knew from the book. Instead this author basically turns her into Marianne and in love with Willoughby 2.0. And what made me crazy was that the guy that I would have thought to be perfect for her freedom loving ways, she dismissed as nothing but a brother like male. Ugh!

If you're going to write Jane Austin Fiction then at least have the respect to not reinvent the characters, but try to stick true to their original backgrounds. Don't like it then write your own blasted story and leave Miss Austin's characters alone!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyably delightful sequel to Sense and Sensibility

While the Jane Austen sequel industry abounds with numerous books inspired by Pride and Prejudice, regretfully there are very few sequels to Austen's first published novel Sense and Sensibility. Why? Possibly because some readers have been disappointed with half of Austen's unsatisfactory ending for her two heroines. While the two Dashwood sisters do marry: staid and stoic Elinor to Edward Ferrars and impulsive and free-spirited Marianne to Col. Brandon, the second pairings future happiness seemed doubtful. How could a young lady with Marianne's intense passionate depth be happy with anyone other than her Byronic first love Mr. Willoughby - even after he threw her over for an heiress? Nagging questions arise. Did she settle when she married the Colonel? Would she be tempted into extramarital affairs and runaway with her lover? Possibly, leaving an intriguing premise for continuing the story.

All these concerns are addressed in Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation a new sequel to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Odiwe. How, or if they will be resolved to our satisfaction is now a possibility.

Three years after her marriage to Colonel Brandon, Marianne is the mistress of Delaford Park and the mother of a young son James. She has everything that a young married woman could desire: wealth, position, an heir and a loving husband, but her insecurities, jealousy and impetuous nature rob her of complete happiness. Resentful that her husband is frequently called away to attend his ward Eliza Williams and her infant daughter, Marianne "feels" that he cares for his other family more than his own. Their ties to the Brandon's are strong and painful; Eliza being the daughter of Brandon's first love who died tragically, and Eliza's young child Lizzie the illegitimate daughter of John Willoughby the rogue who also threw over Marianne's affections for an heiress five years prior. In addition, there is that imposing portrait of Eliza's mother hanging in the Hall staring down at her. Every time Marianne passes it she sees the similarities of their appearances and doubts more and more if Brandon married her because he loved her, of if she is replacing the woman that he loved and lost years ago. When the charming rogue John Willoughby reappears in her life proclaiming he has never stopped loving her, the pain of their failed romance is renewed gradually replaced by conflicting emotions and the temptation to be with him again.

We are reintroduced to many of the characters from the original novel: Elinor Ferrars and her husband Edward, Mrs. Jennings, the Middleton's, Lucy Ferrars and importantly Elinor and Marianne's younger sister Margaret Dashwood who has her own romance in the course of the novel that may equal Marianne's dilemma in emotion and drama. It could not be a Jane Austen sequel without talk of beaus, gowns and a glamorous Ball, so imagine everything most "profligate and shocking" in the way of young couples dancing and sitting down together! Margaret Dashwood supplies the shocking (to the horror of the neighborhood biddies) in her behavior by dancing more than three times in one night with one partner, Henry Lawrence, the charming and bold nephew of Col Brandon. Like Willoughby, Henry appears to be a good catch: attractive, well connected, an heir to a fortune and too irresistible. He wastes no time in pursuing Margaret's affections. There is a surprise twist to their relationship that I will not reveal, but readers might recognize similarities to another Austen heroine.

Odiwe has captured Marianne's spirit superbly. Romantic, impulsive and let's face it, high maintenance! At times I really wanted to give her a firm dressing down and felt the same of Austen's younger Marianne, so I knew that Odiwe had connected their characteristics seamlessly. Marianne may be five years older, but she's still Marianne the drama queen and that makes for great entertainment! Interestingly, the two men in her life, Brandon and Willoughby, had fewer scenes than expected but caused many reactions to fuel the narrative serving their purpose. This was a nice mirror to women's fate in Regency times. Men have all the power, women all the presence.

This is Odiwe's second Austenesque sequel, and like Lydia Bennet's Story she has chosen a character in Marianne Brandon that is ruled by impulse and emotion making for surprise and tension - all good elements to an engaging story that she delivers with confidence and aplomb. Developing younger sister Margaret Dashwood brought youth, vivacity and a bit of rebellion against social dictum's to the story. Her romance with Henry Lawrence was an excellent choice as she shared the narrative equally with Marianne and balanced the story. Odiwe's research and passion for the Regency era shine, especially in her descriptions of the country fair and fashions. It is rewarding to see her develop her own style evocative of Austen but totally modern in its sensibility. There were a few missteps with cadence and vernacular, but I am splitting hairs, and few will notice. Of course we are never in much doubt that it will all end happily, but unlike Jane Austen's tale, the final transformation of the heroine's troubling want of caution and choice of spouse will not prompt debate two hundred years later.

A light and enjoyable read, Willoughby's Return is a charming tale that sweeps you back into Austen's mannered world of a young girl searching for love and a married woman realizing it.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit up front that although Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite book I have never read Sense and Sensibility. I have only seen the movie and since I really enjoyed it, especially Mr. Willoughby, I couldn't resist picking up this book.

It starts off a little slow but I did get drawn into the plight of Marianne's sister, Margaret, and her love for Henry Lawrence. In fact, I felt this romance more so than the tension between Marianne and Mr. Willoughby was the focus in the book. The problems between Marianne, Colonel Brandon and Willoughby are more of a side story.

Nonetheless, I found Margaret's character delightful and I was hoping for a happy ending for her. Marianne was a little more irritating and came across as quite selfish which I am sure was quite deliberate. The only problem I had was that her selfishness was so blatant that even in the end when she realizes her folly I still found it hard to forgive her. Without having read Sense and Sensibility I cannot say how true to that story this book is but it was an enjoyable read.

One random question that if anyone knows the answer to since I am constantly forgetting to look it up and as I write this I do not have internet access is what exactly is Gunter's ice? Is it an ice cream? Shaved ice? Always been curious since it is often mentioned in books taking place during this time period.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Sense and Sensibility so I picked this up. All women come across a Willoughby some time in their life - he is the quintessential bad boy. I enjoyed that he came to regret losing Marianne and that the nice guy won out over the bad boy in the end. The author gave Willoughby some redemption in the end even if he did not win Marianne.

[Maria Grazia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always wished a second chance for Marianne Dahwood and John Willoughby. I've never totally accepted the common judgement of Willoughby as a dashing scoundrel, a libertine. Then, let's say that Jane Odiwe made my dream come true: Willoughby returns into Marianne's life now that she is Mrs Brandon as well as little James's mother.
Three years later, when she has put her heartbreak over him in the past, Willoughby comes back with all his charming ways. He is as roguish and as much in love with her as ever. The timing couldn't be worse: Colonel Brandon is often away, in Lyme, to take care of his ward Eliza Williams and the little girl she had from Willoughby, Lizzy. Marianne is terribly jealous and feels neglected . The temptation of her previous passionate love is incredibly powerful.
A parallel plot follows Margaret's romance with Henry Lawrence . Margaret is Marianne and Elinor's younger sister , Henry is Brandon's nephew and John Willoughby's friend. Their story actually recalls Marianne's and Willoughby's unfortunate love.. They hit it off immediately but, suddenly, Henry changes his attitude to Margaret and everybody around her starts speaking about Henry's engagement with a beautifulFrench girl from his past, Mademoiselle Antoinette de Fontenay. Will she be luckier than her beloved sister? Will she be turned down like Marianne?
This lovely sequel to "Sense and Sensibility"revisits the beautiful places where we first met the Dashwoods, The Ferrars, Mrs Jennings, The Palmers, Willoughby and his rich wife Sophia, Eliza Williams and The Steele sisters. We are back to Barton Cottage, Delaford, London and Lyme.
The journey of some of the charachters may result quite repetitive (i.e. Marianne's jealousy for her husband's caring interest in Eliza and her Lizzy) but the language is skillfully crafted, pleasant and refined. In the end we are left with the impression that our heroes and heroines got what they deserved , at last. And , especially, we feel that the young fascinating rogue in the title is not as bad as we - and many characters in the novel - had believed him to be.
Marianne is sure: " ..she had loved him once, and he had proved that his love for her was genuine"
What about the other characters? Colonel Brandon? Too good to be true. Mrs Jennings? Less sparkling than in S&S. Edward and Elinor? Could a match be ever more boring? The Steele sisters? Poisonous gossips!

On the whole, a very pleasant summer read.

[Becky R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While my three stars might be deceptive, I think my response had more to do with some key factors, and not the quality of the writing itself.

Overall, I felt that Odiwe's story of Willoughby returning into Marianne Brandon's life to be pretty difficult. As a huge fan of all things Austen, I (like many fans) loved Colonel Brandon for seeing Marianne as she was and loving her unconditionally. In the end, I wanted to see Marianne step up to the plate and demonstrate her appreciation for Brandon's selflessness. However, in this tale, Brandon is a semi-absent husband, and Marianne is terribly insecure about her relationship with Brandon. While she does love him, she feels that he must surely still love his first love, which then leads her to her own exploration of what she felt for Willoughby.

Although I don't like to admit that we do remember those loves that came into our lives and left us scarred, this story reminds us that they do impact our current relationships (as sad as that seems). I would have enjoyed having the story stick to Marianne's story, but we also had a second narrator in her younger sister Margaret. I will admit to often getting confused over who was speaking and would have to switch gears to realize that we were now watching Margaret strike out in the search for love.

The writing, in its fluency, was nicely done and captured the style of that time. I enjoyed reading the novel, although I agonized over the thorn that Willoughby represented in a sweet marriage, and over the switch in narrators and stories. Overall, a fun exploration into the "what if's" of a first love returning, that I think we've all considered.

[Lindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing read, after Odiwe's Lydia Bennett's Story. While the plot was promising, I was not convinced in her characters. Lydia I believed; this Marianne -- not so much. Sometimes she blurts out whatever she is thinking. It's described as a part of her frank personality. But then, she won't talk to Colonel Brandon about her feelings and disappointments, etc. That doesn't make sense to me.

The premise is good, though. About five years has passed from the end of Sense and Sensibility and Margaret is now of an age to be teased by Mrs Jennings about beaux, when who should come into the scene but the dastardly Willoughby! Margaret was of an impressionable age when she met him and she still compares all other men to him. She knows she's foolish, but he was just so handsome and romantic. Meanwhile, he still believes Marianne to be the love of his life and regrets having let her get away. Will Marianne succumb to temptation? Will Margaret?

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good spin-off of Sense and Sensibility. I think I enjoyed this more than I should have considering Marianne's saccharine internal dialogues because I really haven't encountered any S&S spin-offs previously. I enjoyed the novelty of revisiting Elinor and Marianne.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 2 stars but I like the author's other works too much to do so. I found this book to be very dull. I had a hard time getting through it. Let's just leave it at that!

[Christin · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring and slow and not for me

The characters felt flat, there was poor communication and the love stories felt contrived. No thank you. Proof that fan fiction is not for me.

[Hylary Locsin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: http://libraryladyhylary.blogspot.com ! Check it out for more reviews!

This sequel to Jane Austen's classic novel Sense and Sensibility (1811) picks up three years after the events of the original story. Marianne Dashwood, now Mrs. Brandon, is happily married to the devoted Colonel Brandon, and has a child of her own. Her sister, Elinor Dashwood, now Mrs. Ferrars, lives nearby with her husband Edward and their children. This novel focuses more, however, on the younger Dashwood sister, Margaret, who is now sixteen and quite beautiful. When Colonel Brandon's handsome nephew, Henry, comes to Delaford to visit his uncle, Marianne is determined to play matchmaker between her nephew and sister. Marianne's plans seem to be going well, Margaret and Henry become increasingly attached to one another. But nothing prepares Marianne for the shock she experiences next: John Willoughby, her first love who spurned her for a rich heiress, has returned to Dorsetshire with his wife. It appears that Willoughby and Mrs. Brandon will be forced to spend time in eachother's company at social events in the neighborhood, and Marianne is conflicted by a resurgence of feelings for the dashing man. She becomes even more unsure as her husband spends more and more time with his ward, Eliza, and her daughter, who happens to be Willoughby's daughter as well, in Lyme. Convinced that Colonel Brandon may have fallen in love with Eliza, Marianne begins to wonder if Willoughby's affections might be worth returning.

Although the story doesn't have the same literary magic of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, this sequel provides an entertaining and interesting read for those who loved the original story. Marianne Brandon, neé Dashwood, is now nineteen-years-old and has been happily married to her husband, Colonel Brandon, for three years. The couple have a child, and everything seems to be going well for Marianne, although she does appear to be slightly bored in her new life. She sees an opportunity for excitement when Brandon's nephew, Henry, comes to visit and seeks to play matchmaker between him and her sister Margaret, now sixteen-years-old. The storyline of Henry and Margaret is not as interesting as the return of John Willoughby, however. Fans of the original, both teen and adult, will clamber to see what happens when Marianne encounters her first love. In Willoughby, Austen truly created a dashing lothario, and left the novel open enough to leave the reader wondering what would happen if Marianne and Willoughby were ever reunited. Odiwe does a good job of entertaining these notions, with a lot of sexual tension, temptation and lust. The rest of the storyline, such as Colonel Brandon's supposed love for his ward, Eliza, and the inclusion of the irritating Lucy Ferrars and her sister, Anne Steele, are not quite as satisfactory. Still, the novel will appeal to both teen and adult fans of the original and continues in the spirit of the iconic Jane Austen.

I am a huge Jane Austen fan, and especially love the character of Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility (largely due to his portrayal by Greg Wise in the 1995 film version.) When I saw a novel that delved into what might have happened had Willoughby reentered the lives of the Dashwoods, I had to read it. Overall I enjoyed the novel, although the plot line with Marianne and Willoughby was the only one I found really interesting (there are also subplots about Margaret Dashwood and Colonel Brandon having a "love affair" with his ward, Willoughby's ex, Eliza.) Despite the mediocrity of these subplots, I still recommend this title for Jane Austen fans everywhere.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is one book by her I have not read, however, I love the movie with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and yes - I'm saving the best for last - Alan Rickman. Colonel Brandon and Marianne's relationship is one of my favorites. When Willoughby's Return was offered for review, I snatched it, excited to return to that world again.

Willoughby's Return starts a few years later. Colonel Brandon and Marianne have a two year old son and Margaret still lives at home with her mother. The past two years for Marianne have been very pleasant, except for one little thing that has always nagged her. Before she married Colonel Brandon, John Willoughby was courting her, and the courtship was abruptly stopped when he was stripped of his inheritance upon the discovery of his affair and child with Eliza Williams. As Marianne did not have a significant dowry to offer to him, he was forced to give his hand to a woman much more financially secure.

Colonel Brandon has taken Eliza and her daughter under his ward, providing for them and caring for the child when she is ill. On such occasion, he can be gone for weeks, and Marianne can only guess what kind of words are spoken between Brandon and Eliza.

Tensions rise when Willoughby returns to town. Colonel Brandon does not trust him one bit, and neither does Marianne, and her emotions toward him confuses her. Margaret is also being courted by Willoughby's good friend, so they find themselves forced to mingle at many social engagements. Their marriage will be tested as jealousies arise.

Willloughby's Return was quite a cute story. I would not call it a dramatic story, as the tag line reads. Yes, problems arise with the return of Willoughby but it was a bit more lighthearted than dramatic. As I said, I have not read Sense and Sensibility, so I can not say if this sequel truly captures its predecessor's voice. However, I can say this book has charming characters, and the tone of the characters, to me, brings forth the Austen world quite well.

While there was no hot and heavy romance scenes, the looks and connotations between Brandon and Marianne were very sweet and romantic. Marianne was only 19 when she marries Colonel Brandon and many of her thoughts and actions comes across as showing her young age. What young 20 year old would not be confused when someone she thought she loved a good deal comes back into her life, whispering things he should not and showing her affection? All the while, Colonel Brandon has responsibilities to a woman whose mother he loved quite dearly. Of course Marianne is going to be jealous and stomp her foot when he leaves her often.

I loved the camaraderie between Marianne and her sisters. Their relationship is very reminiscent of the way they were in the movie. One complaint I have is that I was lost at the beginning of this book. I couldn't remember the way Sense and Sensibility ended, and although all relationships and dramatics were eventually explained, it took a while and I found myself rereading passages to remember who was in love with who, and who ran off with who etc.

Willoughby's Return is a delightful tale that swept me away for the time I was reading. For those who are looking to return to the Austen world with a very sweet story, I definitely recommend this book.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe reunites readers with Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Marianne's sisters Margaret and Elinor from Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen.

"But three years of married life had done little to really change her. Marianne still had an impetuous nature, she still retained a desire for impulse and enterprises undertaken on the spur of the moment." (Page 3)

Truer words were never spoken about Marianne. She is the same impetuous girl from Austen's book, even though she is married to Colonel Brandon and has a son, James. Her husband, however, has obligations to his ward, the daughter of his deceased first love, and her child--a child she had with Marianne's first love, Mr. Willoughby. Drama, drama, drama fills these pages, just as they filled Marianne's life in Ausen's work, but Odiwe adds her own flare to these characters.

Marianne continues to hide things from her husband no matter how innocent the situations may be and her jealousies drive her to make nearly scandalous decisions and snap judgments. However, while this book is titled Willoughby's Return, he is more of a minor character and his storyline with Marianne looms from the sidelines as her younger sister Margaret and her beau Henry Lawrence take center stage.

"She watched two raindrops slide down the glass, one chasing the other but never quite catching up." (Page 39)

Margaret is very like Marianne in that she is passionate, romantic, and impetuous. She's opposed to marriage and Marianne's matchmaking until Margaret sets eyes on Henry Lawrence. She falls head-over-heels for him, but Odiwe throws a number obstacles in their way.

Readers may soon notice some similarities between Henry Lawrence and Frank Churchill from Emma by Jane Austen, but the romance unravels differently for Henry and Margaret than it does from Frank and Emma. Readers that enjoy Jane Austen's books and the recent spin-offs will enjoy Willoughby's Return -- a fast-paced, regency novel with a modern flair.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Sense and Sensibility for it's 200th birthday, so I thought I'd top it off with Willoughbly's Return. It is a fantastic sequel to S&S! I'm so glad I read it!
It’s roughly three years later, Marianne is very much in love with her husband Colonel Brandon. Things are not always smooth sailing for the couple. Whenever a letter arrives from Eliza, Colonel Brandon’s ward, the Colonel is off to Lyme to take care of whatever is ailing her or her daughter. Marianne is jealous and resentful of the relationships his has with them.
Marianne hasn’t seen Willoughby in those three years. Suddenly he is back in there lives, showing up at functions that they are attending. While Brandon is out of town, Willoughby tries to find opportunities to speak to Marianne. This creates more tension between Marianne and Colonel Brandon.
Margaret Dashwood is now of age and has a love interest, Henry Lawrence. Unfortunately he is friends with Willoughby! There is also a mystery between Henry and Mademoiselle de Fontenay. To me, Margaret is a combination of Elinor and Marianne, doing somethings without thought of the consequence and then behaving sensibly at other times.
Mrs. Jennings is still her happy meddlesome self! Always assuming love matches and spreading gossip.
I really enjoyed reading this story.

Reviewed by "So little time..." in Oct. 2011 http://candy-m.blogspot.com/

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first adventure into something other than "Pride and Prejudice" fan fiction!! I have to admit this was a wonderful story!! The story starts out a few years after Marianne and Col Brandon get married. They have a 2-3 yr old. They are settled into married life and are very happy. But Marianne being Marianne, she's still self centered and things don't always go the way she wants. And into the mix of a little misunderstanding; Mr Willoughby returns into the neighborhood. And to boot he's a very good friend of the colonel's newphew. A very handsome young man. Anyway Marianne's sister Margaret is 19 and she plays promiently in this story along with Mrs Jennings and of course Lucy Ferrars and her sister Anne. This story has it all, intrigue, angst and romance. And in true Austen stile true love reigns above all!!!

Just one little footnote: I don't know where I got it into my head that Colonel Brandons first name is Christopher, but in this story the author has his first name as William. I did go back to S & S to look it up and low and behold there is no mention of a first name. It just bugged me having him called William. sorry just me!!

I would definitely recommend this book! Wonderful read :D

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my first Jane Austen Sequel novel it was everything I could have expected. I'm sure Ms Austen herself would be proud. This rendition involved all our favorite characters from Sense and Sensibility. Marianne is happilly living with Colonel Brandan and their child. Elinor, Edward and their children are enjoying quiet life at the parsonage near by. Mrs Dashwood and Margaret are still living at the comfortable cottage with the Middletons and Mrs Jennings involved in their lives as constant as ever. Youngest sister Margaret Dashwood is all grown up and looking for love. That bad boy Mr Willoughby makes a re-entry after years of absence. And Colonel Brandon's relatives the Lawrences and their handsome young son Henry come to town. Love, romance, society, parties, dancing, gossip all the things we love about Jane Austen novels makes an appearance. A very nice, light, quick read. Not at all like a harliquin/Fabio novel, which I was so fearful of. I would recommend this book to other Austen-ights or lovers of period novels.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a fan of Austen, I can't help but be tempted by fan-fiction that carries on her characters and her style. Most of the time I'm just a little disappointed. Then again, who can possibly capture Austen today? Her writing is a product and a reflection of her times.

Jane Odiwe captures well the feeling if not the essence of Austen's times and writing, but for me the characters didn't ring quite true. Colonel Brandon, so attentive in Sense and Sensibility, is off mark with his obsession over duty to his ward (was he really the only one who could take care of the trouble?) and Marianne, who is not one of my favorite Austen characters, was outspoken with everyone but the man she loves so deeply, her husband. And Willoughby wanders about like a lost teen unsure of who and what he is. Totally off.

That said, I think most young readers of Austen will enjoy the storyline and the ending.

[Alexa Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://alexaadams.blogspot.com/2009/1...

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Love's name is an ANATHEMA

Tutto il sequel gioca sui tabù collegati al primo amore: fra Marianne e il Colonel Brandon (William, questo è il nome che la Odiwe ha scelto per il nostro eroe) ci sono degli argomenti immenzionabili. Uno di questi è Eliza, il primo amore del Colonnello, morta ormai da anni. Marianne crede che il suo William abbia scelto lei come ripiego, ed è gelosissima della figlia di lei, Eliza e della piccola Lizzie, nata dalla relazione della giovane con John Willoughby. Proprio quello stesso Willoughby che risulta a sua volta innominabile, perché è stato il primo amore di Marianne, ed il Colonnello ne è geloso, ma soprattutto perché egli ha ormai sposato una terza donna, Miss Sophia Grey, abbandonando sia Marianne che Eliza al proprio destino.
E tutte queste parole taciute, questo gioco di supposizioni che costruiscono nell’immaginazione dei due protagonisti una storia intera completamente falsata, rischiano di creare una frattura fra Marianne ed il Colonnello Brandon.

The unspoken words hung in the air above their heads like grey spectres, together with the recollections of all that had passed to make her former love’s name an anathema. John Willoughby’s crimes were never discussed.

(Le parole non dette erano sospese nell’aria sopra le loro teste, come grigi spettri, insieme con i ricordi di tutto ciò che era stato, tanto da rendere il nome del suo precedente innamorato un anatema. Le scelleratezze di John Willoughby non venivano mai discusse).

La Marianne della Odiwe nella prima parte del romanzo non mi piace molto: mi è sembrata molto più superficiale di quanto non fosse in Ragione e Sentimento (dove anzi, era immensamente profonda e sensibile, mancava solo un po’ di tatto a causa dell’egoismo caratteristico di tutte le persone molto giovani). Gioca a fare la matchmaker come Emma Woodhouse, ma in realtà sembra quasi Mrs Bennet, e quando non vuole mettere i guanti per far vedere il suo anello di diamanti, mi ha ricordato addirittura Lydia Bennet(pardon, Wickham, dopotutto era proprio la vera nuziale che la birbantella voleva esibire!)

Her handsome ring looked very well on her hand, but what a pity it was to have to cover the sight of such beauty with a glove.
(Il suo bell’anello sembrava un incanto sulla sua mano, ma che peccato dover nascondere la vista di una tale bellezza con un guanto).


Nella seconda parte però, il personaggio cresce, matura, diventa insomma ciò che da lei ci si aspetterebbe al termine di Ragione e Sentimento.

Le persone più romantiche sono spesso insoddisfatte dal finale di Ragione e Sentimento perché Jane Austen non ha ‘accasato’ entrambe le protagoniste di Sense and Sensibility col primo amore.
Ecco, quello sarebbe stato il finale romantico per eccellenza: Willoughby che non sposa la signorina Grey, ma va da Marianne col capo cosparso di cenere, e lei lo perdona… e vissero felici e cont…. Ed Eliza??? In realtà Willoughby era al di là di ogni possibilità di riscatto, e la Austen non poteva certo gettare via un’eroina del valore di Marianne (perché io sono fra coloro che ritengono questa fanciulla una persona splendida, vera, diretta e piena di qualità, insomma, tutt’altro che antipatica!) fra le braccia di un mascalzone, anche se nella realtà le eroine incontrano le canaglie e spesso la storia non ha un lieto fine… e questo accadeva anche ai tempi di Jane Austen.
La Odiwe cerca in un certo qual modo di far fare ammenda allo scapestrato, che in Sense and Sensibility ha avuto modo di riscattarsi solo in parte; nello stesso tempo, però, vuole ribadire che Willoughby non sarebbe comunque stato una buona scelta!

Il romanzo è incentrato sugli equivoci dunque, un sottile gioco psicologico che permea tutta la storia, ma Jane Odiwe non si limita a questo. Molto sapientemente sa che un buon sequel ha bisogno di storie parallele nuove, di personaggi freschi e di vecchie conoscenze (New Fancies and Old Friends!), e sviluppa una bellissima trama che affianca l’intimo tormento di Marianne. Oltre a Margaret, la terza sorella Dashwood, che è cresciuta ed è diventata una fanciulla molto spigliata e dal forte spirito di indipendenza, come già prometteva di fare in Sense and Sensibility, conosciamo la famiglia della sorella del Colonnello Brandon, Lady Hannah Lawrence, che miscela sapientemente nel suo personaggio una buona dose di Mrs Churchill, un pizzico di Mrs Elton, ma soprattutto tanta Mrs Ferrars. Suo marito, Sir Edgar Lawrence risulta essere un personaggio più bonario e simpatico, per quanto marginale, essendo affiancato da una donna dal carattere tanto forte: ricorda vagamente Sir William Lucas e Mr Weston. Il figlio della coppia, Henry Lawrence, il nipote del Colonnello Brandon, si presenta nella prima occasione un po’ nello stile di un altro Henry, l’amatissimo Tilney di Northanger Abbey, poi la sua amicizia con Mr Willoughby ci fa temere che sia un individuo della sua stessa risma. Infine cominciamo a sospettare che ci sia in lui un po’ di Frank Churchill.
Queste nuove figure rimangono nei canoni di Jane Austen, dunque, ma con risvolti sorprendenti, perché unendo le caratteristiche di tanti personaggi differenti, la Odiwe ne ha in realtà creati di originali e veramente speciali.
Le sorelle Steele sono più perfide ed intriganti che mai, ed anche Mrs Jennings è diventata ancora più pettegola (non credevate fosse possibile?)… Sarà l’età?

La Odiwe strizza l’occhio non soltanto a Sense and Sensibility, ma anche agli altri romanzi di Jane Austen: abbiamo visto tanta Emma ed anche un po’ di Pride and Prejudice. E che dire di questa scena?

“The worst is over,” she said to herself. “We have met and should we do so again I shall be able to bear all with feelings of equanimity.”
(“Il peggio è passato” disse fra sé. “ Ci siamo incontrati e dovesse accadere di nuovo sarò in grado di sopportarlo con la massima serenità”).

Non vi sembra tremendamente simile a quest’altra?

“It is over! it is over! ” she repeated to herself again and again, in nervous gratitude. “The worst is over! ”Mary talked, but she could not attend. She had seen him. They had met. They had been once more in the same room.
(“È passato, è passato!” ripeteva fra sé ancora ed ancora, nervosamente grata. “Il peggio è passato!”
Mary parlava, ma non riusciva a seguirla. Lo aveva visto. Si erano incontrati. Per una volta ancora erano stati nella stessa stanza.)

Persuasion capitolo 7

Splendida la descrizione del periodo storico, soprattutto gli eventi sociali costituiti dai balli, che in Willoughby’s Return occupano anche più di un capitolo per la loro complessità… sembra di muoversi da una parte all’altra della sala con i vari personaggi e si sente quasi il cicaleccio di sottofondo dei numerosi ospiti.
Ed una particolare menzione al Gunter’s Tea Shop e ai suoi gelati, che di certo è presente in numerose Regency novels, ma che in questo romanzo mi ha fatto venire un fortissimo desiderio di approfondire l’argomento.

Infine: qualunque sia il nome del Colonnello Brandon, ne esce sempre vincente, un uomo meraviglioso, superiore a dieci Willoughbys, un uomo di cui è impossibile non innamorarsi!

Puoi leggere le recensioni delle altre Lizzies QUI

http://oldfriendsnewfancies.blogspot....

[Kaitlyn Bancroft · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof. To be blunt, this really, really sucked, to the point that I only skimmed the second half.

Where to start? First off, this author’s interpretation of Marianne is atrocious. She’s selfish, jealous, and ridiculously insecure in her marriage. Colonel Brandon is nothing but good to her, and in return she does nothing but doubt him. And instead of communicating about her concerns like an adult, her solution to every argument or misunderstanding is to take her husband to the bedroom. I only disliked her more when she (a married woman) started giving into Willoughby (a married man). So much for commitment, right? This book completely negates all the growth Marianne achieved in “Sense and Sensibility” and it’s beyond frustrating.

Second, for a book pitched as “Willoughby pursues Marianne again,” it takes a stupidly long time for anything to happen in that department. Who needs a plot? Not this book, apparently. If a story is supposed to be about Marianne and Willoughby, maybe put them in the same scene more often.

Third, I hate that there aren’t ever any consequences for Marianne’s behavior. When she finally wakes up and realizes how stupid she’s been, Marianne plans to confess everything to Colonel Brandon; but before she can, he tells her he “already knows” and forgives her. No real conversation about it. No reckoning for Marianne, no lost trust from Colonel Brandon upon finding out his wife has been kissing another man — and not just any man, but a man who has caused Colonel Brandon considerable pain and distress. Oh, and Colonel Brandon apologizes to Marianne for “neglecting her,” which naturally caused her to seek out another man. Colonel Brandon could go to the Olympics on the mental gymnastics team, and Marianne could use some tough lessons in personal responsibility.

If you like Jane Austen fan fiction that doesn’t abuse its source material, you’ve come to the wrong place. Somewhere in England, Jane Austen is spinning in her grave.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ragione e Sentimento - Atto Secondo
"E se Marianne avesse perdonato Willoughby?"

Questa pare sia la vera domanda all'origine del sequel di Jane Odiwe: una seconda chance, oppure, una vicenda alternativa a quella del suo romanzo d'ispirazione.
Un'ottima domanda, non c'è che dire...essa scatena naturalmente conseguenze interessanti, una trama che si complica nuovamente conferendo vita ad un secondo atto di una storia che ci pareva conclusa nel trionfo della Ragione e del Sentimento.

L'attenzione narrativa della Odiwe, concentrata in particolare nella descrizione di una perfetta atmosfera austeniana, assorbe completamente la mente del lettore, riconducendola nelle vite d'inchiostro delle sorelle Dashwood, quasi non l'avesse mai lasciate...è un processo emotivo inconsapevole ed un attimo più tardi la storia riprende il suo corso...ma non come avremmo facilmente immaginato.
La Odiwe sceglie di salvare l'unico personaggio imperdonabile, il solo a cui non avremmo pensato, se non negli stessi termini negativi in cui lo avevamo dimenticato. Willoughby è umano, ci rammenta l'autrice, ergo capace di innamorarsi o fallire, come ogni individuo dotato di cuore è un connubio di luce e di ombra, di bene e di male, per questo meritevole di un'altra occasione, riscatto che nessuno, persino Aunt Jane, avrebbe promesso.
Eppure, la romantica Marianne, moglie devota dell'ineguagliabile Colonnello William Brandon, si ritrova ad affrontare le tribolazioni del suo recente passato, per l'inatteso ritorno nella sua vita di John Willoughby, attraente come sempre, ma, stavolta, esitante, impacciato di fronte a lei, finanche modesto, soprattutto, incredibile nella sua veste di pentito!

E se Willoughby è profondamente cambiato, quasi fosse un'altra persona, Marianne ricade in un istante nell'ingenuità che di lui l'aveva resa vittima; la regressione non ci parrebbe ragionevole se non fosse preceduta dall'insicurezza e dai timori generati dalla prepotente gelosia verso Eliza e la memoria che quest'ultima porta in eredità, che la relega (a suo avviso) solo al secondo posto nel cuore di Brandon. Probabilmente, una tale momentanea involuzione dell'animo di Marianne trova giusta spiegazione in questo continuo travaglio interiore, quello che non mi ha convinto è il mutamento (forse anche genetico?!) di Willoughby, sebbene umano, sebbene intelligente, eppure soggetto al proverbio (ahimé, sempre veritiero) del noto "Il Lupo perde il pelo, ma..."
Personalmente, avrei potuto, forse, accettare il cambiamento di Willoughby in seguito a cruciali eventi nella sua vita, ad ogni modo, non così poco tempo dopo averlo lasciato felice padrone del proprio destino; ciononostante, il suo ritorno consiste in una prova del nove per Marianne, è un'ulteriore confronto con i propri sentimenti, una seconda crescita interiore e, come se ce ne fosse bisogno, una conferma della superiorità eclatante di Brandon rispetto a Willoughby, anche in questa nuova veste angelica!
Il romanzo intreccia i fili del ricamo precedente, ai nuovi, abilmente intercalati dalla Odiwe...è stato un vero piacere conoscere una Margaret (la minore delle sorelle Dashwood) così brillante, indipendente e, se vogliamo, moderna! Che ella fosse la summa dei caratteri antiteteci delle sorelle maggiori era auspicabile, ma che mutasse il suo mite silenzio d'osservatrice in una personalità ben definita e carica di energia, non l'avremmo immaginato, pur nella ragionevolezza di questa possibilità!

Margaret è un personaggio bellissimo! Come uscita da una favola di Andersen, da brutto anatraccolo destinato nell'ombra, ha dismesso il suo grigio piumaggio per aprire sicura le grandi, candide ali di cigno, forte, finalmente, della propria identità.
Sono debitrice verso la Odiwe per avermi contagiato con l'entusiasmo di questo personaggio! Margaret (che dopo poche righe della sua comparsa in scena avevo già familiarizzato in "Meg") è passionale come Marianne e assennata come Elinor, magrado l'evidenza della contraddizione, questa definizione le calza a pennello!
E' la giusta conseguenza all'altalena degli opposti, in una parola, l'equilibrio tra essi, con un pizzico di spensieratezza ad aggiustarne il peso.
La conferma del suo ottimo incedere nella vita, è palese nel rapporto con il suo personalissimo "Willoughby", nel ruolo certamente migliore di Henry Lawrence, davanti alle cui avances, Meg pare sciogliersi come neve al sole, riportandoci pericolosamente le memoria all'esperienza di Marianne, lasciandoci, però, interdetti di fronte al suo diverso modo di considerare la situazione in cui si è consapevolmente (e già questo fa la differenza) infilata.
L'intreccio annoda e riscioglie i fili principali sui passi di Marianne-Brandon-Willoughby e di Margaret-Henry, coinvolgendo progressivamente vecchi amici e nuove conoscenze, rispolverando i ritratti dei meravigliosi characters creati da Aunt Jane e dipingendone di nuovi su chiaro suggerimento di quest'ultimi, in un girotondo di tè, danze e non-sense che rinnovano la voglia di dissolverci in inchiostro, per respirare la stessa carta di quei personaggi incredibili, senza dimenticare di evadere l'attenzione inopportuna dell'inarrestabile Mrs Jennings!

Unico appunto negativo, ma sempre da un punto di vista personale, mi è mancata molto Elinor, confinata a fare la saggia ed inflessibile madre (più che sorella maggiore), malgrado, il suo sguardo attento fosse sempre vigile, ma troppo pronto ad elargire sentenze, privandola del suo lato romantico ed insicuro che sappiamo esistere, sebbene in incognito.

Un sequel interessante, da prendere in considerazione per una versione italiana, soprattutto per le "possibilità" che mette in gioco, alternative più o meno condivisibili, ma certamente da acclamare per l'audacia che le contraddistingue.

[シ Pen*Cil シ · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.75/5***

Ma connaissance de Jane Austen se limite à Orgueil et Préjugés, je l'avoue sans honte. (Aaah, Elizabeth Bennett et Mr Darcy <3 ).
Exit donc les Emma, Persuasion et bien sûr Raisons et Sentiments. Quand m'a été donnée l'opportunité de découvrir ce Austen-like reprenant l'histoire de John Willoughby, j'ai d'abord pensé qu'il était assez bizarre de commencer une "série" sans en avoir lu le premier tome, puis en voyant cette magnifique couverture, je me suis lancée.
Même si ce roman m'a surprise car il n'était pas du tout ce à quoi je m'attendais, j'y ai trouvé de très bonnes choses, notamment une plume très Austenienne, des histoires et imbroglio, et un romantisme dont je suis friande.
Si je ressors de ma lecture assez surprise, c'est principalement parce que personne ne remplace Jane Austen, mais c'est également (et en grande partie) dû au fait que je ne connaissais pas l'histoire principale avant de commencer ce roman, ce qui a grandement manqué à ma compréhension en début de lecture.

Pour celles qui seraient dans la même situation que moi, je vais me permettre de faire un rapide résumé de Raisons et Sentiments.
A la mort de Mr. Dashwood, sa femme et ses trois filles, Elinor, Marianne et Margaret, doivent se réfugier dans une dépendance de leur cousin, Sir John Middleton. Elinor va tomber sous le charme de Edward Ferrars, mais leur relation va être perturbée par Lucy Steele, une arriviste attirée par la fortune.
Marianne quant à elle va tomber immédiatement amoureuse du jeune et impétueux John Willoughby, qui va se jouer d'elle sous le regard du Colonel William Brandon, tombé peu à peu sous le charme de la belle Marianne. Cependant, Willoughby va commettre une trahison inconcevable en fuyant sans donner de nouvelles, et revenir après avoir fait un mariage de convenance. Marianne le cœur détruit va alors céder à la demande en mariage de Brandon (malgré son âge qu'elle juge "canonique"), dont les sentiments et la tendresse ont toujours été constantes. Tous deux ont connu le grand amour et l'ont perdu, mais leur mariage de raison deviendra au fil des années un mariage de sentiments.
Il est dit dans le roman que Willoughby traînera la douleur de cette union entre Marianne et William toute sa vie, puisqu'il considèrera toujours Marianne comme "son idéal secret de perfection féminine".

Trois ans se sont passés depuis la fin de Raisons et Sentiments. Marianne et William ont eu deux beaux enfants et mènent une vie paisible près de Mme Dashwood et de Elinor.
Margaret a maintenant bientôt 16 ans, et il est grand temps de lui trouver un prétendant. Hélas, tous ceux qui lui ont été déjà présentés n'ont pas trouvé grâce à ses yeux. Elle ne voit donc pas comment le jeune Henry Lawrence pourrait être celui qu'elle épouserait.
La situation serait presque risible pour Marianne si elle n'avait pas deux soucis majeurs. Tout d'abord, le colonel Brandon passe de plus en plus de temps avec Lizzie, la fille d'Eliza Williams. Il se murmure que Lizzie pourrait être sa fille naturelle, il considère donc avoir un devoir moral envers Lizzie, "sa pupille", et va régulièrement lui rendre visite, d'autant plus qu'elle a une santé précaire.
Mais surtout, le jeune Henry Lawrence est sur le point de racheter une propriété vendue par John Willoughby. Marianne apprend donc son retour en ville avec douleur, car les sentiments à son sujet semblent toujours intacts.
Ce roman est donc une double histoire: celle de Margaret qui va peut-être suivre les traces de Marianne en terme de relations amoureuses, et celle de Marianne qui va être confrontée à celui qu'elle a toujours aimé. Là encore, comme le veut le titre de l'oeuvre originelle, qui de la raison ou des sentiments l'emportera?

J'ai aimé retrouver une écriture vraiment similaire à celle de Jane Austen. Il manque certes cette petite pointe acide de l'auteur originel, ainsi que ce charme suranné de l'auteur qui écrivait des histoires contemporaines de son époque. Mais malgré tout, Jane Odiwe ne démérite pas.
Car ce que j'attendais par dessus tout, c'était de la romance dans sa plus belle forme, des hommes qui courtisent, des bals, de la Régence, et j'ai été servie. J'ai retrouvé ce qui m'a fait aimer la romance dans son essence, et même si beaucoup d'auteurs contemporains y arrivent très bien, je reconnais que la petite touche apportée par l'univers Austenien apporte une différence. Il manque évidemment ce petit plus que mettait Madame Austen, mais je ne m'en plains pas trop.

J'avoue avoir longtemps hésité quant à l’histoire et à la fin, car l'intrigue est suffisamment bien amenée pour m'avoir faite douter sur les véritables sentiments de chacun, et j'aime cela. Si une histoire est téléphonée, j'aime malgré tout qu'elle soit bien construite. Et quand elle ne l'est pas, comme ici, j'aime que le doute soit maintenu jusqu'au bout.
En revanche, j'ai trouvé que l'installation de l'histoire était peut-être un peu trop lente, il faut attendre d'avoir lu le premier tiers du roman avant d'être vraiment entrée dans le cœur de l'histoire. Avant, tout n'est que mise en place, ce qui était évidemment nécessaire, mais j'ai malgré tout trouvé le démarrage trop long.

Je dirais que le but premier de ce roman était d'écrire l’histoire de Margaret, bien trop jeune dans le premier pour ressentir les premiers émois amoureux. Mais je pense que l'auteur a surtout cherché à redonner ses lettres de noblesse à Willoughby, et on peut dire qu'elle est arrivée à offrir sa rédemption à ce personnage.
J'ai passé un agréable moment de lecture avec cette "suite" imaginée de Raisons et Sentiments. Evidemment, personne n'égalera les œuvres de Jane Austen, mais certains peuvent s'en approcher, et Jane Odiwe y arrive.

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Déjà, premier problème, ce titre français. Il n'y a aucun mystère à propos de Willoughby, il vient juste faire son méga pot de colle relou 🙄
Ensuite, j'ai été déçue par les personnages : Margaret est une mini Marianne et Marianne, quant à elle, alterne entre maturité et impétuosité. Elinor a simplement être oubliée au fond de sa campagne et aurait tout aussi bien pu ne pas exister.
La relation entre Marianne et le colonel Brandon est complètement creuse et a du mal à résister à la moindre contrariété et celle entre Margaret et Henri inexistante (un coup de foudre en passant et c'est réglé).
Bref, si je mets 3 étoiles et pas 2 c'est vraiment que pour que je mette 2 étoiles, il faut vraiment que le livre me déplaise profondément alors que celui ci n'a simplement aucun intérêt...

[Alethea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Austen spinoff focused more on the courtship and eventual engagement of young Margaret Dashwood than it did on any real "threat" to Brandon and Marianne's marriage posed by Willoughby's return to Delaford and Barton society. However, for what it was intended to be, this was an enjoyable what-if S&S scenario. Willoughby descends, tries to seduce Marianne into running away with him, then ultimately plays the hero in Margaret's own blossoming love story. Part of me, however, can never truly forgive Willoughby for his rakish ways. The novel WAS fun, though, and worth the read.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fun of reading a sequel pastiche - and no doubt the fun in writing one - are spotting those sentences you are certain Austen would never have written. So Odiwe pushes the boundaries in an entertaining but respectful way. And it was enjoyable seeing how the younger sisters behave, given a little more freedom, while the men as usual are rushing off to take care of their ‘responsibilities’.

Some entertaining scenes, especially those that included the suitably ghastly & delusional Anne Steele.

[Kari Stidger · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I love Austen; I had never read Sense and Sensibility. Having rectified that situation earlier this summer I picked this book up because I loved Brandon and wanted to see how Odiwe would handle his relationship with Marianne in this novel. Only problem is, I can't stand Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby should just disappear. Odiwe did a fine job weaving her tale but I would have rather been in the Delaford parsonage with Elinor and Edward.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed the way this book was written — I feel like the author emulated Jane Austen’s style without copycatting her. The title is misleading though, as the story is hardly about Willoughby at all. It mostly focuses on Margaret Dashwood and her foray into society and husband-hunting with Marianne’s help. I was also disappointed with how tidily the story was wrapped up at the end, and how quickly everything fell into place — it was a little too perfect.

[D. Barretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! It was so like the characters from the movie that I could hear their voices! There were actually two stories in one & they were both exciting and, needless to say, romantic. If you love Sense & Sensibility, this is a MUST read!!!

[Natalie Duvall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve spent four weeks with this book. Plodding through and avoiding it alternately. I wanted to know how the story transpired, but I didn’t want to read it. I made it 138 pages and honestly it wasn’t good enough to make me lose anymore time on trying to get through to the end.