Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation by Jane Odiwe

Jun 29, 2012 Amanda rated it 1 of 5 stars

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 p...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Alice rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen-around

Après plusieurs déception ou lectures moyennes ces derniers temps, ce fut un réel ravissement que de me plonger dans ce roman. Me voilà revenue dans Raison et Sentiments, trois ans plus tard, pour découvrir une Marianne toujours pétillante qui tente de surmonter quelques petits problèmes de couple avec le Colonel et de marier sa soeur Margaret à chaque parti convenable de la région. Et comme toutes ses vies sont un petit peu trop paisibles, Willoughby va venir mettre son petit grain de sel...

J...more Après plusieurs déception ou lectures moyennes ces derniers temps, ce fut un réel ravissement que de me plonger dans ce roman. Me voilà revenue dans Raison et Sentiments, trois ans plus tard, pour découvrir une Marianne toujours pétillante qui tente de surmonter quelques petits problèmes de couple avec le Colonel et de marier sa soeur Margaret à chaque parti convenable de la région. Et comme toutes ses vies sont un petit peu trop paisibles, Willoughby va venir mettre son petit grain de sel...

J'avais un petit peur avant de commencer des ces "problèmes" entre le Colonel et Marianne, étant donné mon amour pour ce couple. Mais tout est très finement écrit et imaginé, les personnages sont respectés et on comprend très bien l'origine de ces problèmes, on trouve les doutes légitimes à tel point que l'on se dit que c'est exactement ce qu'il doit se passer! De plus, l'histoire est si prenante que l'on veut rapidement savoir ce qu'il va se passer et lire la suite au plus vite. Même si le récit manque cruellement "d'Elinor" à mon goût, je trouve toute l'histoire de Marianne parfaite!

Mais il y a aussi quelques petits aspects qui m'ont chagrinée. Les auteurs qui écrivent de sequels de Jane semblent souvent penser que l'on s'attend à y retrouver toute son oeuvre. On croise donc un jeune homme qui pourrait être le Capitaine Wentworth et la rencontre de Margareth et Henry nous semble bien familière lorsque l'on a lu Northanger Abbey. Honnêtement, je trouve cela dommage car le récit n'en a pas besoin. De plus, si Jane Odiwe semble bien réussir à respecter les personnages, elle a plus de mal à les faire évoluer. Margaret se conduit comme Marianne en son temps, ce qui semble déjà improbable, mais surtout Marianne n'y voit aucun mal. N'aurait-elle donc rien appris? Jane Austen qui apprenait des choses essentielles à ses personnages au cours de ses récits, serait bien déçue de voir qu'ils n'ont rien retenu!

D'autres petits détails m'ont un peu gênée comme la propension de certains à pardonner trop facilement à Willoughby, des allusions sexuelles bien inutiles selon moi et Elinor qui apparaît vraiment trop stricte dans ses opinions comme dans sa vie. Mais pour finir, je me sentais à nouveau au beau milieu de Raison et Sentiments avec l'envie d'y rester, et c'est bien ça le plus important.
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Oct 03, 2011 Hylary Locsin rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 younge...more 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.

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Jul 05, 2011 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jane Austen sequel lovers

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 ev...more

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Sep 04, 2010 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-sequel, regency-era-fiction, british-society

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...more 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(less)

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Nov 15, 2009 Jaime Huff rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Dashwood sisters fans, Sense and Sensibility fans, Jane Austen fans,

Sense and Sensibility was such an awesome book by the fantastic Jane Austen starring the wonderful Dashwood sisters, the heartbreaking Willoughby, the brooding Colonel Brandon and an array of other wonderful characters.

I have been enjoying the selection of Jane Austen sequels, and Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe is right there leading the pack. Marianne,in my opinion, was spoiled, vivid and full of life and Jane Odiwe has maintained that spirit as she brings us to Marianne's life and her marr...more

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Oct 27, 2009 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars

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. T...more

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Aug 01, 2010 Lindi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-esque, romance

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 Margar...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Candy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austenesque

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...more

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Nov 05, 2009 Serena rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 marri...more

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May 13, 2012 Jennefer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was better than I thought - I wasn't thrilled about the idea of Marianne being tempted by Willoughby but I thought her reactions were well supported and natural. I liked Margaret's story also although I thought some of Henry's actions a little unrealistic at certain points . . . I can't elaborate without giving away the plot. The ending was a little too easy of a fix in Colonel Brandon and Marianne's relationship. In general I felt like the author has a good grasp of human nature and jealou...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Opal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen, regency, romance

More of a 3.5 rating then a 4 star rating.

I really wanted to love this book. I did, but I didn't. The plot wasn't badly paced even if it got off to a rather slow start. I didn't like the fact that Elinor wasn't in the book much. She hardly put in an appearance.

Marianne and Margaret's characters were inconsistent. Marianne was impulsive and out-spoken one moment then she was cautious and reserved the next moment. Margaret was childish and giddy one moment then mature and thoughtful the next. Marg...more

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Dec 13, 2009 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen, sense-and-sensibility

“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 ha...more “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.
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Jan 06, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

So my first experience with reading novels that feature Jane Austen couples after their books end did not get off to a good start.That being said I LOVED Willoughby's Return! To begin with it was well written,Jane Odiwe stayed true to the nature of the characters.One of the things I liked most about this book is how Willoughby regretted his decision to marry Mrs.Grey,and how he was still in love with Marianne.I like Ms.Odiwe showed how Marianne might have grown after three years of marriage wit...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Heather Head rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a pleasant read, although I did feel that it got off to a slow start. It took a few chapters to really capture my interest, but that could very well be because I am in a book rut and need to switch gears for a while. :)
That said, I thought the book was very well-written, and I love the way the author captures the characters' personalities throughout the story. Marianne is exactly the way I would imagine Marianne a few years after the conclusion of Sense and Sensibility, still letting he...more

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May 15, 2011 Genna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved the crisp imagery, an attribute I found sadly lacking in Jane Austen's original works. Jane O. puts her readers right into the past with charm and creativity. Unlike Jane A., Jane O. does not belabor dialogue and or insert antiquated vocabulary that cannot be found in your ereader's dictionary. Plot twists are true to Austen's style, albeit these are people of flesh and blood, not simply muslin and fripperies. To be honest,I give this book four and a half stars. I was 50% happy with the...more

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Jan 15, 2013 C.D. Gerard rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this sequel more than I thought I would. The plot twists in the relationship between Henry and Margaret was well done, and the tension in the relationship between Marianne and Brandon was rendered well.

The only thing I found questionable was the fact that Odiwe used Sense and Sensibility as a template for this sequel. Most of the plot lines in the story are so identical to the original novel the reader has a pretty clear idea of what is going to happen most of the time. Other than wit...more

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Sep 06, 2010 Maria Grazia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010, austen-inspired

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...more 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.
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May 16, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, jane-austenish

I really liked this sequel to Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. In this book, Jane Odiwe takes us forward 3 years from the time that Marianne and Colonel Brandon are married. They have a sweet little boy and all seems right with the world. Marianne is excited to introduce her sister Margaret to Henry Lawrence, Colonel Brandon's nephew who has returned from studying on the continent. Unfortunately, Marianne's world is about to be turned upside down with the reappearance of John Willoughby. Mar...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Marianne is in love with her husband Colonel Brandon but she is very jealous about his ward and her daughter (illegimate daughter of Willoughby) but doesn't express her feelings to her husband. Whenever he is away to care for their needs Marianne is thrust into the path of Willoughby who is not happily settled, very much regrets Marianne and tries to convince her that she still loves him. Marianne keeps each encounter with Willoughby secret from her husband and secrets always foster doubt which...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: prequel-sequel-spinoff, oldfriends-newfancies, in-costume, jane-austen, jane-auste-inspired-novels

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 narra...more 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. (less)

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Oct 13, 2011 Georgiana 1792 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: old-friends-new-fancies

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....more

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May 17, 2012 Charlene rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more

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Nov 11, 2009 Becky R. rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 s...more

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Oct 26, 2009 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

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 hom...more 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.
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Nov 04, 2009 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you’ve been to my blog before you know that I adore Jane Austen and I have a serious obsession with Austen fan fic. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book not only due to my love of all things Jane Austen but also because I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Odiwe’s previous effort, opportunity to review this book not only due to my love of all things Jane Austen but also because I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Odiwe’s previous effort, Lydia Bennet’s Story.

Ms. Odiwe again took a secondary c...more If you’ve been to my blog before you know that I adore Jane Austen and I have a serious obsession with Austen fan fic. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book not only due to my love of all things Jane Austen but also because I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Odiwe’s previous effort, opportunity to review this book not only due to my love of all things Jane Austen but also because I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Odiwe’s previous effort, Lydia Bennet’s Story.

Ms. Odiwe again took a secondary character from an Austen story - - this time Margaret Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility - - and shared with her readers a continuation of what happened after Austen’s novel ended. She also took what could have been an unfinished story - - Willoughby’s leaving and Marianne marrying Colonel Brandon - - and wove it intricately into the tale of a now of-age Margaret finding love.

Willoughby’s Return works so well because, as she did with Lydia Bennet’s Story, Ms. Odiwe stayed faithful to the characters Jane Austen originally created and by doing so, Willoughby’s Return reads virtually as a Sense and Sensibility sequel written by Austen herself. Marianne, while more mature due to Colonel Brandon’s love and the events that transpired in Sense and Sensibility, still has a romantic, and even flighty, streak. Colonel Brandon, while deeply enamored of his wife, is still serious about his responsibilities to his wards. Elinor is still mindful of appearances and decorum and Lucy Steele Ferrars and Anne Steele are still very much the busybodies they were. Even Mrs. Jennings still remains ever the fanciful matchmaker.

I could not wish for a more fluid, yet entertaining, story, nor a more satisfying ending. I raced through the book as I was anxious to find out what would happen, while at the same time dreading for the story to end because I was enjoying myself so much. In my opinion, Ms. Odiwe surpassed herself with this effort and I enjoyed it even more so than I did Lydia Bennet’s Story.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen, of Regency romps and/or historical fiction, I cannot recommend Willoughby’s Return enough. A definite must-read!
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May 06, 2011 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Willoughby's Return is a sequel to Sense and Sensibility written by Jane Odiwe. I really love the Marianne/Colonel Brandon storyline and was interested to see what happened in this book. It started out very well, but bogged down in the middle and dragged on. I found the side story about sister Margaret's romance a bit dull.

If you enjoy Jane Austen-alikes, you can do worse than this book. It's a pleasant read.

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Dec 05, 2009 Jean rated it 4 of 5 stars

A "nice" read - nothing too heavy, well-written and faithful to the Austen style - perfect for holiday reading as it will provide Austen lovers with a calming respite and no major intrigue. I admire Jane Odiwe's writing - she is careful to create appropriate conversation and provides original stories (as opposed to some Austen sequels writers) - recommend READ!

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Jan 03, 2010 Jane rated it 1 of 5 stars

This was a big disappointment to me. I thought that her first book, Lydia Bennet's story, was an excellent sequel to Pride and Prejudice and had exactly the right feel. This book, unfortunately, will take its place among the vast majority of Austen sequels, knock-offs, take-offs, etc., that I just don't care for. I made two attempts at it, as I really wanted to like it, but the story just didn't work for me.

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Nov 23, 2009 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, 2009, on-my-blog

I quite enjoyed this look into the lives of Marianne and Colonel Brandon three years after Sense and Sensibility ended. Marianne hasn't changed much and she drives me as crazy as ever but I'm still sympathetic when Willoughby returns and trys to stir up trouble. Margaret has a romance of her own that helps the story move along. I wish there was more of my favorites, Elinor and Edward, but I guess marital bliss can be pretty boring in a book.

Even though this book is a little too predictable and...more

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title link	preview: Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation
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Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation

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