It’s that time again!
My upcoming novel – Captain Wentworth in His Own Words – is basically finished and out to a few trusted beta readers. While I wait for their feedback (and before a final round of edits and proofreading), it’s time to think about the cover. Exciting!
I do enjoy this part of the process – the intersection of two worlds I love: art and literature. And I’m so glad to have creative control of it.
If you’re one of my regular readers, you know that for each of my three previous …in His Own Words books, I’ve featured an artist’s rendition of one of that particular Austen hero’s movie incarnations – Colin Firth for Fitzwilliam Darcy, Alan Rickman for Colonel Brandon, and Jeremy Northam for Mr. Knightley. And I’ve often called on readers to help decide who get’s the cover or what design to use. (See these earlier posts: The Mr. Knightley Pageant, Colonel Brandon cover prototypes .)
For Captain Wentworth, I figured we’d have two main contenders: Ciaran Hines (Persuasion ’95) and Rupert Penry-Jones (Persuasion ’07), but there might also be some Cosmo Jarvis fans out there (Netflix Persuasion ’22). Although Persuasion ’95 is my favorite adaptation, I don’t have such an intense loyalty to the actor that I wouldn’t consider someone else for the cover. Or maybe even a somewhat anonymous amalgamation this time, rather than a specific actor’s likeness.
I think it’s really more a certain look I’m after – something that differentiates this character from the other Austen heroes, something that says “Captain Wentworth – dashing master of the sea.” Do you know what I mean?
Anyway, I started prowling through lots of images for inspiration. And even though I used the search terms “Captain Wentworth Persuasion,” other things popped up too, as you will see. So I decided not to limit myself at this stage. After all, this is only an inspiration photo. Using the artist’s license, it can be transformed as needed – taking the uniform from one image, the face from another, and the background from a third if necessary to get the best overall result.
So now comes your part! I’ve collected several of the best images I found for you to consider (below). In addition to the official Wentworths – Ciaran Hines (#5 and 6), Rupert Penry-Jones (#1 and 8), and Cosmo Jarvis (#7) – I found a few Horatio Hornblower images – Ioan Gruffudd (#2 and 9) and from 1951, Gregory Peck (#4). Finally, I threw Poldark into the mix (#3 – Aidan Turner) for good measure! Aren’t they gorgeous?
Take a good look and tell me which of these fine young captains you’d like to see on the cover, or should it be some combination? Leave me your pick and the reason you chose it in the comments. I promise to take all your advice into account before making a final decision!
I’m hoping to have the book out in August. In the meantime, you can learn more about it and read excerpts here. Thank you for your interest and assistance!
8 comments
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Definitely either 1 or 8. Only. Because it’s my favorite film version.
#4 – Gregory Peck – I’d love to think of him as Wentworth!
Personally, I like either 1 or 8. I cannot see Iain Gryfudd without seeing him as Horatio Hornblower, though I think he makes a good Wentworth. He’s too recognizable. The same goes with Ross Poldark. It’s too contemporary and might mislead potential readers. Personally, I prefer the ’07 Persuasion so I’m voting for that actor.
5 Ciaran Hines
I would like a better view of his hat on his head, since he is still in active duty.
It’s gotta be Ciaran Hines, and I prefer the #6 photo!
I would pick Rupert Penry-Jones and picture #1, as I loved the adaptation he was in so much I bought the DVD.
Of the others, Cosmo Jarvis would be my second choice. But I find Ciaran Hines looks too old, and Ioan Gruffudd looks too baby faced.
Number 8 all the way – he is the only face I think of when it comes to captain wentworth
Number 1!