Unclaimed Heart ? a Book Review
by Katie Jones
Constance loved the way he spoke, his soft accent. She fervently hoped that Orlandra?s plan to have him in the villa once a week would work out, but knew in her heart that Father would object. He had very clear ideas about people?s social situations. No matter how kindly he treated Alexandre, he believed crew belonged a long way from ladies and gentlemen.
“It?s still beautiful. Even with the clouds,” she said. The sea breeze tugged at her bonnet. “Alexandre, earlier today I . . . you said you would help me. With the search for my mother.”
He turned to her, smiled slightly, as though afraid to smile completely. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
“Her name was . . . is Faith Emilia Blackchurch. She went missing in 1782. All I know is that Father had enough reason to believe she might be here that he took out an empty ship to find her. There was a ship, I think. The Monkey King. You speak the local language. If you can find out anything ? anything at all, no matter how small it might seem ? I?d be so grateful.”
“I will do my best.” They fell into silence as the sun slipped behind the horizon and the blue twilight came. . . . ? Excerpt from Unclaimed Heart, page 130 & 131
Unclaimed Heart is the story of a seventeen year old girl, named Constance, who lives with her aunt and cousin in Dartmouth, England. She is happy, but longs for something more. So when her father suddenly returns from sea with news about her mother, who mysteriously disappeared sixteen years before, Constance decides to sneak aboard her father?s ship to Ceylon and help look for her. Never in her wildest dreams did Constance expect the adventures that await her. She meets Alexandre, the handsome pearl diver, and as she struggles between her attraction to him and her father?s wishes, she soon realizes that Alexandre may be the only person who can help her find her long lost mother.
This book by Kim Wilkins is an easy read for its 305 pages. Set in 1799, the plot is somewhat predictable, but has a few twists and turns in it. Constance is a relatable teenage girl. She has the same dreams and desires that we have today. I found her longing for her missing mother and the confusion in her relationship with her mostly absent father very touching. The villain of the book is well developed, and everything comes to a satisfactory ending. Although, I felt some minor characters could have been developed a bit more, they are still very believable. Some interesting facts about pearl diving and the political factions of the time are included in the story, which helps the reality of the Ceylon setting. This book would probably appeal most to 12 to 18 year old girls, but has something for anyone to enjoy. A very good read! 3 ½ out of 5 stars!
