Your Basket is Empty
Born in 1907, Daphne du Maurier was a prolific British novelist, playwright, and short story writer. She was the daughter of actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier and actress Muriel Beaumont and her grandfather, George du Maurier was a famous cartoonist.
It seems only natural that Daphne du Maurier followed in her family’s creative footsteps. Her richly detailed writing combines elements of history and romance to create wonderfully captivating tales. Best known as a writer of suspense, many of her novels and stories draw upon gothic motifs to bring her haunting landscapes and shadowy characters to life.
On the surface, du Maurier’s writing takes on the qualities of dark romance but a deeper exploration reveals a careful employment of gothic imagery. ‘Gothic’ motifs include the threat of supernatural events, the intrusion of the past and an atmosphere of suspense. Several of du Maurier’s works draw on such themes, including her most famous novel, Rebecca. While not all du Maurier’s works are gothic, her novels and stories share common themes and often draw upon the mysterious Cornish landscape for dramatic effect. Her plots and descriptions have often captivated and haunted her readers long after a story is finished.
Not all the books on this list follow the gothic tradition. However, her works share all manner of common themes and demonstrate the true extent of her literary talent. Whether you know and love her writing or are yet to discover its glories, this article invites you to step into Daphne du Maurier’s wonderfully haunting world.
The Loving Spirit was du Maurier’s debut novel and one of her most underrated works. Set in the fictional town of Plyn, against a backdrop of war and social change, the story follows four generations of the Coombe family. Their intricate history begins with Janet Coombe, a woman born into the 20th Century who desires freedom and adventure but is ultimately constrained by her times. Despite the shackles holding her still, her loving spirit endures and is passed down through the generations. Though this novel is not overtly gothic, it is filled with haunting descriptions of the Cornish landscape and has an underlying supernatural element.
This first edition of The Parasites is another entertaining read. Though more obscure than du Maurier’s other works and lacking the suspense of a thriller, it is a humorous and poignant read. The story begins with the three Delaney siblings, Maria, Niall and Celia, who have grown up under the shadow of their famous parents. Though the siblings split up to pursue their own dreams, their shared knowledge and experiences bind them together. All three are successful on the surface but deeply flawed beneath and their attitudes and actions create an unsettling atmosphere. The Parasites is a great exploration of character and of the ties connecting a rather unusual family.
The Scapegoat is a gripping read from start to finish. It explores the often complex themes of doubling, identity, and the dark side of the self. Once again, du Maurier’s characters are deeply flawed, but this time she delves deep into the darker parts of her own psyche. The story follows two strangers, Englishman John and Frenchman Jean, who meet by chance in a provincial railway station. Their resemblance to one another is uncanny and one night, while John lies in a drunken stupor, Jean steals his identity. The book is a brilliant tale, filled with moments of suspense, coincidence, and dark secrets.
One of du Maurier’s most famous novels, Jamaica Inn is a darkly thrilling read. The story follows Mary Yellan who, after her mother’s death, goes to live with her aunt and uncle at Jamaica Inn. Built on the treacherous edges of Bodmin Moore, the crumbling inn is a dark and frightening place. Mary begins to learn of the mysterious events that happen here, villainous schemes led by her ugly and brutal uncle, Joss Merlyn. Darkly atmospheric and suspenseful to its core, Jamaica Inn has chilled and entranced its readers for decades.
Rebecca was and still is du Maurier’s most famous novel. The haunting opening line, ‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again,’ pulls readers right into the heart of this dark and thrilling tale. The novel draws strong parallels with Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, revealing du Maurier’s ability to reinvent gothic tales from the past. Manderley, the home of recent widower Maxim de Winter is utterly beautiful in its grandeur, but a dark presence lingers there. The shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose presence strengthens as the new and sweetly innocent Mrs de Winter takes up residence at Manderley. Filled with vivid descriptions, darkness, intrigue du Maurier’s novel entraps readers in the heart of her story.
Poetic and intriguing, this book is a love letter to Cornwall, exploring it’s literary connections as well as its more literal existence. The Cornish landscape is used as a setting in many of du Maurier’s works. In this book, she and her son Christian Browning, chronicle aspects of this beautiful county that was her home for so many years. Her love of Cornwall is evident in these pages which share a rich blend of history, geography and even folklore. It is possible to see why this beautifully haunting peninsula was the setting for so many of her works.
Du Maurier’s works range from the fantastical and strange to the poignant and realistic. Her explorations of gender, sexuality and society and her vivid descriptions combine to create truly captivating stories. So, if this article has tempted you enough, its time to submerse yourself in Daphne du Maurier’s hauntingly beautiful prose.
ADD YOUR CHOOSEN BOOKMARK TO YOUR BASKET. DISCOUNT APPLIED WHEN YOU CHECKOUT
