Daphne Du Maurier is one of my favorite authors of all time. I first discovered her when my friend Stephanie loaned Rebecca to me when I was 14. I was smitten and have since read Rebecca several times. At that time, Rebecca and I think Jamaica Inn were the only two Du Maurier novels currently in print. I have spent the years since then searching for her novels in used books sales and antique stores and have a good collection.I was more than a little excited when I stopped by Sam’s Club yesterday and noticed beautiful new publications of three of my favorite Du Maurier novels, Frenchman’s Creek, My Cousin Rachel, and The King’s General. I checked the publisher and noticed it was Sourcebooks, one of my favorite publishers. I think it is wonderful that such wonderful books are now in print for others to discover. I can now get them as gifts for family and friends!
My only complaint was that a MAJOR plot point was revealed on the back cover of The King’s General. When I first read The King’s General, I had no idea what was going to happen. It is a historical fiction novel set during the English Civil War and starts off with the romance between a high spirited girl named Honor and a captivating man named Richard. Not to far into the book, a shattering event takes place and totally changes the novel. I was very surprised by this event and it really made the book for me. I thought Du Maurier had been fearless and original to take the novel in that direction. Unfortunately, readers of the new novel will not be able to experience the surprise as it is spelled out on the back cover. Have you ever had this happen to you before when you read a novel? I’ve had this happen a few times this year. I want the novel blurb to be captivating, but I also don’t want it to ruin the plot! Comment Below!
My Cousin Rachel is the novel that Rebecca fans must read. It is another psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end. Frenchman’s Creek is a wonderful historical fiction romance involving a woman named Lady Dona St. Columb who discovers herself as well as the love of a sexy French pirate. I also love the 1940’s movie version starring Joan Fontaine and the 1990’s Masterpiece version starring Tara Fitzgerald. I plan on picking this for my book club sometime in the New Year and am happy that there will be more readily available new versions of the novel!These three novels are some of Du Maurier’s best novels. I highly recommend them, but please – do not read the back cover blurb on The King’s General!
Hi, Laura -- I agree, Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca is one of my top favs, too!
ReplyDeleteI hate when major plot points are spoiled in the back cover blurb! I haven't read any books by Daphne Du Maurier, but they sound like books I would like.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this because I haven't read any of those Du Maurier novels. Rebecca is one of my favorite books, too. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again," gives me chills every time. I read and enjoyed Flight of the Falcon and Jamaica Inn. I didn't care for Mary Anne though I don't remember why now. House on the Strand just came in the mail, so I'll be getting to that one eventually.
ReplyDeleteI usually just skim the back covers, so I don't ever recall coming across any spoilers.
Laura, You've read all these authors I've never even heard of before. Thank you so much for bringing all these stories to my attention. It's very enriching.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have loved Du Maurier since I was a teenager. I currently have old book club editions of The Glass Blowers and The Flight of the Falcoln, and recently picked up The House on the Strand at a book sale (another book club selection edition). I've read and loved Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel and Jamaica Inn. Loved this post.
ReplyDeleteI have heard such wonderful things about Rebecca. Maybe I should make it a point to read it this next year!!
ReplyDeleteI saw Frenchman's Creek reviewed a while back and instantly put it on my List. All three look great -- Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Laura. Rebecca is one of my all-time favourite books. I've also read Jamaica Inn and have just finished reading The Rendezvous & Other Stories. All three books you mentioned in your post sound great - I've added them all to my wish list :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough there isn't a du Maurier that I didn't like, The House on the Strand has stayed with me the longest. Maybe because I read it and Anya Seton's Green Darkness about the same time?
ReplyDelete