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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
最好的male gaze小说之一，读到最后大部分人都执着于她有没有罪，并且认为这是一本爱情小说。喜欢这种欺骗读者并且成功的作品
Can't discuss much about the story without giving stuff away. I'll just say I wavered back and forth in my suspicions and assessment of Rachel almost completely out of sync with the main character, which was unsettling and mildly frustrating but in an ultimately satisfying way. I found myself identifying only with all the peripheral (uncomplicated) characters, those that were observing as I was. Even though the story is told in first person, I didn't identify with or at times even like Philip, the narrator, flawed as he is (and should be), but, since I was in his head, I could at least understand him. Reaching an understanding of Rachel eluded me as it did Philip until perhaps the end or, more accurately, just after the end, when everything settled in my head (and Philip's). All of these effects were, I assume, intended by the author whose craftsmanship is impeccable.
Jonathan Pryce did a fine job as reader of this audio edition (no surprise there).
Jonathan Pryce did a fine job as reader of this audio edition (no surprise there).
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
"She has done for me at last. Rachel, my torment."
My Cousin Rachel is my second novel by Daphne du Maurier, and I have to say, she is one hell of a storyteller. While the story is a definite slow burn, you get to experience suspense and an itching sense of curiosity. She takes us on this journey through the eyes of a character who has, frankly, no sense of his own and has the annoying capability of acting like a sulky, spoiled child. He has grown up in the shadow of his cousin, Ambrose, and shares his beliefs religiously. But after Ambrose's untimely death after his marriage to Rachel, Philip (our protagonist) is lost. And he pours all his grief into believing that his cousin's wife is the murderer.
From the beautiful Cornish scenery to Florence, the book does wonders in involving you. And you spend the first few chapters being highly suspicious of Rachel, as Philip paints an evil portrait of who he believes she is. But when we do meet her, you can't help but be enchanted with her along with Philip. All the while thinking, did she? Or did she not? My Cousin Rachel contains all the best parts of what I loved about Rebecca, also putting on a strong feminist front. And I loved the ending. Absolutely loved it.
My Cousin Rachel is my second novel by Daphne du Maurier, and I have to say, she is one hell of a storyteller. While the story is a definite slow burn, you get to experience suspense and an itching sense of curiosity. She takes us on this journey through the eyes of a character who has, frankly, no sense of his own and has the annoying capability of acting like a sulky, spoiled child. He has grown up in the shadow of his cousin, Ambrose, and shares his beliefs religiously. But after Ambrose's untimely death after his marriage to Rachel, Philip (our protagonist) is lost. And he pours all his grief into believing that his cousin's wife is the murderer.
From the beautiful Cornish scenery to Florence, the book does wonders in involving you. And you spend the first few chapters being highly suspicious of Rachel, as Philip paints an evil portrait of who he believes she is. But when we do meet her, you can't help but be enchanted with her along with Philip. All the while thinking, did she? Or did she not? My Cousin Rachel contains all the best parts of what I loved about Rebecca, also putting on a strong feminist front. And I loved the ending. Absolutely loved it.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
No one will ever guess the burden of blame I carry on my shoulders; nor will they know that every day, haunted still by doubt, I ask myself a question which I cannot answer. Was Rachel innocent or guilty?
Daphne du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel begins with death. Philip Ashley's uncle, Ambrose, leaves England for Italy every winter as a treatment for his rheumatism. One winter, among other tidings, Ambrose - a confirmed bachelor for years now - writes to say that he has married. A year into his marriage, Ambrose falls ill, and close to his death, sends Philip a distressing letter that insinuates that his wife Rachel is responsible. Philip travels to see Ambrose, only to understand that he died in the interval. Soon after Philip returns home, Rachel arrives to meet him. Angry and accusing, Philip is ready to face the one who murdered his beloved Ambrose . . . or is he?
As Philip slowly becomes enchanted with Rachel, the question haunts him: did Rachel kill Ambrose? Indeed, this question is the driving force of the novel, among the portrait of Rachel, the moments of doubt, and the overwhelming sense of tragedy that increases with every turn of the page.
I loved reading this book. It was gorgeously written, atmospheric, dark, and suspenseful. It pulled me in from the first page. The characters were well-written. Philip is much like a child: devoted to Ambrose, his father-figure, jealous of any who competes for his affection, careless of what he doesn't understand (see: women), and adamant about his desires. Rachel, on the other hand, is a fascinating study in complexity, this woman with laughter in her eyes one moment, and tears the next. She is every bit a mystery as Ambrose's death and more alluring for it. I loved Rachel, with her teasing wit, her love of gardens, her independence, and her affection. She came to life, lifting off the pages of the book.
What I appreciated about this novel is how it plays with perspective. Although we are immersed in Philip's mind, as the story takes new turns and the plot, so tightly wound, begins to unravel, I was aware of how limiting Philip's point of view is. The accusation that Ambrose might have murdered was weighty because Philip loved Ambrose so dearly. Similarly, that Rachel was responsible - another possibility - also shifts as Philip's feelings change throughout the novel. Du Maurier brings in multiple possibilities and raises questions as to what is happening in the story. The distinctions between innocent and guilty start to blur. Did Ambrose die of a brain tumor? What happened between him and Rachel in Italy? What was Rachel's first marriage like?
So many questions, so many possibilities. If you're someone who likes mysteries, the moody English countryside, psychological analyses of characters, and a well-layered story, you'll love My Cousin Rachel.
Daphne du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel begins with death. Philip Ashley's uncle, Ambrose, leaves England for Italy every winter as a treatment for his rheumatism. One winter, among other tidings, Ambrose - a confirmed bachelor for years now - writes to say that he has married. A year into his marriage, Ambrose falls ill, and close to his death, sends Philip a distressing letter that insinuates that his wife Rachel is responsible. Philip travels to see Ambrose, only to understand that he died in the interval. Soon after Philip returns home, Rachel arrives to meet him. Angry and accusing, Philip is ready to face the one who murdered his beloved Ambrose . . . or is he?
As Philip slowly becomes enchanted with Rachel, the question haunts him: did Rachel kill Ambrose? Indeed, this question is the driving force of the novel, among the portrait of Rachel, the moments of doubt, and the overwhelming sense of tragedy that increases with every turn of the page.
I loved reading this book. It was gorgeously written, atmospheric, dark, and suspenseful. It pulled me in from the first page. The characters were well-written. Philip is much like a child: devoted to Ambrose, his father-figure, jealous of any who competes for his affection, careless of what he doesn't understand (see: women), and adamant about his desires. Rachel, on the other hand, is a fascinating study in complexity, this woman with laughter in her eyes one moment, and tears the next. She is every bit a mystery as Ambrose's death and more alluring for it. I loved Rachel, with her teasing wit, her love of gardens, her independence, and her affection. She came to life, lifting off the pages of the book.
What I appreciated about this novel is how it plays with perspective. Although we are immersed in Philip's mind, as the story takes new turns and the plot, so tightly wound, begins to unravel, I was aware of how limiting Philip's point of view is. The accusation that Ambrose might have murdered was weighty because Philip loved Ambrose so dearly. Similarly, that Rachel was responsible - another possibility - also shifts as Philip's feelings change throughout the novel. Du Maurier brings in multiple possibilities and raises questions as to what is happening in the story. The distinctions between innocent and guilty start to blur. Did Ambrose die of a brain tumor? What happened between him and Rachel in Italy? What was Rachel's first marriage like?
So many questions, so many possibilities. If you're someone who likes mysteries, the moody English countryside, psychological analyses of characters, and a well-layered story, you'll love My Cousin Rachel.