2.09k reviews for:

Jamaicakroen

Daphne du Maurier

3.81 AVERAGE

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Whilst I enjoyed the book, it took a while to get into it. It’s not as ‘easy reading’ as a lot of modern novels, probably a product of language at the time of publishing and during the time in which it’s set. Nevertheless, the story is good - tense, with twists I didn’t see coming. I think perhaps at times there is a little too much descriptive text; I could feel myself not taking it all in as I was reading it, particularly when describing the moors. But all in all, I can understand why this is a literary classic! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Wonderful mystery. I was captivated right away. Beautiful writing and language.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

“She realized for the first time that aversion and attraction ran side by side; that the boundary-line was thin between them.”

🎃 I read this in preparation for Gavin’s “Vlogs of Halloween” which I am genuinely so excited for! 
🕰️ I found out while prepping for this read that the copy I owned, which I found in a basement at an estate sale for $1, was a first edition! It’s an Autumn miracle!

This is my third Daphne du Maurier and our classic queen of atmosphere is back at it again in a foggy, November-set novel taking place at the real life Jamaica Inn — by the moors. Mary, our main character is 23 when her mother dies and she goes to live with her Aunt Patience (her mother’s sister) and Uncle Joss at their Inn. Mary is headstrong, opinionated and has a strong sense of justice — but this comes from her struggles in life and the hard work she’s accustomed to. While she may be a “not-like-other-girls” girl, certainly being published in the mid 1930s we can give her a pass. And, honestly, I enjoyed her. I think she’s a compelling character and easy to root for. She’s curious and empathetic, but also critical. Anyway, Joss is up to no good, but has a hot younger brother and Mary is swept up in the mystery. The happenings, dark, and some of the representation is offensive, especially by todays standards, but I was hooked and enjoyed my time here. It’s got seriousness with murder, and power dynamics but an almost campiness at times with witty banter. Definitely a win for me, and so happy to own it. 

I still have The Scapegoat and Hungry Hill on my shelves, would love to hear if you recommend either!

Really excited to hear Gavin’s thoughts and see the Inn through his vlog! 
adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes