3.81 AVERAGE


This wasn't like Rebecca at all, which didn't surprise me really, but still. Whereas Rebecca was subtle and eerie and psychological, this reminded me of a novel that Catherine from Northanger Abbey would have read. It was very melodramatic.
adventurous mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Pretty good book actually! Nowhere near as well written and plotted as Rebecca but it's a great Cornish mystery where you can almost taste the rain, wind and salty air!
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4.5
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier has been one of my favorite gothic novels for a very long time, yet I somehow kept putting off reading Jamaica Inn. Another gothic mystery, this one didn't have quite the same punch, but still gave those same fantastic atmospheric vibes. The setting is perfect...come on, when were the moors not great for a literary setting?...and everything is very gray and murky, even the circumstances of the happenings at Jamaica Inn.

I enjoyed du Maurier's clever writing and the way she really brings her characters to life. Joss is a terrible person who I hated right off the bat, but he is incredibly tangible in the writing, which just makes him a character who stands super firmly. Mary is a great female protagonist and I loved her fighting spirit. If you enjoy Austen's brazen heroines, then Mary is the right girl for you.

The plot wasn't quite as much as I expected, but I think that's just because I was in the mood for some extra spooky reads at the time. It is still well-written and follows a logical train of thought. The suspense is high and I truly wasn't sure what to expect. A nice dark, gothic read...perfect for a cold & dreary day or cozy night. 

This was pretty good, probably not the best horror story I've ever read but again Daphne Du Maurier's writing continues to captivate me
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is a wonderful book! It's like the Brontes but on steroids!
My love of this story is pretty much summed up in two words: Mary Yellan. Finally a female lead from classic literature who is completely her own woman, fearless, intelligent and independant! (Lizzie Bennet never had to deal with criminals did she?!) Mary is so relatable as a character and you can entirely sympathise with her at every point. Having a strong female lead like this is hugely motivating when wanting to engage with the story, and what a story!
The plot is somehow civil, as literature of the time should be, and riotous at the same time. It's both shocking and genteel. I never saw any of the major plot points coming and I loved every single one. I completely went on that journey with Mary from despising to adoring Jem Merlyn. There's twists a plenty; you will never get bored!
Basically, this is my new favourite classic literature book ever. I need to read more du Maurier!
mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes