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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I have some mixed feelings about this book! I very much enjoyed De Maurier's writing style and know I'll go on to read so much more from her. I've always been a bit intimidated to read her books, knowing how beloved and well regarded they are on top of the usual mental block I get when it comes to starting and finishing literary novels rather than my usual fantasy or ya. But I can definitely say I no longer have that holding me back from enjoying the rest of her works. It was so easy to read Jamaica Inn, I flew through it in only a couple of sittings. I can't wait to start Rebecca and tear through her other novels.
But the story itself I found a bit rudimentary. The descriptions and prose was beautiful, never have I been more tempted to revisit the dreaded moors of Wuthering Heights, having read the book only once when I was in primary school and strongly disliking it, than when roaming the moors with Mary. But the plot itself was a simple one, I guessed the ending chapters before we got there and knew Jem would be good from practically the first meeting. And Joss Merlyn was so unimpressive. I read the introduction before starting and can't help but agree with the critics who found his character a characture of an abusive villain than altogether overly scary. His rather powerless and pathetic character is only further highlighted when we come across the chilling sketch of the albino's congregation, and the possessiveness to his manner once his villainy is at last revealed. A man who never hides his feelings, angry and hateful as the may be, will never be so scary as the man who conceals his true self to serve a nefarious purpose.
I would have been interested to see more of Patience's story, perhaps if we had been with the Merlyn's at Jamaica Inn when they had been in the midst of success and power, rather than as it was all but gone, Joss would have been a more impressive villain.
Altogether I wasn't displeased with Jamaica Inn, though predictable it was still incredibly entertaining. Daphne de Maurier creates such a vivid sense of setting that it would be impossible not to enjoy her writing.
But the story itself I found a bit rudimentary. The descriptions and prose was beautiful, never have I been more tempted to revisit the dreaded moors of Wuthering Heights, having read the book only once when I was in primary school and strongly disliking it, than when roaming the moors with Mary. But the plot itself was a simple one, I guessed the ending chapters before we got there and knew Jem would be good from practically the first meeting. And Joss Merlyn was so unimpressive. I read the introduction before starting and can't help but agree with the critics who found his character a characture of an abusive villain than altogether overly scary. His rather powerless and pathetic character is only further highlighted when we come across the chilling sketch of the albino's congregation, and the possessiveness to his manner once his villainy is at last revealed. A man who never hides his feelings, angry and hateful as the may be, will never be so scary as the man who conceals his true self to serve a nefarious purpose.
I would have been interested to see more of Patience's story, perhaps if we had been with the Merlyn's at Jamaica Inn when they had been in the midst of success and power, rather than as it was all but gone, Joss would have been a more impressive villain.
Altogether I wasn't displeased with Jamaica Inn, though predictable it was still incredibly entertaining. Daphne de Maurier creates such a vivid sense of setting that it would be impossible not to enjoy her writing.
I am becoming more and more enraptured by Daphne du Maurier, and Jamaica Inn was just what I needed. It had mystery, a historic setting, strong women but also the prose was easy to follow and the characters were convincing. I loved Jem, I fell into the hands of the writer and while I tried to come up with reasons to loath him, I just couldn't. Mary was strong, and I didn't expect the twist at the end, that is also one of the aspects of Du Maurier's novels that I love - there is nearly always a splash of murder or a hot plot twist somewhere in there. It reminded me a lot of Rebecca in that respect, but Du Maurier keeps her novels orginial and I can't wait to see what Frenchman's Creek and The Loving Spirit has to offer.
Second read (2020):
Reads so easily and so atmospheric!! Loved it, loved it. I forgot so much plot from my first read, so it was still a bit of a mystery. Jem is the best.
Second read (2020):
Reads so easily and so atmospheric!! Loved it, loved it. I forgot so much plot from my first read, so it was still a bit of a mystery. Jem is the best.
Amusing if not predictable. I may give it a 4 after it sits with me for a little while.
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was not very impressed - I don't think this was Du Maurier's strongest work. The basics are all there but she doesn't seem to get hold of them. This could be a great, gothic story but it's not.
Mary Yellan is probably not the right protagonist with her passive aggressive nature. Or maybe it's more insecurity but in any case she doesn't lead the story well.
Also, I did not enjoy the use of marital abuse as a way to explain a woman. It's really not my cup of tea.
Mary Yellan is probably not the right protagonist with her passive aggressive nature. Or maybe it's more insecurity but in any case she doesn't lead the story well.
Also, I did not enjoy the use of marital abuse as a way to explain a woman. It's really not my cup of tea.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've read a number of books by Daphne du Maurier this year and she is now firmly positioned near the top of my favourite authors list. This book is no exception and although the 3* seems low this is definitely a 3.5* book and a great read.
Read no further if you want to avoid spoilers.
As with all du Maurier books, the atmosphere is incredible. The 1st chapter creates such a brooding, dark atmosphere that you know you're in for an interesting read. The overall story is interest as well, there is a good element if mystery. I was fearful myself of Joss, the drunk, smuggling, murderous uncle and although his character was perhaps lacking in depth his aggressive nature was part of the atmosphere. Unfortunately Aunt Patience was a disappointing character who never had any voice but this is probably due to the fact she was portrayed as a broken woman after her life with Joss.
I thought the vicar was a very interesting character. I had predicted there was more to him about half way through which was a bit of a shame but it didn't detach from the story.
The aspect of this book I liked the least was Mary. I liked how she stood up to Joss and wanted to protect her Aunt and I think she had more personality than many female heroines. What I couldn't stand was the love story. What did she see in Jem?! He was an arrogant thief and she had no evidence he wasn't i. With the smugglers. I still wonder if he was involved and gave his brother to the authorities to protect himself. I hated the end, Mary should have gone back to Helston and left Jem to himself as I think she would have been happier. I think this ending just shows how Daphne du Maurier developed as an author as it doesn't really fit with the endings if My Cousin Rachel or Rebecca.
I would definitely recommend this book but you might be disappointed if it was your first du Maurier. So try Rebecca or My Cousin Rachel first but if you love them, try this as well
Read no further if you want to avoid spoilers.
As with all du Maurier books, the atmosphere is incredible. The 1st chapter creates such a brooding, dark atmosphere that you know you're in for an interesting read. The overall story is interest as well, there is a good element if mystery. I was fearful myself of Joss, the drunk, smuggling, murderous uncle and although his character was perhaps lacking in depth his aggressive nature was part of the atmosphere. Unfortunately Aunt Patience was a disappointing character who never had any voice but this is probably due to the fact she was portrayed as a broken woman after her life with Joss.
I thought the vicar was a very interesting character. I had predicted there was more to him about half way through which was a bit of a shame but it didn't detach from the story.
The aspect of this book I liked the least was Mary. I liked how she stood up to Joss and wanted to protect her Aunt and I think she had more personality than many female heroines. What I couldn't stand was the love story. What did she see in Jem?! He was an arrogant thief and she had no evidence he wasn't i. With the smugglers. I still wonder if he was involved and gave his brother to the authorities to protect himself. I hated the end, Mary should have gone back to Helston and left Jem to himself as I think she would have been happier. I think this ending just shows how Daphne du Maurier developed as an author as it doesn't really fit with the endings if My Cousin Rachel or Rebecca.
I would definitely recommend this book but you might be disappointed if it was your first du Maurier. So try Rebecca or My Cousin Rachel first but if you love them, try this as well