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brinathebabe 's review for:
Jamaica Inn
by Daphne du Maurier
I am a little disappointed in this book because I ended up enjoying Rebecca by du Maurier so much, and this one didn't quite meet my expectations. It's been difficult to rate this one without comparing it to another work, but I'm going to do my best.
The disparagement of women, especially since the book was written by a woman, was frustrating, but easy to understand when you consider the time period the story takes place and the period of time in which the book was written. Despite taking the time to put the negative comments about women into context, it did not make me feel any better about the protagonist's life choice at the end of the book, which, personally, seemed like an incredibly dumb one, woman of the 1800s or not.
If I forget about the ending of the book, I was pretty pleased with the main character being strong, facing her fears, taking action when needed, despite calling out all her weaknesses because of being a woman. I really felt for her. She did her best in a situation that was beyond her control in a time when she couldn't just pack up and make her own way.
I did appreciate the mystery, setting, ambiance, etc. of the story. It was a great read for chilly weather and fall storms. The descriptions were moody and really gave you a great sense of place, and that was fun. The characters you are supposed to despise were definitely despicable. Personally, I found it refreshing to have an antagonist with no redeeming qualities. The big 'surprise' reveal at the ending felt somewhat obvious to me, but it was still an interesting twist, and I certainly got the creeps reading the last quarter of the book alone in a dark house.
I might consider rereading this one again in a few years and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys moody, historical fiction with a touch of mystery.
The disparagement of women, especially since the book was written by a woman, was frustrating, but easy to understand when you consider the time period the story takes place and the period of time in which the book was written. Despite taking the time to put the negative comments about women into context, it did not make me feel any better about the protagonist's life choice at the end of the book, which, personally, seemed like an incredibly dumb one, woman of the 1800s or not.
If I forget about the ending of the book, I was pretty pleased with the main character being strong, facing her fears, taking action when needed, despite calling out all her weaknesses because of being a woman. I really felt for her. She did her best in a situation that was beyond her control in a time when she couldn't just pack up and make her own way.
I did appreciate the mystery, setting, ambiance, etc. of the story. It was a great read for chilly weather and fall storms. The descriptions were moody and really gave you a great sense of place, and that was fun. The characters you are supposed to despise were definitely despicable. Personally, I found it refreshing to have an antagonist with no redeeming qualities. The big 'surprise' reveal at the ending felt somewhat obvious to me, but it was still an interesting twist, and I certainly got the creeps reading the last quarter of the book alone in a dark house.
I might consider rereading this one again in a few years and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys moody, historical fiction with a touch of mystery.