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A review by fae_sarelfi
Rule Britannia by Daphne du Maurier
4.0
An interesting read, and relevant to the Brexit vote. Daphne du Maurier explores what would happen to a small community in Cornwall if the UK broke off trade with the EU and turned to union with the US – in hopes of eventually creating a union with all English-speaking countries. The sudden appearance of American marines setting up road blocks and restricting the normal business of every day people soon appears to be out-and-out occupation, with a heavy emphasis on the superiority of America, and, despite heavy-handed oversight from everyone in power, suddenly the country people of the entire island are united in revolt.
An interesting political commentary, often given through the dialogues of Madam with her six adopted boys, her only son, and her only granddaughter, the novel fails to provide the depth of each character, though the characters are quirky, fun, and likable. It poses the question of what would seem natural, even necessary during a military rule and how believable or forgivable certain choices might become. Because there are so many characters, I think Daphne du Maurier does fair job of letting each one shine, although you only fully experience the emotional depth of Emma, who herself is rather too shallow. Many of the other characters keep their mysteries to themselves.
An unusual family battles an unusual situation, and du Maurier offers ideas on nationalism, morals, politics, and Americans.
An interesting political commentary, often given through the dialogues of Madam with her six adopted boys, her only son, and her only granddaughter, the novel fails to provide the depth of each character, though the characters are quirky, fun, and likable. It poses the question of what would seem natural, even necessary during a military rule and how believable or forgivable certain choices might become. Because there are so many characters, I think Daphne du Maurier does fair job of letting each one shine, although you only fully experience the emotional depth of Emma, who herself is rather too shallow. Many of the other characters keep their mysteries to themselves.
An unusual family battles an unusual situation, and du Maurier offers ideas on nationalism, morals, politics, and Americans.