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carlyoc 's review for:
Jamaica Inn
by Daphne du Maurier
This lesser-known work by the author of Rebecca kept me entertained throughout. As I learn more about the Gothic literary tradition, it was exciting to recognize common tropes and use them to make predictions for the plot.
There is a strong undercurrent of old-fashioned gender norms and sexism that tampered my enjoyment. I am especially disappointed with the ending in that regard, as the protagonist goes from an independent woman who "can do the work of a man" on a farm, to a woman who puts her own dreams aside to follow a man.
The plot: Mary Yellen moves in with her aunt and uncle at Jamaica Inn after the death of her mother. The Inn takes no guests and has a bad reputation around town and the inn-keeper, Uncle Joss Merlin, is a violent and belligerent man. Mary is determined to learn what shady goings-on are giving the inn such a bad reputation and to get her aunt out of such a miserable situation.
There is a strong undercurrent of old-fashioned gender norms and sexism that tampered my enjoyment. I am especially disappointed with the ending in that regard, as the protagonist goes from an independent woman who "can do the work of a man" on a farm, to a woman who puts her own dreams aside to follow a man.
The plot: Mary Yellen moves in with her aunt and uncle at Jamaica Inn after the death of her mother. The Inn takes no guests and has a bad reputation around town and the inn-keeper, Uncle Joss Merlin, is a violent and belligerent man. Mary is determined to learn what shady goings-on are giving the inn such a bad reputation and to get her aunt out of such a miserable situation.