Daphne Du Maurier, one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, captivated the world with her haunting novels and unforgettable characters. Her tales of romance, mystery, and intrigue continue to thrill readers to this day. In her biography, Manderley Forever, author Victoria Glendinning paints a vivid portrait of Du Maurier's life, from her idyllic childhood in Cornwall to her literary success and personal struggles.
4.5 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 13382 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| X-Ray | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 353 pages |
Early Life and Influences
Daphne Du Maurier was born in 1897 in London, to a bohemian family of artists and writers. Her father, Gerald Du Maurier, was a famous actor, while her mother, Muriel Beaumont, was a singer. Du Maurier spent her early years in a charming cottage in Cornwall, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the coastline. Her childhood experiences, particularly her love for her family home, Menabilly, would later serve as inspiration for many of her novels.
From a young age, Du Maurier displayed a talent for storytelling. She began writing plays and short stories in her early teens, and in 1928, she published her first novel, The Loving Spirit. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it established Du Maurier as a rising star in the literary world.
Literary Career
Over the next few decades, Du Maurier wrote a series of best-selling novels that cemented her reputation as a master of suspense and romance. Rebecca, published in 1938, is perhaps her most famous work. The novel tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. Rebecca was a critical and commercial triumph, and it was later adapted into a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock.
Du Maurier's other notable works include My Cousin Rachel, a psychological thriller about a young man who falls in love with his mysterious cousin; and Jamaica Inn, an adventure novel set in 18th-century Cornwall. Du Maurier's novels were praised for their atmospheric settings, well-developed characters, and gripping plots.
Personal Life and Struggles
Despite her literary success, Du Maurier's personal life was often marked by turmoil. She struggled with depression and anxiety, and she had a difficult relationship with her mother. In 1928, she married Major Frederick Browning, a military officer. The marriage was initially happy, but it was later strained by Browning's infidelity and Du Maurier's struggles with mental illness.
In the 1950s, Du Maurier began a relationship with the writer Sir Francis Rose. The relationship was a source of great happiness for Du Maurier, but it also caused a rift with her husband. Du Maurier and Browning divorced in 1965, and she married Rose the following year.
Later Years and Legacy
Daphne Du Maurier continued to write until her death in 1989. Her later novels include The Glass-Blowers, a historical novel set in 17th-century London; and Rule Britannia, a political satire.
Daphne Du Maurier's legacy as one of the great British novelists of the 20th century is secure. Her novels continue to be read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Manderley Forever is a fascinating and insightful biography that sheds light on the life and work of this extraordinary author.
Daphne Du Maurier was a gifted storyteller who created some of the most unforgettable characters and stories in literature. Her novels are full of suspense, romance, and intrigue, and they have captivated readers for generations. Manderley Forever is a must-read for fans of Du Maurier's work and anyone interested in the life and times of one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century.
