Wednesday 28 February 2018

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

Book Title: My Cousin Rachel
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Genre: Classics, Suspense
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Source: Library

Goodreads, Amazon UK

Goodreads Summary: Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cosy world the two construct is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries - and there he dies suddenly. Jealous of his marriage, racked by suspicion at the hints in Ambrose's letters, and grief-stricken by his death, Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious Rachel like a moth to the flame. And yet... might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?
What did I think?

Books (and films) with open and ambiguous endings are my favourite kind of entertainment. I love when I, as a reader, get to make up my own mind based on all the clues and evidence the author has handed me.

My Cousin Rachel is written by the wonderful Daphne du Maurier who also wrote Rebecca. While I preferred Rebecca over all, I was simply smitten by du Maurier's descriptive and beautiful writing. The tale is dark and twisted with a Gothic atmosphere, and filled with moments of uncertainty. From the very start I thought Rachel was guilty, only to doubt myself a few pages later.

It's basically a psychological thriller.

What an amazing character Rachel is. Complex and vulnerable, but also scheming and manipulative. Then there's Philip, our narrator. Oh Philip. Naive and adoring, I kept wanting to hug him, then yell at him to wake up on the very next page. Wonderful character development made this book a treat.

I really don't want to give anything else away. I recommend My Cousin Rachel to all fans of Du Maurier and everyone who likes a suspenseful Classic. Now, just have to watch the film! I hope it's as good as the book.

7 comments:

  1. While this one definitely doesn’t get the attention of Rebecca, I still knew of it... but I didn’t know there was a movie adaption. I’ll have to check for that one. Unfortunately I am one of those readers/viewers that demands a conclusive ending. Yes, it can be argued that’s not always realistic (and I agree), but I so dislike open/ambiguous endings. Drives me crazy and I end up feeling cheated. Ha.

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  2. I enjoyed this one, as well! Philip could be such a frustrating character, though! He ignored things right in front of his face.

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    1. Yes, I wanted to slap him more than once!

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  3. I really like character driven novels. That coupled with the thriller side of things makes be believe I'd really enjoy this one.

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  4. I only recently found Du Maurier's work (I had heard of her, but didn't know anything about her books other than the titles). After Jamaica Inn and Rebecca, I am definitely excited to read more of her work. I didn't know anything about My Cousin Rachel other than what I had seen in the movie trailer, but now that I have a better idea I think this one will probably be next on my Du Maurier list!

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  5. I've been dying to read this in forever, and I'm hoping to see the movie soon too because Rachel Weisz will be amazing in the title role, I'm sure!
    So glad you enjoyed it :) I must definitely try get my hands on a copy soon.
    Great review!

    Amy @ A Magical World Of Words

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