I’ve just finished My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier and what a satisfying read this was. There was a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, there were betrayals and best of all an ending that left me surprised and wondering which one of the characters did I believe.
From the very beginning we know that there will be intrigue. Here’s how Philip starts his tale of his cousin Rachel.
“The point is, life has to be endured, and lived. But how to live it is the problem. The work of day by day presents no difficulties. I shall become a Justice of the Peace, as Ambrose was, and also be returned, one day, to Parliament. I shall continue to be honoured and respected, like all my family before me. Farm the land well, look after the people. No one will ever guess the burden of blame I carry on my shoulders; nor will they know that every day, haunted still by doubt, I ask myself a question which I cannot answer. Was Rachel innocent or guilty? Maybe I shall learn that too, in purgatory.”
Rachel is the woman Philip was determined to hate without even having met her. When his cousin Ambrose, who was like a father figure to Philip, goes to Italy he encounters Rachel, a distant cousin who is living in Italy. Through infrequent letters, Philip finds out of a whirlwind courtship and marriage between the two. Philip isn’t happy and worse yet when one letter he receives and it sounds like it comes from a madman, he goes to Italy himself to save his uncle.
Philip arrives too late though as Ambrose has died and Rachel has left Italy. Upon his return to Cornwall, Philip he learns that Ambrose has left him everything, the land, jewels, etc. and nothing for his wife. This suits him fine but one day a letter arrives with the news that Cousin Rachel has come for a visit.
For too long Philip has created an image in his mind of Rachel. She, the evil woman who insinuated herself into his cousin’s good graces. A foreigner who probably had something to do with his uncle’s death but what a surprise will be in store for Philip. When he meets the beautiful woman and she seems to want nothing for herself he begins to feel differently for her, so much so, that the reader knows his feelings go much deeper than he will even admit to himself.
Filled with gothic suspense this novel will no doubt have you wondering too as to what are Rachel’s real motivations and what will happen to the main characters. I throughly enjoyed this book and the characters. Actually one of my favorite characters is Louise who is Philip’s childhood friend. I thought it was interesting that from Philip’s description of her she would seem a bit like a silly girl but in the end there’s a scene where I think she really showed him that she was much more astute than what he had given her credit for.
A thank you to Sourcebooks for sending me this book. The only Du Maurier book I’d ever read before was Rebecca but now I can’t wait to read more. Do you have a favorite book of hers that you’d recommend? And, has anyone seen the film version of this book? I think I’ll have to see if I can find a copy. Would love to see it.
I recently read Rebecca and enjoyed how the book became more complex as it went along. You have written just enough to make me want to find out what happens in this latest book. I can’t wait!
Great review, Iliana!
I haven’t read anything by this author but you bet I’m going to add these books onto my wishlist! 🙂
I haven’t read anything by this author…. but i m definitely going to get hold of one of the books you have mentioned!
I have only read Rebecca but after reading your review I really want to read My Cousin Rachel.
I have read Rebecca and I also liked Frenchman’s Creek.I think you should give it a try.
I read this many, many years ago and loved it. There was also a movie starring Susan Hayward. I think I might put the movie on my Netflix que, if they have it, but should re-read the book, too.
Oh, that’s sounds good. I’ve not read any of her stuff and have Rebecca waiting patiently as a summer read. I am looking forward to it.
This is the place I told you about that I visited and references Daphne Du Maurier: http://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/culture/jamaica_inn.htm
There is a museum for her in Fowey as well I remember visiting. Hmmm, and I have yet to read any of her books. I guess I need to give in!
goltergoonies – I thought this was the same, the further you get into the story the more you question all the characters. I love that. I hope you’ll give this one a try too!
Melody – Thank you and I think you’d quite like either Rebecca or this one. The atmosphere is wonderful and of course there’s the gothic suspense!
Veens- Yay, hope you’ll enjoy them when you get to them 🙂
Kathleen – For the longest time I didn’t even realize she had written other books. Probably as Rebecca is so popular yet some of her other books haven’t been as popular here in the States. I’m looking forward to reading more!
Shona – I’ll put that one on my list! I’m assuming it probably takes place in Cornwall as well right? Would love to visit.
jenclair – I need to find the movie. I’d love to see how it compares to the book. I think there’s also a movie of Jamaica Inn right? Should look for it!
Stefanie – I hope you’ll enjoy Rebecca! Have you seen the film? Very good too 🙂
Christine – I remember you mentioned that when we talked and when I was writing my blog post I couldn’t find the info. Thank you for the link. I’ll have to check it out. How cool and yes, give in. It’ll be fun 🙂
This will probably be my next Du Maurier. Sounds amazing 😀
Like you I have only read Rebecca but you are tempting me to pick this one up now! I always thought it might have been a little dark for me…
I’ve never read any of her books, but really should – everyone seems to love them!
You hooked me when you said….filled with gothic suspense. ooooooh
That is my kind of historical fiction.
Thanks for the fabulous review.
Wisteria
Nymeth – Yay, I hope you’ll like it! 🙂
Karen – I don’t think it’s any darker than Rebecca if that helps at all. Although the very first scene is a bit unsettling so just be prepared for that one.
Stephanie – Oh you should give her a try! Rebecca is just fabulous but really I thought this one was too.
Wisteria – Yay, glad I got you hooked! I love that type of historical fiction too 🙂
I haven’t tried these books, either. It definitely sounds like the type I enjoy. Something else to add to the list!
Appearance and reality have been such a great source of gothic suspense. What Du Maurier appeals me are the writing and the suspense. I’m about to begin Rebecca and I’ve added this book to my list. 🙂
Great review! I’ve only read Rebecca, but My Cousin Rachel will be next.
Actually, when I read this book last year, I think I liked it better than Rebecca! I loved this book!!
I saw the movie years ago on TV. I remember it starred Richard Burton and I remember really enjoying it. That is about all I remember however. I have no idea whether it is available on DVD.
I read this book years ago, and now I want to read it again! I just read a Gothic novel that left me disappointed, but I think that won’t be the case here!