Sometimes I would like to return to the past. Live in an age when life was much more simple, people were kinder, and life was less about money and possessions. Or was there ever such a time? Perhaps there was never such a time?
Books can take us back in time and there's nothing more exciting than being gripped by a good novel....even one loaded with vivid characters who weren't always kind!
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again........"
I have just finished reading, Daphne du Maurier's amazing classic 'REBECCA'. The Boston Herald hit the nail on the head when they stated in a review that this book had "The relentlessness of a vivid nightmare".
The rough, weather beaten Cornish coast, the quintessential English country manor house with beautiful gardens, the housekeeper, servants living the 'downstairs' life, calling cards, house parties, costume balls, sports cars........come to think of it, they still live on today in parts of Britain today.
Manderley was drawn from Du Maurier's own home in Cornwall, Menabilly, an Elizabethan house which she rescued from total decay during the later years of WWII.
'Rebecca' was the winner of the Anthony Award for the Best Novel of the Century. Du Maurier penned 37 books. Among her more famous works are Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, The Scapegoat, and the short story The Birds.........all of which were subsequently made into films. She was made Dame of the British Empire in 1969. She died in 1989 at the age of 82.
Perhaps you would like to read this book. If so, leave a comment on this post only. I'll draw a name on Thursday then pop it in the post to the winner.
Books can take us back in time and there's nothing more exciting than being gripped by a good novel....even one loaded with vivid characters who weren't always kind!
I have just finished reading, Daphne du Maurier's amazing classic 'REBECCA'. The Boston Herald hit the nail on the head when they stated in a review that this book had "The relentlessness of a vivid nightmare".
The rough, weather beaten Cornish coast, the quintessential English country manor house with beautiful gardens, the housekeeper, servants living the 'downstairs' life, calling cards, house parties, costume balls, sports cars........come to think of it, they still live on today in parts of Britain today.
Manderley was drawn from Du Maurier's own home in Cornwall, Menabilly, an Elizabethan house which she rescued from total decay during the later years of WWII.
'Rebecca' was the winner of the Anthony Award for the Best Novel of the Century. Du Maurier penned 37 books. Among her more famous works are Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, The Scapegoat, and the short story The Birds.........all of which were subsequently made into films. She was made Dame of the British Empire in 1969. She died in 1989 at the age of 82.
Perhaps you would like to read this book. If so, leave a comment on this post only. I'll draw a name on Thursday then pop it in the post to the winner.
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I've never read Rebecca although I've seen the film. I have to say that your description of life in the 'quintessential English Manor house' makes me want to step back in time. I doubt though that there has ever been a time when money and possessions didn't matter to the majority of people - maybe when we were still hunter gatherers but not since then:) I'm sure even the early farmers did the 'I've got 10 cows and you've only got 5' routine:):)
ReplyDeleteI love the movie from the 30's of Rebecca! I have been focusing on reading the classics for over a year now. Dickens and Austen are my favorites but I must say I have enjoyed Henry James and Edith Wharton too. You should stop by our clssic literature book club blog (boy that's a mouth full:), http://adickensofabookclub.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Mary, I would love to read Rebecca. Your review is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that book in many years; perhaps it's time to pick it up and re-read it. I am not sure that I have ever seen the movie, maybe I need to rent that too.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi, I didnt know you loved Dalphane, i spent many hours in Fowey, taking photos of her last home and going to book stores that had been open since she lived there and talking to older women that knew her. I will post some photos tomorrow of her last home for you. i too think living in the 1800's would be much simplier than now, only if we were the lady of the house not a servant girl!!! best to you kate ps. i will also write about my adventure to the Jamacia Inn, and post photos of that katie
ReplyDeleteI would love to read that book. I was going to write the info down to get it from the library, but it would be great to have a copy of my very own! Please enter my name, and thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOh, it sounds like a wonderful book!! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteIsabel
I saw the movie but I never did read the novel. It sounds really great. I hope I win.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Susan
Daphne du Maurier was one of my mom's favorite authors and I must have read many of her books when I was still in school, because I usually read most of the books my mom checked out at the library. I know of Rebecca, of course, and have seen the old movie. Guess I need to check out some du Maurier at the library and rediscover her. I had no idea she authored The Birds! (Assuming that is the same story Alfred Hitchcock made famous...not my favorite sort of story I'm afraid)
ReplyDeleteThis was my mother's favorite book .... followed by All Things Great And Small ..... and then, anything by Jane Austin.
ReplyDeleteDear me ... by the time I posted the comment and it was 'gone' I realized it is "All Creatures Great and Small."
ReplyDeleteI've never read the book or seen the film, so would like to win :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Niki
I would love to read Rebecca. Loved your review. Visit me at Delights of the Heart for a book give away also.
ReplyDeleteI remember my mother had the book on her shelves when I was young, but never read it which is odd, I read everything available to me. I'd love to read it now that you have enticed me!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jane
I have never read this book. I have seen the movie version on BBC. I do wish we could go back to a simpler and kinder time. I thought perhaps Holland going into the financial crisis would change people but they are only harder now. I think that is what pulls us into blogging. We find those in the world that are our kindred spirit.
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
Heidi
That is one of my all time favorite books. You don't need to enter me in the drawing but I am definitely going to look for another copy at the used book store.
ReplyDeleteI loved the photos of the church, when I went to comment it disappeared, it was beautiful on the inside and out.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary,
ReplyDeletePlease don't enter my name in the drawing. I have my own copy in a promient spot in my library. I did not know it had been ranked #1 novel by that group. I think I'm going to have to put "To Kill A Mockingbird" above it but I'd be comfortable having it at number two. I first read it when I was 15 and it probably helped give birth to my love affair of England and especially Cornwall.