Manderley Forever

January 9, 2017
Novelist De Rosnay’s (The Other Story) nonfiction debut is a fascinating, in-depth portrait of Daphne du Maurier, the prolific author of the now classic thrillers Rebecca and Jamaica Inn. Her own writing heavily influenced by du Maurier’s penchant for houses and family secrets, De Rosnay undertakes a literary pilgrimage in her idol’s footsteps, from her birthplace of London to her eventual home of Cornwall, seeking the true essence of du Maurier and her work. De Rosnay, who met with her subject’s children and grandchildren, creates a multifaceted portrait of a successful writer unfairly scorned by critics for her popularity. We learn of du Maurier’s early and lasting passion for reading and writing; euphoria over publishing her first novel, The Loving Spirit, at age 23; and skepticism regarding the concept of marriage—which didn’t prevent her from entering into a 33-year-long one. De Rosnay also vividly conveys du Maurier’s independent and brazen spirit. The book ends with enlightening quotations from newspapers upon the author’s death in 1989, succinctly capturing how the world viewed her legacy. Through De Rosnay’s novel-like narrative, exhaustive research, and unbridled admiration, du Maurier’s spirit comes alive on the page, endearing her to a new generation of fans.

Narrator Charlotte Wright's assurance, crisp enunciation, and fine sense of nuance give voice to a life lived freely and bravely, within and without social conventions. De Rosnay's empathetic narrative moves through the significant roles du Maurier played in her life: daughter of a celebrated artistic family, fledgling novelist, young bride and mother of three, and author who experienced commercial success and critical disappointment. Du Maurier's periodic crushes on strong, dynamic women such as Ellen Doubleday, wife of her American publisher, and actress Gertrude Lawrence parallel the compelling, often ambiguous heroines who define novels like REBECCA and MY COUSIN RACHEL. This is a fascinating biography for anyone interested in how novelists work, and is sure to awaken new interest in this fine, underrated author. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine