a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

(4.5) A spooky, gothic tale perfect for a stormy October night, 23 Oct 2008
"Roads? Who spoke of roads? We go by the moor and the hills, and tread granite and heather as the Druids did before us." Why I have waited so many years to read more of Du Maurier's books I'll never know, but there are definitely more of hers in my immediate reading future!

It's early 19C in Southern Cornwall and Mary Yellen's dying mother asks her to sell the family farm and join her Aunt Patience and her husband at Jamaica Inn in Northern Cornwall. Mary arrives and finds that no respectable person will venture near the inn, nor will the carriages stop there for respite. Her once lively and personable aunt is now a terrified shell of a woman married to drunkard inn owner Joss Merlyn. When Joss prepares to entertain "guests" Mary and her aunt are instructed to stay in their rooms and keep their eyes and ears covered -- although our spunky heroine does peek out the window and sees mysterious comings and goings and Mary suspects smuggling.

Mary also becomes friends with her uncle's younger brother Jem, a ne'er do well horse thief (among other things) and the mysterious albino minister Francis Davey. A mischance on the road on the way home from the village on Christmas Eve puts Mary in the middle of her Uncle and his nefarious companions in the midst of a more gruesome crime than smuggling, thus setting in motion a terrifying set of circumstances building up to a nail biting finish on the Bodmin moors.

While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me, by the last 50 or so pages I was on the edge of my seat as Du Maurier gradually built up the tension and mystery for a rocking good finish, and a big surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the way the author used the spookiness of the moors and the surrounding terrain of Cornwall to set her scenes and it greatly enhanced the feel of the book in general. 4.5/5 stars.

I relly enjoyed the read of the book, 31 Jan 2002
Daphne DuMaurier leaves false trails into who the killer is which appealed to me a lot.also I enjoyed the mysery of the book it was one of Daphne DuMaurier best written books ever after Rebecca

A wonderfully atmospheric mystery, 18 Aug 2001
I first read this book when I was in my teens, along with all of Daphne Du Maurier's other novels. It is a very suspenseful work and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It also really evokes the beauty of the Cornish countryside.

Compelling reading with an unexpectable twist in the story., 16 Aug 2001
I first starting reading this book in 1971 for cse studies at school although I only read about a third of the story. Now, thirty years on I felt that I needed to read it and see what the story was really about and am so glad that I have. I found the story to be interesting, and anyone who likes murder, mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance, then take a step back in time and get absorbed within this twisting tale. Truly, I found it magnificent and unable to put the book down.

A brilliant story of mystery which you won't regret reading., 24 Mar 2000
The Inn talked about in this book really exists up on Bodmin moor in Cornwall.The story is of a young girl,named Mary who when her mother dies, goes to live with her aunt and her husband who own the Inn.Mary soon discovers her uncles arrogant and aggressive nature,but with her friend the vicar of Alturnun the Inn isn't that bad .Or is it?I found this book really easy to read and it actually felt like I was there.This is a wonderful story of smugglers and mystery.

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

(4.5) A spooky, gothic tale perfect for a stormy October night, 23 Oct 2008
"Roads? Who spoke of roads? We go by the moor and the hills, and tread granite and heather as the Druids did before us." Why I have waited so many years to read more of Du Maurier's books I'll never know, but there are definitely more of hers in my immediate reading future!

It's early 19C in Southern Cornwall and Mary Yellen's dying mother asks her to sell the family farm and join her Aunt Patience and her husband at Jamaica Inn in Northern Cornwall. Mary arrives and finds that no respectable person will venture near the inn, nor will the carriages stop there for respite. Her once lively and personable aunt is now a terrified shell of a woman married to drunkard inn owner Joss Merlyn. When Joss prepares to entertain "guests" Mary and her aunt are instructed to stay in their rooms and keep their eyes and ears covered -- although our spunky heroine does peek out the window and sees mysterious comings and goings and Mary suspects smuggling.

Mary also becomes friends with her uncle's younger brother Jem, a ne'er do well horse thief (among other things) and the mysterious albino minister Francis Davey. A mischance on the road on the way home from the village on Christmas Eve puts Mary in the middle of her Uncle and his nefarious companions in the midst of a more gruesome crime than smuggling, thus setting in motion a terrifying set of circumstances building up to a nail biting finish on the Bodmin moors.

While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me, by the last 50 or so pages I was on the edge of my seat as Du Maurier gradually built up the tension and mystery for a rocking good finish, and a big surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the way the author used the spookiness of the moors and the surrounding terrain of Cornwall to set her scenes and it greatly enhanced the feel of the book in general. 4.5/5 stars.

I relly enjoyed the read of the book, 31 Jan 2002
Daphne DuMaurier leaves false trails into who the killer is which appealed to me a lot.also I enjoyed the mysery of the book it was one of Daphne DuMaurier best written books ever after Rebecca

A wonderfully atmospheric mystery, 18 Aug 2001
I first read this book when I was in my teens, along with all of Daphne Du Maurier's other novels. It is a very suspenseful work and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It also really evokes the beauty of the Cornish countryside.

Compelling reading with an unexpectable twist in the story., 16 Aug 2001
I first starting reading this book in 1971 for cse studies at school although I only read about a third of the story. Now, thirty years on I felt that I needed to read it and see what the story was really about and am so glad that I have. I found the story to be interesting, and anyone who likes murder, mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance, then take a step back in time and get absorbed within this twisting tale. Truly, I found it magnificent and unable to put the book down.

A brilliant story of mystery which you won't regret reading., 24 Mar 2000
The Inn talked about in this book really exists up on Bodmin moor in Cornwall.The story is of a young girl,named Mary who when her mother dies, goes to live with her aunt and her husband who own the Inn.Mary soon discovers her uncles arrogant and aggressive nature,but with her friend the vicar of Alturnun the Inn isn't that bad .Or is it?I found this book really easy to read and it actually felt like I was there.This is a wonderful story of smugglers and mystery.

Not my favourite Daphne Du Maurier book, 15 May 2008
Usually I can't put down a Daphne Du Maurier book but I found this one hard work. I did make it to the end of the book but am not sure why I bothered. Curiosity to see how the story panned out I guess. I thought that it would have be more interesting considering its well-known title. A surprising let-down.

thrilling to the end, 28 Feb 2001
the book will take you to through the streets of italy and a quiet revolution going on over there .the reunion of two brothers and the thrill of going through a ritualistic procession which aptly titled as per the book the flight of the falcon.one of the lesser known works of daphne du maurier but nevertheless a masterpiece guaranteed to keep u awake till the last page and leave you wanting for more.

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

(4.5) A spooky, gothic tale perfect for a stormy October night, 23 Oct 2008
"Roads? Who spoke of roads? We go by the moor and the hills, and tread granite and heather as the Druids did before us." Why I have waited so many years to read more of Du Maurier's books I'll never know, but there are definitely more of hers in my immediate reading future!

It's early 19C in Southern Cornwall and Mary Yellen's dying mother asks her to sell the family farm and join her Aunt Patience and her husband at Jamaica Inn in Northern Cornwall. Mary arrives and finds that no respectable person will venture near the inn, nor will the carriages stop there for respite. Her once lively and personable aunt is now a terrified shell of a woman married to drunkard inn owner Joss Merlyn. When Joss prepares to entertain "guests" Mary and her aunt are instructed to stay in their rooms and keep their eyes and ears covered -- although our spunky heroine does peek out the window and sees mysterious comings and goings and Mary suspects smuggling.

Mary also becomes friends with her uncle's younger brother Jem, a ne'er do well horse thief (among other things) and the mysterious albino minister Francis Davey. A mischance on the road on the way home from the village on Christmas Eve puts Mary in the middle of her Uncle and his nefarious companions in the midst of a more gruesome crime than smuggling, thus setting in motion a terrifying set of circumstances building up to a nail biting finish on the Bodmin moors.

While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me, by the last 50 or so pages I was on the edge of my seat as Du Maurier gradually built up the tension and mystery for a rocking good finish, and a big surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the way the author used the spookiness of the moors and the surrounding terrain of Cornwall to set her scenes and it greatly enhanced the feel of the book in general. 4.5/5 stars.

I relly enjoyed the read of the book, 31 Jan 2002
Daphne DuMaurier leaves false trails into who the killer is which appealed to me a lot.also I enjoyed the mysery of the book it was one of Daphne DuMaurier best written books ever after Rebecca

A wonderfully atmospheric mystery, 18 Aug 2001
I first read this book when I was in my teens, along with all of Daphne Du Maurier's other novels. It is a very suspenseful work and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It also really evokes the beauty of the Cornish countryside.

Compelling reading with an unexpectable twist in the story., 16 Aug 2001
I first starting reading this book in 1971 for cse studies at school although I only read about a third of the story. Now, thirty years on I felt that I needed to read it and see what the story was really about and am so glad that I have. I found the story to be interesting, and anyone who likes murder, mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance, then take a step back in time and get absorbed within this twisting tale. Truly, I found it magnificent and unable to put the book down.

A brilliant story of mystery which you won't regret reading., 24 Mar 2000
The Inn talked about in this book really exists up on Bodmin moor in Cornwall.The story is of a young girl,named Mary who when her mother dies, goes to live with her aunt and her husband who own the Inn.Mary soon discovers her uncles arrogant and aggressive nature,but with her friend the vicar of Alturnun the Inn isn't that bad .Or is it?I found this book really easy to read and it actually felt like I was there.This is a wonderful story of smugglers and mystery.

Not my favourite Daphne Du Maurier book, 15 May 2008
Usually I can't put down a Daphne Du Maurier book but I found this one hard work. I did make it to the end of the book but am not sure why I bothered. Curiosity to see how the story panned out I guess. I thought that it would have be more interesting considering its well-known title. A surprising let-down.

thrilling to the end, 28 Feb 2001
the book will take you to through the streets of italy and a quiet revolution going on over there .the reunion of two brothers and the thrill of going through a ritualistic procession which aptly titled as per the book the flight of the falcon.one of the lesser known works of daphne du maurier but nevertheless a masterpiece guaranteed to keep u awake till the last page and leave you wanting for more.

A typical wonderfully written book, 21 Mar 2000
Beautifully written,this book is set in Ireland, however, du Maurier does manage to mention Cornwall a few times. The fact it is not set in her most favoured part of the world does show. The ending of the story is not the usual high standard one expects but it is a wonderful story of family life and love through the ages. Worth reading.

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

(4.5) A spooky, gothic tale perfect for a stormy October night, 23 Oct 2008
"Roads? Who spoke of roads? We go by the moor and the hills, and tread granite and heather as the Druids did before us." Why I have waited so many years to read more of Du Maurier's books I'll never know, but there are definitely more of hers in my immediate reading future!

It's early 19C in Southern Cornwall and Mary Yellen's dying mother asks her to sell the family farm and join her Aunt Patience and her husband at Jamaica Inn in Northern Cornwall. Mary arrives and finds that no respectable person will venture near the inn, nor will the carriages stop there for respite. Her once lively and personable aunt is now a terrified shell of a woman married to drunkard inn owner Joss Merlyn. When Joss prepares to entertain "guests" Mary and her aunt are instructed to stay in their rooms and keep their eyes and ears covered -- although our spunky heroine does peek out the window and sees mysterious comings and goings and Mary suspects smuggling.

Mary also becomes friends with her uncle's younger brother Jem, a ne'er do well horse thief (among other things) and the mysterious albino minister Francis Davey. A mischance on the road on the way home from the village on Christmas Eve puts Mary in the middle of her Uncle and his nefarious companions in the midst of a more gruesome crime than smuggling, thus setting in motion a terrifying set of circumstances building up to a nail biting finish on the Bodmin moors.

While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me, by the last 50 or so pages I was on the edge of my seat as Du Maurier gradually built up the tension and mystery for a rocking good finish, and a big surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the way the author used the spookiness of the moors and the surrounding terrain of Cornwall to set her scenes and it greatly enhanced the feel of the book in general. 4.5/5 stars.

I relly enjoyed the read of the book, 31 Jan 2002
Daphne DuMaurier leaves false trails into who the killer is which appealed to me a lot.also I enjoyed the mysery of the book it was one of Daphne DuMaurier best written books ever after Rebecca

A wonderfully atmospheric mystery, 18 Aug 2001
I first read this book when I was in my teens, along with all of Daphne Du Maurier's other novels. It is a very suspenseful work and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It also really evokes the beauty of the Cornish countryside.

Compelling reading with an unexpectable twist in the story., 16 Aug 2001
I first starting reading this book in 1971 for cse studies at school although I only read about a third of the story. Now, thirty years on I felt that I needed to read it and see what the story was really about and am so glad that I have. I found the story to be interesting, and anyone who likes murder, mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance, then take a step back in time and get absorbed within this twisting tale. Truly, I found it magnificent and unable to put the book down.

A brilliant story of mystery which you won't regret reading., 24 Mar 2000
The Inn talked about in this book really exists up on Bodmin moor in Cornwall.The story is of a young girl,named Mary who when her mother dies, goes to live with her aunt and her husband who own the Inn.Mary soon discovers her uncles arrogant and aggressive nature,but with her friend the vicar of Alturnun the Inn isn't that bad .Or is it?I found this book really easy to read and it actually felt like I was there.This is a wonderful story of smugglers and mystery.

Not my favourite Daphne Du Maurier book, 15 May 2008
Usually I can't put down a Daphne Du Maurier book but I found this one hard work. I did make it to the end of the book but am not sure why I bothered. Curiosity to see how the story panned out I guess. I thought that it would have be more interesting considering its well-known title. A surprising let-down.

thrilling to the end, 28 Feb 2001
the book will take you to through the streets of italy and a quiet revolution going on over there .the reunion of two brothers and the thrill of going through a ritualistic procession which aptly titled as per the book the flight of the falcon.one of the lesser known works of daphne du maurier but nevertheless a masterpiece guaranteed to keep u awake till the last page and leave you wanting for more.

A typical wonderfully written book, 21 Mar 2000
Beautifully written,this book is set in Ireland, however, du Maurier does manage to mention Cornwall a few times. The fact it is not set in her most favoured part of the world does show. The ending of the story is not the usual high standard one expects but it is a wonderful story of family life and love through the ages. Worth reading.

Why did I put off reading it for so long?, 26 Sep 2008
What an amazing book! I always put off reading it because it seemed rather stuffy, somehow - how wrong I was! It is a taut and brilliantly written novel, winding through different genres, exquisite symbolism and intricate complexities, into a fantastic and compelling story.

When a shy, poor young woman meets a rich widower in Monte Carlo, she falls in love with him and is astounded when he asks her to be his wife - the new Mrs de Winter. However, she soon realises that the previous Mrs de Winter's presence still hangs heavily over his life and home - the grand Manderley, set on du Maurier's beloved Cornish coast - and that the terrible secrets of their marriage will haunt them both until Rebecca takes her revenge from beyond the grave...

Full of vivid characters, naive hope, thrilling mystery, chilling despair, and descriptions that ring with pure poetry, there is no wonder that this book remains well loved through the generations.

Wonderfully sinister..., 01 Jul 2008
I first read this book as a teenager but remembered how, even then, I had appreciated the writing. And it was just as magical the second time around.
'Rebecca' is the tale of Maxim de Winter, his first wife Rebecca, his nameless second wife (and this is really intriguing - why DDM chose not to name her heroine is poignant in the extreme..) and Manderley - the house in which the tale is set. Narrated by the second wife and beginning at the end (a style I love anyway), we are led by the hand into the controlling World of Maxim and with a 'wing' to house each wife and the formidable housekeeper Mrs Danvers, you can see that such a fruitful cast of characters will make for great reading.
You are initially of the belief that the first wife drowned in an accident but soon, the plot thickens and darkens and the myriad twists and turns slowly draw you to a different conclusion. And the tale then really gets going. All is not quite what it seems. Creepy.
Far fetched, romantic, dreamy and dramatic - Rebecca is a must for readers of all ages...


Magical, 08 Jun 2008
I first read Rebecca when I was 12 and over the years, I believe I must have read it eight more times. Nothing can compare to the first reading of course, the spellbinding writing of Du Maurier is such that you enter the world she creates. you are not a witness you are absorbed into the story. This book reads like a dream, at times you enter a sort of trance ( a pleasurable one, have no fear)probably created by the rhythmic use of language and imagery.
If there are people around who haven't read it yet, you simply must.
You must share the story of that young woman who feels so inadequate, swept off her feet by this older, fascinating man, unable to fill the shoes of Lady of the manor, haunted by all she hears about the first wife, beautiful, accomplished and so much more than she herself will ever be. You must read about the fascinating Mrs Danvers, probably one of the finest characters ever drawn, the housekeeper, totally devoted to the memory of that first wife and who therefore resents the second or rather hates her so much she will try her best to crush her.
A timeless classic, a triumph... words can't do it justice.

Superb, 03 Jun 2008
I first read this spellbinding book about 25 years ago. I continue to read it every few years and still find it exciting, sad, scary in places and as dramatic as the first time. Unlike many others I am not a massive fan of the first chapter but, believe me, you are soon reeled in by the brilliance of the narrative. The story is ageless and I can't recommend it enough. I often get annoyed and find Mrs De Winter a bit spineless and Max de Winter a bit bossy and autocratic but Daphne du Maurier is such a good story teller that you gloss over her characters flaws and still find yourself caring about what happens to them. I often think it would be fascinating if we could have heard Rebecca's version of events written by du Maurier. Please give this book a go, it stays with you long after you have finished it.

Flawless!, 26 May 2008
There are so many great books out there but this is one of the best! Thrilling is the best word to describe this book buts not really enough! Every character is great and the story is among the best every written, if you've seen the film then you know how good it is but add an extra 20% of brilliance for the book! I want to meet Rebecca in the same way I want to meet Alexis Colby!

a good story, and mel gibson has a lovely voice, 29 Sep 2008
A good story read well, mel gibson has a lovely voice and although it is serious he can be quite funny.

This is her dream, 20 Jul 2005
Opened in a flashback style, beautiful and tempting, the biography of Mary Anne Clarke, the notorious heroine, unfolded. Based on her great-great-grandmother, Ms. Du Maurier weaved a story of a woman's power struggle and web of intrique played in society dominated by men. Set in London at the time when Paris was being ruled in Terror regime, London was in parliamentary turmoil and both countries are in war at the end of 18th century.

Mary Anne, with her cunning wit and unbeatable Irish blood, was born in London slum neighbourhood. With her resourceful mind, she determined to be a success in men's world by playing the same game, with the same rules. She first tried to find a wealthy husband but got a big-mouthed, good-for-nothing one instead. Not to be beaten by circumstances, she left her husband and started to use her unique beauty to make connection, to be a 'social climber', in order to provide food and shelter for her 3 children, a mother, a half-sister and a brother. As time would have it, she was introduced to The Duke of York, became his mistress and the scandalous dealings began.

Being a mistress to a prince didn't mean she would have unlimited income. On the contrary, to maintain the house, lifestyle and servants, she must do 'side job' by promoting soldiers to the Duke with some amount of fee. This would lead to the most scandalous trial(s) in England concerning royal family.

The dialogs and the statements were beautifully written (but no ramblings) while the characters each had their own strength and weakness. It was said that there are some resemblances between the author's life with the main character which added to the substance of the story. All I can say is I admire her wit and I see the reasons behind her every move.

Feel the spirit, see the dreams and understand the love of life which came from a woman named Mary Anne.

Not Daphne DuMaurier's best, 06 Sep 2003
I read most of Daphne DuMaurier's works, and when I bought this book last week, I was expecting something similar to her other books. And I must admit I was a bit disappointed. "Mary Anne" tells the story of Daphne DuMaurier's own grandmother, who was born poor but got advantage of her beauty and inteligence to get up in life, and gets involved with the aristocracy and later in several scandals. It is a well written book, the major character is very strong. But when compared to other books by the same author.... well, something's missing. The subtleness... the surprise... the suspition. It is a good book, but I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who wants to read Daphne DuMaurier for the first time. It is definitly not her best....

14 short stories, 02 May 2008
This is a fantastic collection of 14 short stories that are set in various locations, France, London, Cornwall and Switzerland. All are areas that Du Maurier had visited in actual life. The tales are created from things she overheard or saw, then turned into the haunting tales that form this collection. Du Maurier made these tales seem like actual events, maybe because they come from snippets of her life which she then elaborated on to breathe life into them. From romance to ghostly tales, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in this anthology.

(4.5) A spooky, gothic tale perfect for a stormy October night, 23 Oct 2008
"Roads? Who spoke of roads? We go by the moor and the hills, and tread granite and heather as the Druids did before us." Why I have waited so many years to read more of Du Maurier's books I'll never know, but there are definitely more of hers in my immediate reading future!

It's early 19C in Southern Cornwall and Mary Yellen's dying mother asks her to sell the family farm and join her Aunt Patience and her husband at Jamaica Inn in Northern Cornwall. Mary arrives and finds that no respectable person will venture near the inn, nor will the carriages stop there for respite. Her once lively and personable aunt is now a terrified shell of a woman married to drunkard inn owner Joss Merlyn. When Joss prepares to entertain "guests" Mary and her aunt are instructed to stay in their rooms and keep their eyes and ears covered -- although our spunky heroine does peek out the window and sees mysterious comings and goings and Mary suspects smuggling.

Mary also becomes friends with her uncle's younger brother Jem, a ne'er do well horse thief (among other things) and the mysterious albino minister Francis Davey. A mischance on the road on the way home from the village on Christmas Eve puts Mary in the middle of her Uncle and his nefarious companions in the midst of a more gruesome crime than smuggling, thus setting in motion a terrifying set of circumstances building up to a nail biting finish on the Bodmin moors.

While this one got off to a bit of a slow start for me, by the last 50 or so pages I was on the edge of my seat as Du Maurier gradually built up the tension and mystery for a rocking good finish, and a big surprise twist at the end. I really enjoyed the way the author used the spookiness of the moors and the surrounding terrain of Cornwall to set her scenes and it greatly enhanced the feel of the book in general. 4.5/5 stars.

I relly enjoyed the read of the book, 31 Jan 2002
Daphne DuMaurier leaves false trails into who the killer is which appealed to me a lot.also I enjoyed the mysery of the book it was one of Daphne DuMaurier best written books ever after Rebecca

A wonderfully atmospheric mystery, 18 Aug 2001
I first read this book when I was in my teens, along with all of Daphne Du Maurier's other novels. It is a very suspenseful work and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It also really evokes the beauty of the Cornish countryside.

Compelling reading with an unexpectable twist in the story., 16 Aug 2001
I first starting reading this book in 1971 for cse studies at school although I only read about a third of the story. Now, thirty years on I felt that I needed to read it and see what the story was really about and am so glad that I have. I found the story to be interesting, and anyone who likes murder, mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance, then take a step back in time and get absorbed within this twisting tale. Truly, I found it magnificent and unable to put the book down.

A brilliant story of mystery which you won't regret reading., 24 Mar 2000
The Inn talked about in this book really exists up on Bodmin moor in Cornwall.The story is of a young girl,named Mary who when her mother dies, goes to live with her aunt and her husband who own the Inn.Mary soon discovers her uncles arrogant and aggressive nature,but with her friend the vicar of Alturnun the Inn isn't that bad .Or is it?I found this book really easy to read and it actually felt like I was there.This is a wonderful story of smugglers and mystery.

Not my favourite Daphne Du Maurier book, 15 May 2008
Usually I can't put down a Daphne Du Maurier book but I found this one hard work. I did make it to the end of the book but am not sure why I bothered. Curiosity to see how the story panned out I guess. I thought that it would have be more interesting considering its well-known title. A surprising let-down.

thrilling to the end, 28 Feb 2001
the book will take you to through the streets of italy and a quiet revolution going on over there .the reunion of two brothers and the thrill of going through a ritualistic procession which aptly titled as per the book the flight of the falcon.one of the lesser known works of daphne du maurier but nevertheless a masterpiece guaranteed to keep u awake till the last page and leave you wanting for more.

A typical wonderfully written book, 21 Mar 2000
Beautifully written,this book is set in Ireland, however, du Maurier does manage to mention Cornwall a few times. The fact it is not set in her most favoured part of the world does show. The ending of the story is not the usual high standard one expects but it is a wonderful story of family life and love through the ages. Worth reading.

Why did I put off reading it for so long?, 26 Sep 2008
What an amazing book! I always put off reading it because it seemed rather stuffy, somehow - how wrong I was! It is a taut and brilliantly written novel, winding through different genres, exquisite symbolism and intricate complexities, into a fantastic and compelling story.

When a shy, poor young woman meets a rich widower in Monte Carlo, she falls in love with him and is astounded when he asks her to be his wife - the new Mrs de Winter. However, she soon realises that the previous Mrs de Winter's presence still hangs heavily over his life and home - the grand Manderley, set on du Maurier's beloved Cornish coast - and that the terrible secrets of their marriage will haunt them both until Rebecca takes her revenge from beyond the grave...

Full of vivid characters, naive hope, thrilling mystery, chilling despair, and descriptions that ring with pure poetry, there is no wonder that this book remains well loved through the generations.

Wonderfully sinister..., 01 Jul 2008
I first read this book as a teenager but remembered how, even then, I had appreciated the writing. And it was just as magical the second time around.
'Rebecca' is the tale of Maxim de Winter, his first wife Rebecca, his nameless second wife (and this is really intriguing - why DDM chose not to name her heroine is poignant in the extreme..) and Manderley - the house in which the tale is set. Narrated by the second wife and beginning at the end (a style I love anyway), we are led by the hand into the controlling World of Maxim and with a 'wing' to house each wife and the formidable housekeeper Mrs Danvers, you can see that such a fruitful cast of characters will make for great reading.
You are initially of the belief that the first wife drowned in an accident but soon, the plot thickens and darkens and the myriad twists and turns slowly draw you to a different conclusion. And the tale then really gets going. All is not quite what it seems. Creepy.
Far fetched, romantic, dreamy and dramatic - Rebecca is a must for readers of all ages...


Magical, 08 Jun 2008
I first read Rebecca when I was 12 and over the years, I believe I must have read it eight more times. Nothing can compare to the first reading of course, the spellbinding writing of Du Maurier is such that you enter the world she creates. you are not a witness you are absorbed into the story. This book reads like a dream, at times you enter a sort of trance ( a pleasurable one, have no fear)probably created by the rhythmic use of language and imagery.
If there are people around who haven't read it yet, you simply must.
You must share the story of that young woman who feels so inadequate, swept off her feet by this older, fascinating man, unable to fill the shoes of Lady of the manor, haunted by all she hears about the first wife, beautiful, accomplished and so much more than she herself will ever be. You must read about the fascinating Mrs Danvers, probably one of the finest characters ever drawn, the housekeeper, totally devoted to the memory of that first wife and who therefore resents the second or rather hates her so much she will try her best to crush her.
A timeless classic, a triumph... words can't do it justice.

Superb, 03 Jun 2008
I first read this spellbinding book about 25 years ago. I continue to read it every few years and still find it exciting, sad, scary in places and as dramatic as the first time. Unlike many others I am not a massive fan of the first chapter but, believe me, you are soon reeled in by the brilliance of the narrative. The story is ageless and I can't recommend it enough. I often get annoyed and find Mrs De Winter a bit spineless and Max de Winter a bit bossy and autocratic but Daphne du Maurier is such a good story teller that you gloss over her characters flaws and still find yourself caring about what happens to them. I often think it would be fascinating if we could have heard Rebecca's version of events written by du Maurier. Please give this book a go, it stays with you long after you have finished it.

Flawless!, 26 May 2008
There are so many great books out there but this is one of the best! Thrilling is the best word to describe this book buts not really enough! Every character is great and the story is among the best every written, if you've seen the film then you know how good it is but add an extra 20% of brilliance for the book! I want to meet Rebecca in the same way I want to meet Alexis Colby!

Charismatic and morally ambiguous 'hero', 22 Aug 2008
Set during the Civil War, this tells the story of the Cornish families caught up in the conflict and their tangled personal loyalties. The narrative is told by Honor Harris, who has been in love with Richard Grenvile, the eponymous `hero', since she was eighteen. As this is du Maurier, we have good characterisation and atmosphere together with excellent plotting that doesn't descend into the silly or unbelievable.

However this is a book which is far weaker than DM's classics such as Rebecca. There is very little attempt to recreate historical atmosphere and though this is supposedly set in the 1640s onwards, it reads as a modern book (written 1946). However the shortfalls are redeemed by the strength of the central portrait of Grenvile and his relationship to Honor (in both senses). Both ruthless and charming, cold and passionate, bitter and vengeful while unremittingly loyal to the king and the monarchy, Grenvile towers over this book as a huge creation. We might not like him (and `like' is far too weak a word to use for him) but then neither does Honor, although she does love him to the end. And it is this ambiguity and complexity which gives the novel its strength.

So don't read this if you want dashing, romantic sentimentalism: du Maurier is far too astute a writer than that. But for something much more akin to Heathcliffe in a political setting this is highly recommended.


The King's General, 01 May 2008
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this but I was more than pleasantly surprised. Du Maurier brings the past vividly to life and spins a rather downbeat tale of those caught in terrible times. This is not a depressing read however, instead a more honest, believable one. Du Maurier also has a fine heroine in Hope, a woman who more than most has to use her brains to survive. Recommended.

Escape to the Country!, 05 Dec 2005
You can feel the Cornish weather all around you as you become absorbed into the lives and loves of those caught up in the Civil War. The heroine, Honor Harris is a brilliant characture, who tells the story from her bed in the twilight of her life. If you like stories that suck you in, you'll love this one. The good guys are just ordinary everyday country folk, and the bad guys are, well - that would be telling! You dont need to be a history buff to relive those dark, brooding years leading up to the English Civil War. Du Maurier has that knack of just picking you up and droping you seemlessly into the action. As you read, just keep one ear open for the clatter of horses hooves on the cobbles...

A superb reading of this Classic, 06 Jan 2004
Juliet Stevenson's reading is faultless, and one is immediately absorbed into the story and all it's wonderfully described characters. Based in Pre and Civil War Cornwall, it enters into the Lives of the great Families involved, with their own stories, together with the main characters of the Heroine [Honor Harris] and Hero/Villain Sir Richard Grenville. Daphne du Maurier has woven a wonderful tale based on actual people, families and fact [there is also a postscript to give the listener the Fate of those involved]. The reading is unabridged at 13hrs.10mins.on 10 cassettes. This one of my favourite audiobooks, and never tire of it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED both for the Reading, quality and of course the story of the Rashleigh Family and all involved at Menabilly, the Home of daphne du Maurier, who became fascinated and intrigued with Menabilly, and it's own history when she first took residence there. In the postscript is a chilling revelation about the 'Buttressed Room'.A must for sheer escapism and History.