Daphne Du Maurir

by Margaret Forster

Book Overview

The definitive biography of Daphne Du Maurier, one of history's greatest psychological thriller novelists Rebecca, published in 1938, brought its author instant international acclaim, capturing the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385420684
• ISBN13: 9780385420686
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 457 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive and sensitive portrayal of Daphne du Maurier

Margaret Forster's well-researched biography comprehensively and sensitively attempts to portray the enigma of author Daphne du Maurier. The daughter of a renowned actor and theatre-manager and grand-daughter of a famous illustrator and novelist, Daphne inherits her forebears artistic talents but not their sociable nature. From an early age she prefers living on her own in a remote corner of Cornwell rather than partying with the debutantes of her day. Her first novel was inspired as much by finances as artistic talent - although her parents would always provide her with an allowance, her own income allowed her to live how and where she wanted. Yet she never defined herself a feminist. A passionate, prickly and troubled soul, Daphne spent her life confused by her bisexual feelings and need for solitude. Nonetheless she married and had a family but sadly continued her forebears' tradition of favouring her son over her two daughters. Her talent and generosity, however, were renowned and she contributed almost as much to the preservation of her corner of Cornwell as to English literature.

In Depth Look at Fascinating Author

This extremely well researched book was fun to read and gave a lot of insight into Daphne's life and work. Daphne's real character is illuminated and sensitively portrayed. Especially interesting for those interested in gender and transgender issues and fans of Daphne. Made me want to read and study more of Daphne's work and to visit Cornwall!

portrait of an artist

Daphne du Maurier was a consummate artist and Forster's excellent biography portrays her sympathetically, yet realistically. To begin to understand du Maurier one must understand that she considered fantasy more exciting than the real world. A child of privilege, Daphne grew up in a highly social and colorful artist's family, yet she greatly valued being alone. Her work was very lucrative, yet she spent much more money to help family and friends than on herself. Her writing is part of college curriculum and extremely popular. She was accepted into the Order of Knighthood for her contribution to the arts. Forster's apparently well-researched biography is written in a casual style, often humorous. Many people have something to say about Daphne and I found her own quotes the most interesting, yet, chameleon-like, she eludes the reader and remains mysterious.