This novel is set in Cornwall and Italy in 19th century and is a story of intrigue, suspense, naivety and romance, dishonesty, manipulation and punishment. Du Maurier, in the first chapter, skilfully unfolds the misery and mystery of our protagonist, Philip’s, forthcoming future. Philip is brought up in an all-male household by a kind but misogynistic Ambrose, who believes ‘women are a race apart.’ Philip has little understanding of women. Ambrose, however, resides in Italy for the winter and sends letters to Philip about his marriage to Rachel. Ambroses’ rhetoric, however, becomes increasingly distressed and Philip is suspicious of Ambrose’s sudden demise, believing that Rachel poisoned Ambrose. He vows revenge on Rachel.
Whether Rachel did or didn’t poison him becomes the crux of the story. Rachel comes to stay at Philip’s house. A confused Philip becomes infatuated and in love with Rachel, whose behaviour is erratic and conflicting. The group agreed that the issue was not resolved even at the end, allowing each reader to create their own ending. All agreed, at least, that Rachel was an arch manipulator.
The characters are well drawn, and the suspense carries the reader along. The book generated discussions about female authors writing well about male characters; whether Philip’s action at the end was intentional (you have to read the ending yourself!); women’s lack of rights to have money in 19th century; 1950s and contemporary literature; and the little hints planted in the narrative that toyed with a reader’s suspicions. We voted 4/5 for recommending this book to a friend, and 4.5/5 as a good group read.
Report by Celia Chapple
Next meeting: Wednesday 19th August. Book: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevallier.