Jamaica Inn (VMC) by Daphne Du Maurier (2003-03-06)

When I read this years ago, I loved it. However, I have to admit that this time I wasn't quite as enthralled with it. I like it better than Rebecca as the concept appeals to me more. I guess one problem I had with it is that the heroine seems very capable, and while I understand her desire to honor her mother's wishes, I don't see a person like her staying in a bad situation. For that matter, I have a hard time believing the mother would send her off to a sister she hasn't seen in years. However, maybe my modern mentality is interfering with the comprehension. Women did have less choices in those days, I suppose.

Another great book by De Maurier. She leads you through the hardships of Mary that her Uncle Josh puts her through to the love of his brother. The horror of Josh's business and the insanity of her Aunt. Another book you can't put down.

DuMaurier's best works rise above the formulaic romances that have become cliché. Not this one. The protagonist's inner conflict does not spring from the same insight that created "The Scapegoat" or "My Cousin Rachel." This poor girl of the moors is a bore. The most interesting character isn't in the book enough to compensate. Try another one instead.

DuMaurier's best works rise above the formulaic romances that have become cliché. Not this one. The protagonist's inner conflict does not spring from the same insight that created "The Scapegoat" or "My Cousin Rachel." This poor girl of the moors is a bore. The most interesting character isn't in the book enough to compensate. Try another one instead.

A pure and innocent young woman is forced by circumstances to rely on her only living relative for shelter. She realizes at first sight that the driver of the mail coach was correct when he told her that The Jamaica Inn was "no place fer the likes of you". Her uncle, on whom she must depend for food and shelter, is a sadistic brute who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Can she overcome the crime and squalor of her circumstances to make a new life?

I love Daphne DuMaurier, and was inspired to read this one by the best rock drummer of all time, Neil Peart of RUSH, whose most recent album includes a song called The Wreckers, lyrics for which were inspired by his reading of this book. It is well written, as are all of DuMaurier's books, but it is dark and kind of weird and just did not move me like other books of hers. And the ending is trite and more in keeping with a cheap dime store novel than her usual books.

Yes, please read this and all DuMaurier's works (my favorites Frenchman's Creek & Rebecca), particularly if you find it delicious to step into a different time - not just the time in which the story is set, but more the time in which it was written. But DO NOT, however, purchase this specific version/copy. I ordered this from the store recently and read it immediately. It is rife with typographical, punctuation and spelling errors front to back!! Ms DuMaurier is rolling in her grave! No excuse, just carelessness and sloppy work. Don't reward lazy publishers!

An email friend from over in England recommended the book.He is from the area in England were the story took place.He told me that when he was reading it he could not put it down, I had the same feeling while I was reading it.I would highly recomened it to any body .

Daphne du Maurier does a great job creating a dark, gothic tale with a strong female protagonist. Her descriptions are beautiful and captivating. Anyone looking for a traditional gothic thriller set on the English moors--here you go.