Daphne Du Maurier (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Prolific English author Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) was best known for her imaginative suspense novels (especially Rebecca , 1938), although she also published biographies and plays. Here Forster ( Elizabeth Barrett Browning ) sharply analyzes du Maurier's work and, aided by access to previously unavailable papers and correspondence, illuminates her subject's character. Du Maurier hid an intensely passionate nature behind the facade of a reserved wife and mother. Aware of her sexual attraction to women since childhood, she repressed her bixsexual urges during the early years of her marriage to British war hero Major F. A. M. "Tommy" Browning, with whom she had three children. During WW II she became involved with another man and afterward had an affair with actress Gertrude Lawrence. In a portrait revealing of du Maurier's inner and everyday life, Forster energetically limns a personality that will surprise and engross readers. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The prolific British novelist's writing career began in 1931 with The Loving Spirit and spanned 50 years. This biography, previously published in England, explores the motivations behind du Maurier's spellbinding works. The picture that emerges is that of a woman at odds with herself. Du Maurier's literary achievements coupled with a drive to succeed conflicted with her role as a wife and mother. Access to her correspondence has allowed the author to reveal private details of du Maurier's life such as her bisexual extramarital attractions, which included a longtime infatuation with the actress Gertrude Lawrence. Du Maurier's rich fantasy life and a fertile imagination enabled her to write captivating novels epitomized by the still-enduring Rebec ca (1938). This richly layered biography aptly unfolds the passionate nature of a woman who spent her life portraying the secrets of the sexual tensions between men and women. For public libraries. Susan Hill's Mrs. de Winter , a sequel to Rebecca , was reviewed in LJ 10/15/93.--Ed.
- Mary Ellen Beck, Troy P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 457 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385420684
• ISBN-13: 978-0385420686
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #451,937 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars portrait of an artist, June 3, 2007

By	Garden Rose (United States) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and sensitive portrayal of Daphne du Maurier, October 28, 2009

By	thereadaholic (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DAPHNE DU MAURIER (Paperback)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Depth Look at Fascinating Author, April 29, 2009

By	Penny M. Peck "ppvet" (Springfield MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!