I'll Never Be Young Again (Virago Modern Classics) [Paperback]

Daphne du Maurier (Author), Elaine Dundy (Author)

Book Description

Series: Virago Modern Classics | Publication Date: May 1, 2005

In a moment of crisis and grasping the rail of a bridge, Richard is saved by a passing stranger named Jake. The two men, both at turning points, become fast friends and, out for adventure, jump aboard the first ship they see. Their journey takes them across Europe, cementing a passionate friendship. But it is in bohemian Paris that Richard finally meets the woman who enables him to fulfill his artistic promise. Daphne du Maurier’s second novel is a masterpiece of narration, showcasing for the first time in her career the male voice she would use to stunning effect in four subsequent novels, including My Cousin Rachel.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Du Maurier's descriptions of riding in Norwegian mountains, of life before the mast and in foreign capitals ring as true as her transcription of a young man's thoughts and talk' PUNCH 'Amazingly vivid' SATURDAY REVIEW

From the Publisher

Dame Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) wrote more than twenty-five acclaimed novels, short stories, and plays, including Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Jamaica Inn, and The House on the Strand. She was also a passionate and skillful chronicler of her own remarkable, famously artistic family. Now, this is one of three of her fine novels that have been reissued in the distinguished Virago Modern Classics series.

"The iron of the bridge felt hot under my hand. The sun had been upon it all day. Gripping hard with my hands I lifted myself on to the bar and gazed down steadily on the water passing under... I thought of places I would never see, and women I should never love." In a moment of crisis, Richard is saved by a passing stranger—Jake. The two men, both at turning points, become fast friends and, out for adventure, jump aboard the first ship they see. Their journey takes them across Europe, cementing a passionate friendship. But it is in bohemian Paris that Richard finally meets the woman who enables him to fulfill his artistic promise. This, Daphne du Maurier's second novel, is a masterpiece of narration, showcasing for the first time in her career the male voice she would use to stunning effect in four subsequent novels, including My Cousin Rachel.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Virago UK (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844080692
• ISBN-13: 978-1844080694
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #952,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Daphne du Maurier was born in 1906 and educated at home and in Paris. She began writing in 1928, and many of her bestselling novels were set in Cornwall, where she lived for most of her life. She was made a DBE in 1969 and died in 1989.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Satisfying!, February 22, 2004

By 

Bushra (London, U.K.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'll Never be Young Again (Paperback)

Although described as a "sensitive portrait of a young man in love", Daphne du Mauriers "I'll never be young again" is much more than that. It is the unassuming mental journey of a young man, rescued from suicide, as he rediscovers joys and beauties of the world and regains a place amongst people and society.

Richard, leaving an unhappy childhood and a cold family behind him, moves on in life, trying to understand himself and what he wants from life. He makes journeys through Europe, treks through mountains and drinks in cafes in cities, until finally settling down with Hesta, a Parisian girl. Through his narrations and stories we go through his mind, understand people, psychology and social behaviour. The book is so beautifully and gently written that while the narrator himself doesnt make loud proclamations about whats going on around him, we feel at times we can understand more of whats happening than he can.

While it isn't as much as a story as a study in psychology, this book is definitely a must read.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A classic Du Maurier, if not her best, April 4, 2008

By 

T. Hudson (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I'll Never Be Young Again (Virago Modern Classics) (Paperback)

"I'll Never Be Young Again" is Du Maurier's second novel, and as such shows both her strengths and weaknesses. One of the many things I love about her novels is her unparalleled ability to get into the heads of her characters. The protagonist here, Dick, is no exception. I didn't find him to be sympathetic character at all, especially in the second part of the novel (set in Paris)--but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, because it is precisely Du Maurier's skill in forming her characters that made me dislike him so. And to think she was only about 23 or 24 when she wrote this book! (In part, I think her being the same age as Dick and possibly feeling and experiencing some of what he feels and experiences is largely what made his character so believable.) While "I'll Never..." doesn't have the suspense and narrative pull of some of her later books, most notably Rebecca, Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel, it is still a strong book by an excellent writer. For those new to Dame Du Maurier, I'd recommend starting with one of the books I previously mentioned, but for her fans, "I'll Never..." is a must-read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Technically brilliant writing but marred by unlikable narrator, November 22, 2009

By 

thereadaholic (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'll Never Be Young Again (Virago Modern Classics) (Paperback)

Daphne du Maurier's second novel is written in the voice of Dick, the only son of a famous but cold father, who at the age of 21 is determined to kill himself until caught by Jake, a slightly older man who has just come out of prison for killing a former friend. The pair immediately bond and form an unlikely friendship and begin the ultimate road trip, finding passage as sailors on a boat to Scandinavia and travelling across the Swedish mountains on horseback.

While the book is very well-written, Dick is ultimately a self-absorbed and unlikable character with no real redeeming qualities. It is difficult to understand why Jake, who has the maturity and wisdom that come with the passing years, puts up with him. When Dick moves onto Paris and begins a self-absorbed love affair with a talented musical student, he demonstrates all the selfishness and faults of Jake's former friend.

While I'll Never Be Young Again is a fantastic example of the technical skill and quality of Daphne du Maurier's writing even at a very young age (she was only 23 when she penned this book), I found the storyline and main character too unlikable to fully enjoy this book.