elizabeth_noel's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
srebeka's review against another edition
5.0
Style: 5
Characters: 4,5
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 5
To say that I loved My Cousin Rachel is an understatement. I read this for one of my MA courses, and it might be one of my favourites.
Thanks to the beautiful language, careful characterisation and suspense I was immersed in the story throughout the whole book and could not put the book down. The Gothic atmosphere of the book also made me love it even more. In a very postmodern-like manner, the story has an open ending, and leaves the reader wondering: Did Rachel poison Ambrose? Who is the true villain of the story? Was Philip poisoned or is it the same brain tumour that Ambrose presumably had that made him mad? It's hard to answer any of these questions because of the ambiguity of the characters, but that's what makes it even more enjoyable.
I will definitely read Rebecca when I have the chance.
Characters: 4,5
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 5
To say that I loved My Cousin Rachel is an understatement. I read this for one of my MA courses, and it might be one of my favourites.
Thanks to the beautiful language, careful characterisation and suspense I was immersed in the story throughout the whole book and could not put the book down. The Gothic atmosphere of the book also made me love it even more. In a very postmodern-like manner, the story has an open ending, and leaves the reader wondering: Did Rachel poison Ambrose? Who is the true villain of the story? Was Philip poisoned or is it the same brain tumour that Ambrose presumably had that made him mad? It's hard to answer any of these questions because of the ambiguity of the characters, but that's what makes it even more enjoyable.
I will definitely read Rebecca when I have the chance.
reverie_and_books's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier - Review
The very last thing I want to do with this review is to spoil even the tiniest bit. If you like a little guesswork and atmospheric stories, keep reading.
»The point is, life has to be endured, and lived. But how to live is the problem. The work of day by day presents no difficulties.«
A short sketch of the plot: A young man is the sole heir to an huge estate. Until his patron dies unexpectedly after marrying this woman, Rachel. It’s all quite mysterious. Did she have a hand in his death? Did she not?
It’s not a crime novel in the strictest sense. It’s psychological and keeps you guessing.
“Rebecca” is a favorite of mine, not only because I read it in depth with a small book club, but also because du Maurier writes so that one sees a motion picture in front of the inner eye. “My Cousin Rachel” might even exceed my previous experience. What a joy!
The very last thing I want to do with this review is to spoil even the tiniest bit. If you like a little guesswork and atmospheric stories, keep reading.
»The point is, life has to be endured, and lived. But how to live is the problem. The work of day by day presents no difficulties.«
A short sketch of the plot: A young man is the sole heir to an huge estate. Until his patron dies unexpectedly after marrying this woman, Rachel. It’s all quite mysterious. Did she have a hand in his death? Did she not?
It’s not a crime novel in the strictest sense. It’s psychological and keeps you guessing.
“Rebecca” is a favorite of mine, not only because I read it in depth with a small book club, but also because du Maurier writes so that one sees a motion picture in front of the inner eye. “My Cousin Rachel” might even exceed my previous experience. What a joy!
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
This deserves higher than a four, but less than a 5, thus making My Cousin Rachel a 4.5 star read. Damn Goodreads for your limited rating system.
The only other thing I've read by Daphne du Maurier is her short story 'The Break-through'. Although I didn't enjoy the formatting of that story, I did like the deep discussion of life after death. I knew that this short story wouldn't show du Maurier's true writing ability, so I was excited to read a novel by her. Everyone I follow read Rebecca last month. They loved it so much, I wanted to put of reading it so I didn't go in with too high of expectations. I decided to pick up My Cousin Rachel instead, and I'm glad that I did. I enjoyed this so much.
The most confusing, and irritable, thing about this was the lack of plot. Honestly, it was so linear. It didn't deviate from the main narrative, but, at the same time, there lacked a main narrative. It was just about Philip and his mysteriously enchanting cousin. There was no major events that took place after the first couple of chapters, but I still enjoyed it so much that I didn't really mind this. It was quite relaxing to follow such a plain narrative (in terms of structure).
However, to contradict myself, the narrative was far from plain. Du Maurier wove an intricate web of suspicion and doubt into such a linear narrative. I was constantly doubting the characters, wondering who was working against who, and if anyone was working against anyone. Du Maurier made me doubt myself, and I still don't know where I stand with the novel.
Taking this into consideration, I can understand why some people might find the novel unsatisfying. You truly don't know how it ends. Was Rachel innocent or guilty? Was Philip? How s this story truly resolved? The lack of answers to such important questions is endlessly infuriating, but, in this case, I don't really mind. I can choose the ending, which is my favourite characteristic of postmodern endings. I can decide who is the bad guy, and who is punished.
I really enjoyed this! I would definitely recommend. I can't wait to A) watch the newest movie adaptation and B) read more of du Maurier's work!
The only other thing I've read by Daphne du Maurier is her short story 'The Break-through'. Although I didn't enjoy the formatting of that story, I did like the deep discussion of life after death. I knew that this short story wouldn't show du Maurier's true writing ability, so I was excited to read a novel by her. Everyone I follow read Rebecca last month. They loved it so much, I wanted to put of reading it so I didn't go in with too high of expectations. I decided to pick up My Cousin Rachel instead, and I'm glad that I did. I enjoyed this so much.
The most confusing, and irritable, thing about this was the lack of plot. Honestly, it was so linear. It didn't deviate from the main narrative, but, at the same time, there lacked a main narrative. It was just about Philip and his mysteriously enchanting cousin. There was no major events that took place after the first couple of chapters, but I still enjoyed it so much that I didn't really mind this. It was quite relaxing to follow such a plain narrative (in terms of structure).
However, to contradict myself, the narrative was far from plain. Du Maurier wove an intricate web of suspicion and doubt into such a linear narrative. I was constantly doubting the characters, wondering who was working against who, and if anyone was working against anyone. Du Maurier made me doubt myself, and I still don't know where I stand with the novel.
Spoiler
Did she poison them? Was Philip just delirious and/or bitter? Who knows (I certainly don't).Taking this into consideration, I can understand why some people might find the novel unsatisfying. You truly don't know how it ends. Was Rachel innocent or guilty? Was Philip? How s this story truly resolved?
I really enjoyed this! I would definitely recommend. I can't wait to A) watch the newest movie adaptation and B) read more of du Maurier's work!
ktxx22's review against another edition
4.0
Man oh man this book had me guessing and changing my mind around every corner!! In fact I still don’t have my mind 100% made up if Cousin Rachel was a Snake in the grass or a victim of circumstance. But I assume that’s the drawl of this book! I’m going to give it a 4/5 because though it is not my style or my liking I can appreciate the tale that is told and the greatness in which it is written! Something else we learn from this tale?! Don’t try to date or marry members of your family regardless how distant. Lol
brekekeks_'s review against another edition
4.0
Pomimo doprowadzenia mnie do białej gorączki przez Filipa i Rachele to 4 gwiazdki bo to Daphne du Maurier i ona wie co zrobić żeby czytelnik chciał dowiedzieć się co stanie się na końcu. No i nie byłoby 4 gwiazdek gdyby ta wnerwiająca baba nie dołączyła do grona nieboszczyków hehe
thegothiclibrary's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
My favorite Daphne du Maurier novel after Rebecca.
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/my-cousin-rachel-review-more-daphne-du-maurier/
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/my-cousin-rachel-review-more-daphne-du-maurier/
moonpix's review against another edition
5.0
The perfect read for this time of year. This is the gothic at its best, for she uses the trappings of genre not to simplify the world though exaggeration but rather to emphasize the ambiguity of real life. (And in this novel specifically, the ambiguity of desire in a misogynistic society). I really admire her commitment to this project; it shows that she trusts her reader enough to give them the responsibility of sitting with a lack of surety. The circularity of the final sentences could not be more fitting, for as Philip considers his similarities to the hanged man we consider our similarities to Philip (and Rachel), and the subjectivity of the characters endlessly refracts onto the subjectivity of the reader.
karaklos's review against another edition
5.0
My Cousin Rachel was such a fun read. Suspenseful and atmospheric, DuMaurier had me guessing from beginning to end and I’m still not sure I know what happened exactly.
Phillip Ashley is the incredibly immature and idiotic main character. As an unreliable narrator, DuMaurier cleverly plants little seeds of doubt through him that make the reader question everything.
Cousin Rachel seems so sinister but portrayed through Phillip’s lens, it’s unclear if she truly is evil.
This is not a fast-paced book. DuMaurier takes her time slowly revealing bit by bit, slowing down and quickening up the pace very strategically. Everything is ambiguous and odd. Modern things occur in a time when candles light the way and everyone travels by carriage (Phillip takes a daily bath and spends time alone with Rachel in her boudoir).
Beautifully written with weather, light, and landscape setting the scene. The open ending is disturbing but intriguing. I really enjoyed it.
Phillip Ashley is the incredibly immature and idiotic main character. As an unreliable narrator, DuMaurier cleverly plants little seeds of doubt through him that make the reader question everything.
Cousin Rachel seems so sinister but portrayed through Phillip’s lens, it’s unclear if she truly is evil.
This is not a fast-paced book. DuMaurier takes her time slowly revealing bit by bit, slowing down and quickening up the pace very strategically. Everything is ambiguous and odd. Modern things occur in a time when candles light the way and everyone travels by carriage (Phillip takes a daily bath and spends time alone with Rachel in her boudoir).
Beautifully written with weather, light, and landscape setting the scene. The open ending is disturbing but intriguing. I really enjoyed it.