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A review by laurenjpegler
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
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!