Daphne du Maurier was a renowned suspense writer, best known for her novel Rebecca. She was born into a literary family and wrote her first novel at 24. Rebecca was adapted into a successful film, but du Maurier was unhappy with the changes made. She continued to write prolifically, with many of her works set in Cornwall. She also wrote non-fiction, including a biography of Branwell Bronte and The Vanishing Cornwall. She had a happy marriage and was made a Dame of the British Empire before her death in 1989.
Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) is one of the best suspense writers of the 20th century. She is best known for her novel Rebecca, Charlotte Bronte’s semi-Gothic tribute to Jane Eyre. Most of her novels fall into the suspense category, some as chilling as anything composed by Edgar Allen Poe. Du Maurier has also written non-fiction works lauded by critics and fans alike. Du Maurier’s relatively quiet life contrasts sharply with her fictional works.
Du Maurier was born to famed actor and theater manager Gerald du Maurier. His literary legacy extends to his grandfather, illustrator and novelist Trile Peter Ibbetson. She was homeschooled by her siblings and then sent to Paris to “finish” her education.
His first works were written when du Maurier was just 21 years old. His first novel, The Loving Spirit, was published in 1931, when du Maurier was 24 years old. Du Maurier’s early work did not receive much attention. However, his father’s biography of his father, Gerald: A Portrait, was considered exceptional and was notable for being a particularly frank and honest assessment of his father’s life. Jamaica Inn, published in 1936, earned her a reputation as a worthy writer. In 1938, the publication of Rebecca would further boost du Maurier’s reputation as one of the best novelists of her time.
Rebecca was so popular that she was immediately considered for a screenplay. The 1940 film adaptation directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, earned him his only Academy Award for Best Picture. It must be said, however, that the film adaptation was not to du Maurier’s liking, mainly because the location was moved to America, instead of remaining in Cornwall. A BBC production in the 1980s and one in the 1990s were both more faithful to the novel.
It is fair to say that du Maurier never again came close to succeeding Rebecca in his writing. However, many of her novels and short stories enjoyed immense popularity in her lifetime, even though they are now rarely read. Several other novels and short stories have seen film adaptations, including Frenchman’s Creek, Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, The Scapegoat and the short stories Don’t Look Now and The Birds. Most of du Maurier’s works were set in his beloved Cornwall, fueling interest in what was already a popular resort town.
Du Maurier also wrote many non-fiction works. She was very interested in the life of the Bronte sisters and she wrote a biography of their brother Branwell. Perhaps her most interesting non-fiction work is The Vanishing Cornwall, published in 1969, where she describes in loving detail her memories of Cornwall as a child and the glory that still exists there. One often sees du Maurier mentioned in travel brochures for Cornwall.
Unlike her heroines and heroes, du Maurier was happily married to Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Montague Browning in 1932. The couple had three children and no hint of trouble or scandal ever touched the marriage, which lasted until Browning’s death in 1965. Perhaps it was this loving and cherished life that allowed du Maurier to write so prolifically. You have published a novel, biography or collected short story practically every year. Her autobiography, published in 1977, is an interesting assessment of her life.
Du Maurier was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II and made a Dame of the British Empire. When she died in 1985, her ashes were scattered on the Cornish cliffs, as she had requested. After her death, a sequel to Rebecca, titled Mrs. De Winter, was written by Sally Hill. Reviews of the second novel are fierce. Since du Maurier disapproved of sequels written by others, it is doubtful whether she would have approved of this novel.
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