I have been a fan of Daphne du Maurier all my life, and she never disappoints me. This story is no exception.

The protagonist Mary Yellen, 23 years of age, has lived in the village of Helford on the family farm all her life, but when her mother dies and she’s left alone in the world, she goes to live with her mother’s sister, Patience who lives with her husband Joss Merlyn, the landlord of Jamaica Inn, on BodminMoor, in Cornwall. The nearest towns are Bodmin and Launceston. Even before she arrives at the Inn, the coach driver tells her of the mysterious, scary things going on at the Jamaica Inn. Her uncle Joss Merlin is a huge, rough and tough man and is a fearsome figure and her aunt Patience has turned into a scared broken woman. Then, Mary Yellen overhears and sees some terrible things going on at some nights by the so-called friends of her uncle with wagons arriving at and leaving the Inn and lots of noise and drunkenness going on. Since she has been ordered to stay in her room, she is frightened somewhat. Later on, in the story, she is befriended by the vicar and Jem, her uncle’s brother with whom she falls in love with.

Lots of other things, things mostly to do with horrendous crimes, happen during the long months May Yellen stays in the Inn, only because she is an optimist and she doesn’t have the heart to leave her aunt. The ending of the story is satisfactory but with a twist I really didn’t expect.

The mystery of the Inn is a tragic truth connected to the murder of many. The setting of the novel, basically the moors with bleak with very difficult living conditions, the towns, the inn, vicarage, and the seashore are all creepy, shadowy places.

The main character is brave, resourceful, but a bit emotional. Still, difficult choices and situations do not faze her, a novelty for her time. In fact, despite the fact that numerous characters show up at times, all characters are unique and masterfully drawn.

Recurring motifs--such as the objects May Ellen comes across or witnesses--lend a continuing mystery, pointing to secrets each object represents.

As far as classic Gothic novels are concerned, this one should make it on a par with Rebecca and Jane Eyre, if not better, and I am so happy that I finally got around to reading it.

those readers who love Gothic mysteries with all kinds of human troubles thrown in.

everything

read another one of Du Maurier's books.

is Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989), and English author and playwright. She was elevated to the Order of the British Empire as Dame Commander in 1969.

I absolutely loved it, but it is dark.

If you like books with happy endings, easy life, and soft troubles, this novel is not for you.

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Created Jul 13, 2018 at 5:06pm • Submit your own review...