Name: Frenchman's Creek
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Publisher: Virago Modern ClassicsRelease Date: 16th July 2015
Summary: Jaded by the numbing politeness of Restoration London, Lady Dona St. Columb revolts against high society. She rides into the countryside, guided only by her restlessness and her longing to escape.But when chance leads her to meet a French pirate, hidden within Cornwall's shadowy forests, Dona discovers that her passions and thirst for adventure have never been more aroused. Together, they embark upon a quest rife with danger and glory, one which bestows upon Dona the ultimate choice: sacrifice her lover to certain death or risk her own life to save him.
Review: Having read Rebecca I was blown away by Daphne's writing she definitely has a way with words and I look forward to devouring more of her work. Frenchman's Creek starts very descriptive and it actually made me long for a holiday. I really do wish that Daphne was still alive, as based on the two books of hers that I have devoured I have a million questions on her inspiration. My oh my the way she writes with such imagery it is quite astounding to read.
When I first met Dona I thought she was a stuck up princess but in hearing her story my thoughts changed. Dona is a woman longing for passion and excitement in her life. At 29 she has two children and a drunk of a husband, so I quite quickly understood why she decided to flee to the countryside. This is when I realised that my first assumptions were wrong as Dona enjoyed the simple pleasures in life with her children and alone.
I had to remember that this novel was written in the 1940s. The way the frenchman is described as a pirate and a thief etc was hilarious. It's funny how word of mouth in certain circles changes people's views. It's like they cannot think for themselves which is funny as they are extremely educated people. I loved the way he was written when he was with Dona he was like a completely different person altogether.
I don't want to ruin the story as personally experiencing the goings on was half the fun. There are so many themes in this novel and a few things I really wasn't expecting. What I did love was the love and friendship in Frenchman's Creek. The way Daphne writes it is subtle and alluring leaving more to the imagination as apposed to revealing all. I also like the fact the ending left you thinking....I truly cannot wait to get stuck into more of Daphne's novels. If you want to read a classic I will definitely recommend anything by Daphne.
Hayley
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