Book Review: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
Originally posted by authornwolf at Book Review: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
People say love is blind and makes one do crazy things. In fact, Ambrose Ashley warned his younger cousin Philip, “See what a moment of passion can bring upon a fellow.” Alas, Ambrose and, later, Philip failed to heed his warning.
Ambrose married a widowed Rachel Sangalletti. Philip resented Rachel for stealing every ounce of attention he had received from the man who raised him. Furthermore, the marriage kept Ambrose far away in Italy. Suddenly, Ambrose died from a sudden illness, leaving Philip as his sole heir.
Before long, Rachel pays her cousin a visit. No one knows much about Rachel, but her presence ignites suspicion among the residents of Cornwall. They suspect she not the grieving widow but, instead, a greedy, cold-hearted woman. Despite warnings from his closest connections, Philip is enthralled by Rachel and gives up everything he owns for her love. Eventually, Philip realizes he might have made a fatal error and tries to redeem himself before all is lost.
Beginning with Chapter One, readers are lured into a mysterious, somber atmosphere that foreshadows the end. Then, the plethora of imagery gives readers a taste of the English and Italian countrysides. Ironically, the isolated, frigid English countryside is warm in that its residents are close-knit; whereas, the warm, colorful Italian countryside is oppressive and filled with questionable characters. The attraction to this tale continues when passion ignites and sound judgement is cast aside as a foolish heir embarks on his first romantic foray.
People say love is blind and makes one do crazy things. In fact, Ambrose Ashley warned his younger cousin Philip, “See what a moment of passion can bring upon a fellow.” Alas, Ambrose and, later, Philip failed to heed his warning.
Ambrose married a widowed Rachel Sangalletti. Philip resented Rachel for stealing every ounce of attention he had received from the man who raised him. Furthermore, the marriage kept Ambrose far away in Italy. Suddenly, Ambrose died from a sudden illness, leaving Philip as his sole heir.
Before long, Rachel pays her cousin a visit. No one knows much about Rachel, but her presence ignites suspicion among the residents of Cornwall. They suspect she not the grieving widow but, instead, a greedy, cold-hearted woman. Despite warnings from his closest connections, Philip is enthralled by Rachel and gives up everything he owns for her love. Eventually, Philip realizes he might have made a fatal error and tries to redeem himself before all is lost.
Beginning with Chapter One, readers are lured into a mysterious, somber atmosphere that foreshadows the end. Then, the plethora of imagery gives readers a taste of the English and Italian countrysides. Ironically, the isolated, frigid English countryside is warm in that its residents are close-knit; whereas, the warm, colorful Italian countryside is oppressive and filled with questionable characters. The attraction to this tale continues when passion ignites and sound judgement is cast aside as a foolish heir embarks on his first romantic foray.