“Du Maurier is in a class by herself.” —New York Times
Perhaps best known for her immortal gothic masterwork Rebecca—the basis for the Academy Award-winning motion picture directed by Alfred Hitchcock—Daphne de Maurier began her illustrious writing career penning short stories. In The Doll, thirteen of du Maurier’s early shorter fictional works have been collected—each story written before the author’s twenty-third birthday and some in print for the first time since the 1930s. Compelling tales of human foibles and tragic romance, the stories in The Doll represent the emergence of a remarkable literary talent who later went on to create Jamaica Inn, The Birds, and other classic works. This breathtaking collection of short fiction belongs on the bookshelf of every Daphne du Maurier fan.
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"DuMaurier proves her talent here as she did with "Rebecca" and this book feels much more like a novel reading experience than other books of short stories. The content and length of the stories varies here, from the title creepy tale to one that is reminiscent of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi." DuMaurier's keen eye for the flaws in human personalities and relationships is on full display here too. Recommended." — Rachel (4 out of 5 stars)
"DuMaurier proves her talent here as she did with "Rebecca" and this book feels much more like a novel reading experience than other books of short stories. The content and length of the stories varies here, from the title creepy tale to one that is reminiscent of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi." DuMaurier's keen eye for the flaws in human personalities and relationships is on full display here too. Recommended."
“The stories…are occasionally quite startling in their insight and their ability to unsettle. There’s much humour in evidence too…There’s a sense of the young Du Maurier crystallising her style, testing herself, amusing herself. She would go on to write stronger stories but as a glimpse of a voice in development this collection proves fascinating.”
“A magnificent contribution to our opportunities to appreciate and understand du Maurier. She will, of course, remain mysterious: a woman far ahead of her time, passionate, intelligent and deeply imaginative. A writer who will always have secrets.”
“The quirky narratives play on the reader's sensibilities through compelling personae, events and dialogue rich with suspense, emotional or sexual surveillance and tension…The stories—written to assert this new sense of purpose—have the bravado, ruthless clarity and over-simplification of youth, but a youth that can often see the emotional wood through the trees.”
“Vividly portrays with humor, candidness, and detail du Maurier’s fascination with the problems of human connection, particularly when it comes to love…Characters in du Maurier’s world are often lost, manipulative, or misguided, and these stories, written before she was 23, foreshadow the themes and preoccupations of the work that would bring her literary fame.”
“The stories are best read to see how du Maurier develops her voice and how she begins to work with some of the themes found in her masterpiece, Rebecca…In several stories, du Maurier turns a penetrating eye on the complications of marriage. Romance goes wrong, sexuality is generally destructive.”
“She never disappoints. Old-fashioned fun.”
" What a great compilation of her early work. The stories were disturbing, edgy and far ahead of their time. Rebecca was swell, but these were something completely different. "
" I absolutely loved this collection of her early stories! "
" Quick reading, morbid (of course!) stories, many written before Rebecca when Du Maurier was around 19. Recommended if you are a fan of her style. "
" I think I just do not like short stories. "
" Many of these stories are pretty lightweight (DduM was very young when she wrote these), but "The Doll" is truly creepy! "
" Completely amazing. Twenty four out of ten. Did a real double take at the conclusion of the title story! "
" Great read from one of my favorite authors! The stories were interesting and maintain a sort of untimely allure. "
" didn't love it, didn't hate it! Was perfect reading for a night shift though, short bursts! "
" Very well written. The stories are hauntingly beautiful and clearly the work of a very gifted writer. "
" Once again I'm blown away by du Maurier's talent. This is a terrific collection of stories. "
" Won this book from First Reads, thank you! I have always loved the writings of Daphne du Maurier so was so excited to have won a book of her earlier works. I was not disappointed with this book. She sure can spin a tale fascinating is the first thing I can think of! Great book of stories. "
" Some sexy, some humorous, some a little spooky, some naive young female characters - each story impeccably written for an author so young! My first du Maurier, but definitely not my last! I can't even pick a favourite :) "
" 3.5 As always Du Maurier's writing is extremely atmospheric. Some of these stories are ironic, some are very dark and some such as "The Doll' are very chilling. Definitely could have given Stephen King a run for his money had they been writing and publishing during the same time period. "
Daphne du Maurier (1907–1989) was born in London, the daughter of the actor Sir Gerald du Maurier and granddaughter of the author and artist George du Maurier. She has been called one of the great shapers of popular culture and the modern imagination. She began writing in 1928, and many of her bestselling novels were set in Cornwall, where she lived for most of her life. Besides novels, du Maurier wrote plays, biographies, and several collections of short fiction. Among her more famous works are The Scapegoat, Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, and the short story “The Birds,” all of which were subsequently made into films, the latter three directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.
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