Reading the 20th Century discussion

Every month we discuss a book on a specific era or a theme. This book will be the winner of a group poll.


Our September 2022 theme is the author Daphne du Maurier

Please nominate a book by or about Daphne du Maurier

Please supply the title, author (if not DDM), a brief synopsis, and anything else you'd like to mention about the book, and why you think it might make a good book to discuss.

Happy nominating.

I have decided to nominate...



The King's General (1946)


It's one of her major works that I have yet to read. More significantly, it is also very well regarded and seems to showcase Daphne du Maurier's consumate storytelling.

It has a 4.5 out of 5 average rating on Amazon based on 322 reviews. It's readily available in all formats.



More about The King's General....

When the skeleton of a young cavalier was found by William Rashleigh at Daphne du Maurier's beloved mansion, Menabilly, she once again found inspiration in her surroundings. Putting pen to paper, Daphne created The King's General, a historical tale which takes place during the English Civil War and introduces one of du Maurier's greatest heroines: Honor Harris.

Honor is a beautiful, brave and kind protagonist, a true embodiment of the name by which she goes. Her journey proves challenging as her hopes for marrying the man she loves are dashed when she is left incapacitated. Unwilling to let life pass her by, Honor decides to educate herself in order to gain a true understanding of England's political climate and the devastating impact it would come to have.

Steadfast, caring and intelligent, this heroine embodies female empowerment and resilience in a war-torn England. Having finished the story during the Second World War, parallels are often drawn between Honor and du Maurier herself. Not only was the author describing the frustration of having to stay at home while men fought, through first-hand experience, but much like Honor's love interest, Daphne's husband was a general in the military.

An artful and escapist tale, The King's General reveals a gothic side to Daphne du Maurier's writing which constantly leaves the reader wanting more.

Ooh, good choice, Nigeyb! I loved that when I read it years ago, can't remember details now but would enjoy a re-read.

What do you think of her short stories? I was thinking of The Birds and other Stories

I think I might have read The Birds but not the others - if you mean is it ok to nominate short stories, Ben, then I'd say it's fine.

I would like to nominate The Birds and other Stories

"A classic of alienation and horror, 'The Birds' was immortalised by Hitchcock in his celebrated film. The five other chilling stories in this collection echo a sense of dislocation and mock man's sense of dominance over the natural world. "

I’d have to look up what stories are in that one. I’ve read The Doll and Don’t Look Now so probably have read most of them. (The Birds was in Don’t Look Now.)

I have The King’s General so would be happy to read that, but I also have…

The Parasites

“When people play the game: Name three or four persons whom you would choose to have with you on a desert island - they never choose the Delaneys. They don't even choose us one by one as individuals. We have earned, not always fairly we consider, the reputation of being difficult guests . . .

Maria, Niall, and Celia have grown up in the shadow of their famous parents - their father, a flamboyant singer and their mother, a talented dancer. Now pursuing their own creative dreams, all three siblings feel an undeniable bond, but it is Maria and Niall who share the secret of their parents' pasts.

Alternately comic and poignant, The Parasites is based on the artistic milieu its author knew best, and draws the reader effortlessly into that magical world.”

I haven't read much by her at all, but I have The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte this on my reading list, so I will nominate it.

As a bold and gifted child, Branwell Bronte's promise seemed boundless to the three adoring sisters over whom his rule was complete. But as an adult, the precocious flame of genius distorted and burned low.

With neither the strength nor the resources to counter rejection, unable to sell his paintings or publish his books, Branwell became a spectre in the Bronte story, in pathetic contrast with the astonishing achievements of his sisters.

Daphne du Maurier concentrates all her biographer's skill on the shadowy figure of Branwell Bronte, and no reader could fail to be intensely moved by Branwell's final retreat into laudanum, alcohol - and death

Thanks for the nominations - already a tempting menu...



The King's General (Nigeyb)
The Birds and Other Stories (Ben)
The Parasites (Bronwyn)
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë (Susan)


Who else is nominating?

I'm still thinking - but may not nominate in the end as I'm keen on both The King's General and the Branwell Bronte... will ponder.

I have read 'The Birds.' I am drawn to The Parasites. I first came across the Branwell book in Daphne, which I really loved.

I have a copy of DuMaurier's Frenchman's Creek on order. I thought I bought it for a read here, either a Group of Buddy - I don't keep track because they are generally the same.
So when I saw this category I was a bit confused. When I checked our planned reads, it wasn't listed for any month yet:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
If its not a read yet, as I bought it already, I nominate Frenchman's Creek

EDIT: Never mind. I retract the nomination, It was for a July read in another group. My memory was thrown off because I had read Nigeyb's review, which was 3 stars, which made me think the group read was for this group. I'll go with a new book that this group chooses.

Are you sure Brian? Happy to include it

Nigeyb wrote: "Are you sure Brian? Happy to include it"

I think it's better if I read a new one rather than just read more comments - even sure-to-be more intelligent ones - about the same book for another month.
I have my eye on the one I would vote for, but ....

Thanks for that Brian


Are we good to go? RC? You were suggesting you might nominate? Anyone else?

I'll post the poll in approximately 24 hours so this is the last call for any additional nominations


Nominations...

The King's General (Nigeyb)
The Birds and Other Stories (Ben)
The Parasites (Bronwyn)
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë (Susan)

Thanks but I won't nominate this time, too many goodies already in the poll :)

Odd nobody nominated 'Rebecca.' We're all so niche!

Susan wrote:


"We're all so niche!"

We really are

There's no Rebecca, as you say, but what about...

....Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, The Scapegoat, The House on the Strand, Don't Look Now, or Frenchman's Creek?

Niche-tastic

:)

Maybe many of us have read all DDM's 'big' books and want to branch out?

I've read very little by her, to be honest. I have read 'Rebecca' though.

Roman Clodia wrote:


"Maybe many of us have read all DDM's 'big' books and want to branch out?"


That'll be it RC

Actually I have read all the books I list above

I won't nominate this, as I think one of du Maurier's own books would be better for a group read, but I've just remembered that I own the biography Daphne du Maurier and Her Sisters: The Hidden Lives of Piffy, Bird and Bing by Jane Dunn - maybe this would be a good opportunity for me to finally read it!

I've read quite a few of her books but it looks as if nearly all of them were pre Goodreads. Anyway, I'm happy to vote for one of the existing nominations!

Ditto what Judy said so this is not a nomination but Daphne mentioned by Susan upthread looks enticing.

I enjoyed that bio, RC. I think I was waiting a bit after reading that one, then forgot I had the other one waiting...

Roman Clodia wrote: "... Daphne mentioned by Susan upthread looks enticing."

I'm probably just unobservant but I don't recall seeing the term "upthread" used before. But then I do spend a lot of time in other, less erudite GR groups.
I really like the term and, with RC's leave, will use it in the future,

While I haven't read any Daphne bios, I do own a DVD of "Daphne" a 2007 TV movie centering on DDM's "relationship with her husband Frederick 'Boy' Browning, and her largely unrequited infatuations with American publishing tycoon's wife Ellen Doubleday and the actress Gertrude Lawrence."
I bought it in a 3 for $10 bargain bin about 12 years ago, I watched it once. Here's the IMDb link:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963169/

I can't wait to see if this gets discussed downthread.

A new title on me Brian


Have you watched it? Is it worth a look?

Nigeyb wrote: "A new title on me Brian
Have you watched it? Is it worth a look?"

I'd give it three stars. Its worth a look only if you're a DDM fan and want more info. Most movies about authors are worth it to me. This movie was worth it because I also got a peek at Gertrude Lawrenc's life, a person I hear about but know nothing about because she didn't do the Hollywood movie scene. Its been about 10 years since I watched it, but I don't think there were any explicit sex scenes.
The actress playing DDM, Geraldine Somerville, was just alright but, it is easy to be overshadowed by Janet McTeer as Gertrude Lawrence, who is always so watchable. And I've loved Elixabeth McGovern since Ordinary People and, after she married Simon Curtis and fled to England, it was just good to see her. This was before Downton Abbey.
Also, Nigeyb, I didn't really care if this movie got discussed, I just wanted to write a sentence that used the word "downthread."

Judy wrote: "I won't nominate this, as I think one of du Maurier's own books would be better for a group read, but I've just remembered that I own the biography Daphne du Maurier and Her Sisters: The Hidd..."</i>

Loved that, Judy. [author:Jane Dunn is a great biographer and wrote a brilliant book on Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell, Her biography Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens is currently 99p so I've snapped that up too.

Thanks Brian


That’s very helpful


By the way, this just popped into my head….

When you're alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go
Downthread

When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help I know
Downthread

🫡

Nigeyb wrote: "By the way, this just popped into my head…

When you're alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go
Downthread

When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help I know
Downthread.."

Oh, that's just great. Now, I'll never be able to bring up Arnold Bennett's The Card without having to worry that you'll start channeling Ms. Clark again.

Seriously, though, not bad, It pairs well with Billy Joel's "Upthread Girl."

If it’s not too late, I’ll nominate The Glass-Blowers.

Brian wrote: "Seriously, though, not bad, It pairs well with Billy Joel's "Upthread Girl."

Oops Upside Your Thread?

I'll get me coat.

Made me laugh Sid

Pam wrote: "If it’s not too late, I’ll nominate The Glass-Blowers."

Yer in

"Upthread Girl"


:-)))

Poll coming v soon


Nominations...

The King's General (Nigeyb)
The Birds and Other Stories (Ben)
The Parasites (Bronwyn)
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë (Susan)
The Glass-Blowers (Pam)

Ooh, Glass Blowers looks good. I am so torn....

Hahaha, delighted to have inspired such frivolity - Move On Upthread (Curtis Mayfield?) 😉 🎶

Running Upthread Hill.

Oh, you've got my coat for me. How kind.

Yes folks, it's time to vote...




https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...



Nominations...

The King's General (Nigeyb)
The Birds and Other Stories (Ben)
The Parasites (Bronwyn)
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë (Susan)
The Glass-Blowers (Pam)

Poll watch...


The Birds and Other Stories - 2 votes, 50.0%

The King's General - 1 vote, 25.0%
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë - 1 vote, 25.0%

The Parasites - 0 votes
The Glass-Blowers - 0 votes


VOTE HERE...

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

Poll watch...




The King's General - 4 votes, 44.4%

The Birds and Other Stories - 3 votes, 33.3%

The Parasites - 11.1% votes
The Infernal World of Branwell Brontë - 1 vote, 11.1%

The Glass-Blowers - 0 votes



VOTE HERE...

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

I know all these will be worth the read. But I'm a little surprised no-one nominated Hungry Hill.

We have a winner...


The King's General

Thanks to everyone who discussed, nominated, and voted

Here's to another marvellous RTTC group read

Thanks for the usual slick organisation, Nigeyb - I'm looking forward to revisiting this.

Excellent. Can’t wait. :)