JAMAICA INN
Ratings36
Average rating3.6
Not something I'd usually read, but it intrigued me somewhat. A classic story that i heard so much about growing up. Reading it kept me gripped more than I expected as attempted to read it with an open mind, which I dad and was surprised how much i liked and see why it has become a classic read.
On top of this I love Cornwall and that coastline of the UK is simply stunning, which comes to life in Du Murier's vivid descriptions. Worth a go even if this isn't usually your cup of tea
Contains spoilers
Moors, Mysteries, and Missed Opportunities: A Mixed Journey Through Jamaica Inn
Jamaica Inn, penned by the acclaimed author Daphne du Maurier, is a gothic novel that promises a thrilling journey through the wild and treacherous landscape of 1820s Cornwall. While the book delivers on some fronts, it ultimately falls short of its full potential, landing it squarely in the realm of a solid, if somewhat unremarkable, 3-star read.
Du Maurier's greatest strength lies in her ability to paint a vivid and haunting picture of the Cornish moors. The bleak, windswept landscape becomes a character in its own right, its oppressive atmosphere seeping into every page. The titular Jamaica Inn, a foreboding structure standing alone amidst the desolate terrain, is masterfully described, evoking a palpable sense of dread and isolation that lingers long after the book is closed.
The story follows Mary Yellan, a young woman who, following her mother's dying wish, moves to Jamaica Inn to live with her Aunt Patience and Uncle Joss. Mary quickly finds herself embroiled in a web of mystery, smuggling, and murder. Du Maurier's portrayal of Mary as a strong-willed and determined protagonist is commendable, especially considering the time period in which the novel is set. However, Mary's character development sometimes feels inconsistent, with moments of admirable bravery often followed by frustratingly naive decisions that strain credibility.
The supporting cast, while colorful, often lacks depth. Uncle Joss, the brutish innkeeper, and Jem Merlyn, the charming horse thief, are intriguing at first glance but fail to evolve beyond their initial characterizations. Aunt Patience, perhaps the most tragic figure in the novel, offers glimpses of a complex character study that is never fully realized.
Pacing is another area where Jamaica Inn stumbles. The novel alternates between periods of slow, meandering description and abrupt, rushed action. While this contrast can sometimes heighten tension, it more often leads to an uneven reading experience. Certain pivotal moments feel glossed over, while less crucial scenes are given excessive attention.
The romance subplot between Mary and Jem Merlyn feels somewhat forced and underdeveloped. Their relationship, which should be a driving force in Mary's character arc, instead comes across as an afterthought, lacking the depth and passion one might expect from a gothic romance.
Despite these shortcomings, Jamaica Inn does offer moments of genuine suspense and intrigue. The central mystery, while not particularly complex, is engaging enough to keep readers turning pages. Du Maurier's exploration of themes such as isolation, the nature of evil, and the conflict between duty and desire adds layers to the narrative, even if they aren't always fully explored.
Jamaica Inn is a novel of contrasts. Its atmospheric setting and moments of tension are offset by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. While it may not reach the heights of du Maurier's more famous works like Rebecca, it still offers an entertaining, if flawed, reading experience. Fans of gothic literature and historical mysteries will likely find enough here to justify the journey, but those seeking a truly exceptional novel may find themselves, like Mary Yellan, lost in the moors, searching for something more.
Don't Look Now rocked my world last year so I thought I might read Rebecca. Couldn't get the audio of it though so Jamaica Inn seemed like it might be worth a try. Good god almighty, this book rocks. A woman moves to a barely functioning inn owned by her aunt and terrible uncle on the Moors, and so many things happen. It's dark, romantic, and thrilling. So many twists! Fully blindsided me at various points. The setting felt so vivid, if you ever want to feel like you've been walking through terrifying rainy English countryside while experiencing insane things ya gotta read this book.
Stunning prose. Gorgeous atmosphere. Intrigue wound like a spring. But... Mary seems not to realise how autonomous she is throughout the story and I wanted a more critical examination of what is expected of her due to her gender. I suppose it might be a lot to ask for considering when it was written. Or maybe it was there and I missed it.
I enjoyed this much more than Rebecca. Rebecca's female protagonist is so weak, I just didn't enjoy the book that much. In Jamaica Inn, we have a much spunkier protagonist, which is good because this is a straight up thriller and she is in danger from the very beginning. Highly recommended.
A tendency for melodrama, but much better than I was expecting. Very atmospheric.
3.75 - I started reading this back in 2017 and I've only now picked it up again. I've read quite a few of Daphne Du Maurier's works and I found this book to have the most unsettling tone of all of them all (a reason I initially put it down). The story was fantastic and gritty as always, but I had trouble getting into this one as I have with the others. I don't know if the large reading gap contributed or not. I'm curious to watch one of the many screen adaptations of this to see if it influences my lasting opinion.
