BOOK REVIEW / JAMAICA INN

First published in 1936, Daphne Du Maurier sets Jamaica Inn in 1820s Cornwall with the main character being Mary Yellan. I won't go into too much details because there is nothing worse than the story getting ruined. I ruined it for myself while researching Mary Du Maurier, if you want the mystery and suspense of Jamaica Inn to continue for as long as possible stay away from Google!

Initial & Final Thoughts

(I should note, initial and final thoughts are wrapped into one purely because I was too engrossed in the plot to bother jotting down some initial thoughts!)

From the off set, Du Maurier had me hooked. The suspense was there from the get-go. Her style of writing builds up fear and you develop genuine dislike, hate even, towards her Uncle and at first I felt sympathy to her Aunt but I came to loath her purely because she was so helpless. Brainwashed even. I understand she was beaten down, a broken woman essentially but Mary had a fighting spirit and courage that I admired and wanted to see from Aunt Patience as well. Nevertheless, Jamaica Inn is undoubtedly a gripping story that hooks you in early on.

In chapters of dangerous, key events I found myself reading faster and faster to ensure everything was resolved before I got to work or fell asleep.  Picking up speed was due to the adrenaline and intensity that came from the events also. From reading Jamaica Inn, I have already planned another couple of Du Maurier books I plan to read - Rebecca and My Cousin, Rachel are next on my list. Her style of writing is beyond perfect with interesting and addictive plot line, a definite on my list of favourite books.

I have also been told that the BBC are releasing a TV adaption of Jamaica Inn this summer I believe which I will without a shadow of a doubt be tuning into and know doubt fall in love with!

Have you read any Du Maurier books? Did you like them?

Next reads

For my 4th books of 2014, I have decided to go for something a bit different. Leant to me by my flatmate, Emma - you might meet her soon - Amor Twoles 'Rules of Civility' will be by April book. They aren't really running month by month but it is my 4th book nonetheless. Alongside this 1930s tale from New York City I shall be dipping in and out of Black Cats & Evil Eyes by Chloe Rhodes. More of a 'coffee table' book, I plan to read this every now and again when I want a quick little literary fix. 

Previous book reviews:

Lunch in Paris

2014 Reading Challenge Reviews

Paris Revealed
Longbourn

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B O O K - R E V I E W : P A R I S - R E V E A L E D

Continuing with my book a month for 2014, February saw my literary senses being tingled by Stephen Clarke's Paris Revealed. After spotting the word Paris on the cover in a charity shop, I quickly snapped it up and skipped up the road to continue my love affair with the city of lights.

Each chapter details a different element of Parisian life from the Metro to water before a discussion on sex and ending with some detail on the apartments of Paris! Basically if you want a little bit of insight into the social history and the day to day happenings of the city - this is your friend.

Clarke has a dry sense of humour which I of course chuckled along too as well as his chatty nature which made you feel at ease and discussing the city with a friend assisting you in your move. Complete with photographs related to the chapter and a little bit of French thrown in here and there this book will make you want to up sticks and move to Paris, like I needed encouragement...

Other titles by the author include the non-fiction books 'A 100 Years of Annoying the French' and 'Talk to the Snail' along with a host of fiction. After reading Paris Revealed and enjoying it thoroughly from cover to cover, I am 100% going to research Clarke's other titles. I obviously need more French based books...

2/12 so far for my book every month in 2014. Good start I would say *pats self on the back* so Number 3 of this 12 part challenge  is Daphne Du Maurier 'Jamaica Inn'. A book described by Mama erratic glamour as a page turner that is written so well you feel the eerie, unsettled atmosphere. I for one cannot wait for this. See you next month for another book installment!

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Book Review: Longbourn

After deciding spur of the moment that I was too unwell to stay in Edinburgh with my chummies for New Year, I bored a train - following tears resulting from feeling shit and a cancelled train - and took myself on the 19:58 services to Glasgow Queen Street. When arriving at my destination, I had time to waste before my connecting train departed. The only place open at 20:53 on the 30th of December 2013 was WHSmith.

Naturally I wandered in searching out a snack, little did I know I would be leaving 2 books heavier and a snack in tow - naturally. I had heard about Longbourn by Jo Baker initially from my Auntie on Christmas Day. As soon as I heard the words Pride and Prejudice, a different take and based below stairs - I was sold!

Initial Thoughts

When I don't feel well I do two things: sleep and read. Longbourn is a perfect book to get into if you are feeling a little under the weather, it isn't written in the sometimes confusing and difficult to keep up wording of Jane Austen's novels. Let's be honest, when you feel horrible trying to battle through the turn of the 19th Century dialect is not what you fancy.

Each chapter begins with a short tag line, I guess you could call it, from Pride and Prejudice to keep you up to date with the happenings from upstairs. This allows you to get an idea of the kind of work and preparation that goes into Mr Collins coming to Longbourn, for example, or the Bingleys inviting Jane to Netherfield Hall.

I've a couple of chapters into Volume Two of the book and so far I have been really enjoying reading Longbourn. I haven't been able to predict what is going to happen which is always a good thing!

Final Thoughts

After enjoying the first volume of Longbourn by Volume Two I had lost interest. The plot seemed to be developing at the slowest pace known to man. Eventually I lost interest, if a book feels like a task you have to force yourself to sit down and do - it isn't worth it. With a snappier plot line and less pointless information i probably would have read this straight through. I understand that the mundane, day-to-day tasks for Sarah, The Hills, Polly and James were probably described with such detail to show just that but it did nothing for me.


My next read is Paris Revealed by Stephen Clarke which so far I am really enjoying. This year, I'm setting myself the challenge of reading a book a month so hopefully doing little reviews on here will keep me reading. What are you reading just now?

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Book Review: Lunch In Paris

Whilst pottering about on Amazon, as you do, I came across 'Lunch in Paris' by Elizabeth Bard. I was initially attracted to this novel due to it's setting being Paris - I love Paris -  then quickly realised that food featured heavily alongside the perfect backdrop. A couple of clicks & Lunch in Paris was on it's way to me.

Initial Thoughts

From the get-go this book is romantic. So very romantic. For a dreamer, this book is perfect to get lost in and is based on real events. *sigh*

The plot is developed based around the meals the pair share together as they get to know each other and their relationship develops. For select meals, the recipe features at the end of the chapter which is a nice idea which I also enjoyed in 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg.

        "He inverted the pan, shook it from side to side, and out of the ninety-nine-cent pot came a dessert fit  for Louis XIV, a perfectly moulded apricot Charlotte, each ladyfinger standing to attention, held together by a layer of cream and studded with slices of fruit."

So far, I am really enjoying Lunch in Paris. It isn't overly difficult to read without being seriously dumb-ed down. The characters haven't presented any opportunity to get on my nerves so far and I am just enjoying the food, romance and most of all Paris! The predictability is low with in this story possibly due to the events being real life meaning there are no cheesy cliches that sometimes feature in fiction of this nature.

Finished the book

On finishing this book, I instantly opened my laptop & searched Paris on Pinterest which resulted in a pinning marathon!  'Lunch in Paris' is beautifully written, mixing details about the authors life and events with observations of French life & culture seamlessly. To begin with, I always read the recipes at the end of the chapters but towards the end the chose not to instead choosing to skim them. I figured if I wanted a knew recipe I can come back to them.

         "One pragmatic 10 does not a social circle make, so I finally agreed to do what I'd been       dreading and began exploring the more formalized American expat community." 

Everything about this book was so perfect. If you enjoy a light yet not overly simple novel that includes food, romance & Paris then 'Lunch In Paris' is without a doubt for you. A perfect read for a chilly winter day or even for taking on holiday!


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                                                         5 stars out of 5

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