The audio edition of these 13 early tales by du Maurier—originally published in the 1930s—are skillfully narrated by Wanda McCaddon and prove to be as relevant and entertaining as if they were written today. The stories range from the murderous to the humorous, from the ironic to the melancholy, and each offers interesting insights into the sometimes bizarre human condition. McCaddon beautifully renders du Maurier’s characters. And her reading of the title story, a chilling tale of love macabre, is guaranteed to give listeners chills, while her performance of “Week-End”—which chronicles two lovers’ ill-fated weekend away—will certainly amuse. McCaddon particularly shines in her reading of “Piccadilly,” in which a wayward woman of ill repute pragmatically, and unrepentantly, recounts to a young writer the events that led to her fall from grace. It is a monologue that is as funny as it is sad, and McCaddon hits every emotional note with professional precision. A Morrowpaperback. (Nov.)
“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.
“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.
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940170313235 |
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Publisher: | HarperCollins |
Publication date: | 11/22/2011 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |