Yesterday, we chatted about the Queen of Romance - Barbara Cartland. Today, let's explore the Queen of Mystery - Daphne Du Maurier. A denizen of Cornwall, Du Maurier was inspired by a coaching inn to write Jamaica Inn. From its website (link),
Jamaica Inn was built in 1750 as a coaching inn – the 18th century equivalent of a modern day service station for weary travellers. Using the turnpike between Launceston and Bodmin, they would stay at the Inn after crossing the wild and treacherous moor. Some of the travellers were a little less respectable than most and used the Inn to hide away smuggler’s contraband that had been brought ashore.
It is commonly thought that Jamaica Inn was so named because it was used to store rum smuggled into the country from Jamaica. However, the name is actually said to derive from the important local landowning Trelawney family, two of whose members served as Governors of Jamaica in the 18th century.
Jamaica Inn is well known as the setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, published in 1936. The young author was inspired to write her novel in 1930 after she and a friend became lost in fog whilst out riding on the moors, and were lead back by their horses to safety at the Inn. During the time spent recovering from her ordeal, the local rector is said to have entertained her with ghost stories and tales of smuggling!
Have you read any Daphne Du Maurier's books ... or seen her books-turned-movies? Let me just say, the real Jamaica Inn was spooky enough. One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, March 19, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 20.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Du Maurier lived in Fowey, Cornwall
Above is Fowey in 1889
Public Domain (link)
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It's been a while since I read any of Daphne Du Maurier's books.
ReplyDeleteThinking back I probably have read a Daphne Du Maurier book or two. But I have forgotten which ones.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen any of Daphne Du Maurier's movies or read her books. I'm not much of a mystery buff
ReplyDeleteI read Daphne De Mauier's many (many) years ago.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I've read any of her books, that's not really my favorite genre to read or watch movies
ReplyDeleteI was never one to frighten myself... to much imagination gives me nightmares!!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of her books. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I have never read any of her books. But wow does that Jamaican Inn sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteNo, I have never read her books.
ReplyDeleteI think I might have a long time ago, but I found I don't sleep well when reading scary stories.
ReplyDeleteThose were some of the first books I got really interested in - romantic gothics - so many great authors.
ReplyDeleteI have never read any of her books.
ReplyDeleteladbookfan
I love Rebecca--it's one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteHaven't read her books, but did see TV adaption of Jamaica Inn.
ReplyDeleteRebecca is the only novel I have read by Daphne Du Maurier. Even though it was a long time ago, I really enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her books.
ReplyDeleteKaren T.
Her book REBECCA is a favorite. I have most of her others on my shelf, but haven't yet had a chance to read them.
ReplyDeleteAnother great author whose books I haven't read - yet. I should be ashamed of myself. ;-( I don't think I've seen any of her movies either.
ReplyDeleteI just need more time in the day.
I am sure I must have read some many years ago, but cannot remember. Same goes for her movies.
ReplyDeletePattyB43
When we were on holiday in Cornwall one year, we went with friends to Jamaica Inn for lunch. I've got pics of us standing outside. I've also read the book and loved it.
ReplyDeleteno never
ReplyDelete