The Daphne du Maurier WEB Site - Dame Daphne du Maurier

Here in the UK it's the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend, a fact that I had almost overlooked as I begin to pack for my annual trip to the Festival of festivals! ...... Needless to say, after about eight such events I do more or less 'know the ropes' and am all the happier for that...... I'm eagerly looking forward to meeting old friends again, at Safe Harbour, at the Festival Village and around the town and hostelries...... I hope the weather is kind, but won't let it's vagaries faze me at all; I shall have sweaters and sandals with me, and all intermediate coverings...... I'm about to give my thumb stick it's annual oiling, and I need batteries for my little radio......My tickets are currently in a friend's safe keeping (I hope!), with the exception of my ticket for Lady Tessa's talk. That came directly to me, as the venue was changed, AND 'Lady B' and I wanted different seats. All very convoluted, but resolved amicably!...... I'm particularly anticipating that event, and too the St Petersburg Blagovest Ensemble, singing Russian church music AND folk-songs, in lovely St Fimbarrus Church. I saw them last year and they were wonderful. Additionally I have great events 'up top' and in the Town Hall, so it's gonna be busy!......All I'm left to do is wish friends visiting Fowey a happy, fulfilling time, and commiserations for friends unable to attend...... Wish my luck (as you wave me goodbye...) Best Wishes all......
Sam
- Friday, May 02, 2008 at 18:56:29 (GMT)

I read the book, "Daphne" and found it depressing, boring, and worst of all, extremely contrived! A bundle of laughs it certainly aint! The sort of book you'd finish on a cold dreary November day, then go out and commit Hari-Kari.
Eric Avon
- Monday, April 07, 2008 at 19:10:33 (GMT)

Hello David...... I am so glad that ticket sales are going well, I am eagerly looking forward to meeting all my Festival friends again in May...... It must be a very complex occupation, allocating and distributing the tickets , and I hope you remain 'on top of it'. Knowing how you relish the new technology I hope you are 'having a ball'......I'm currently reading Justine Picardie's new book 'Daphne', and am, to paraphrase Mr Darcy, 'enjoying it against my better judgement'. I'm confused by it purporting to be a fiction when it has so many real names attached to the 'fiction', making it nearer in my eyes to a docudrama. I guess this will not sit easy with some and I greatly regret that. Unfortunately current standards in writing seem to err in favour of an honesty bordering upon the callous. More later......Best Wishes, 'friends'.
Sam
- Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 07:52:02 (GMT)

Hi Jenny, welcome to the site, new views and comments are always welcome. The Festival tickets are selling very well, as Jonathan said in his email it's the best start we have had in many a year.
David
- Monday, March 24, 2008 at 22:57:32 (GMT)

Hi, I am very new to this site, but I love Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and I am starting to work my way through a few of her other novels.
Jenny White
- Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 20:33:47 (GMT)

TRUE OR FALSE, FACT OR FICTION? Last night I dreamt I went on holiday again. Sitting in the front seat of the car, with the sun shining I felt uplifted, such a feeling of happiness, at last I was off and away. To make quite sure all was well I pinched myself, hard upon my arm, for if I felt pain this was reality. I awoke; my bedroom was in semi darkness, March winds sweeping across the garden, rattling the branches of the trees. Rain lashed the windowpanes. Later that morning as I was sipping my coffee, the post arrived. A new book about my mother, Daphne du Maurier. I turned the pages quickly with anticipation and read about my parents, my sister, my brother and our children and much more. Goodness I thought, all this about us. Then I saw that the book was a work of fiction. As I finished my now cold coffee, a strange feeling began to creep over me. I heard my mother’s voice reading out loud, as she used to do when we were children, J.M. Barrie’s (Uncle Jim to the family) Peter Pan. The Never Never Land, let’s pretend, act a part. Her voice echoed the words and suddenly I could see her smiling, sitting in Uncle Jim’s favourite arm chair, her blue eyes full of laughter, a little mocking perhaps. “Darling, why don’t you pinch yourself to see whether you are fact or fiction.”
Flavia Leng.
- Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 20:36:40 (GMT)

Hello, I found this in the Los Angeles Times(28,February) and thought people here might be interested: The Book:'Daphne' by Justine Picardie The Buyer: Robert Fox By Josh Getlin, Times Staff Writer THE DEAL: Robert Fox options Justine Picardie's "Daphne," a tale of author Daphne du Maurier's midlife crisis and literary obsession with the Brontes, told against the backdrop of her haunting novel "Rebecca." THE PLAYERS: Fox(executive producer of"Atonement" and "Closer,"producer of "The Hours," "Notes on a Scandel" and "Iris")producing. Picardie represented on Literary rights by Grainne Fox at Ed Victor limited in London and on film rights by Geoffrey Sanford at RWSH literary agency in Los Angeles. The book will be published by Bloomsbury USA in August. THE BACK STORY The path from book to screen can be filled with twists and turns, false starts and random luck. But sometimes the path to an option deal -- the beginning of the process -- is no less surprising. Consider Picardie's forthcoming novel, which begins in 1957 as Du Maurier's marriage is falling apart. Plunging into her work, the distraught novelist begins relentless research into the life of Branwell Bronte, a tormented painter and alcoholic who was the only son born into the literary family. "Daphne" is the story of a famed British novelist on the verge of a breakdown, weaving in the strands of her most famous book, a literary whodunit and a troubled, modern character heavily influenced by the writer's work. Is this "The Hours" meets Daphne du Maurier? Picardie, a highly respected author, wrote "a very different book, but there are certain elements that are not dissimilar," said Fox, who produced the 2002 film about Virginia Woolf. What's more remarkable is how he got involved in the project. Picardie spent years researching Menabilly, the famed seaside estate that inspired "Rebecca." Then she learned Fox had met the writer at the estate when he was a boy, and that his 100 year old aunt also knew her. Through friends, she sent him an early draft of the book, and he was instantly smitten. "I know the world this story takes place in incredibly well. I was maybe 5,6 years old when I met du Maurier and it's indelibly imprinted on my mind." Fox said. "It will be a very compelling story." For Picardie, the coincidence of selling a book option to a filmaker who has intimate knowledge of her story is astonishing. "I couldn't have wished for a better fit, as an author."
Jeremy
- Friday, March 07, 2008 at 18:15:22 (GMT)

thanks Colin, Ann from Bookends is sending me a copy. Hope you are recovering.
Jo Powell
- Monday, March 03, 2008 at 11:56:35 (GMT)

Hi Collin - very sorry to hear you have had an accident but glad you will be at the Festival for your talk! Am looking forward to it. With kind regards and very best wishes,
Linda
- Monday, March 03, 2008 at 08:22:36 (GMT)

Jo, Since it's required for purely academic purposes, please let me know if you'd like me to send you a copy of the 1973 Cornish Review. I shall also be at the Festival but due to an accident, this year's visit will sadly only last one day Wed. May 14. Best wishes.
Collin Langley
- Friday, February 29, 2008 at 20:48:50 (GMT)

thanks for the information re Angela I am using the exeter archives and slowly getting hold of her books either from Fowey or via various libraries Haven't yet found the edition of the Cornish Review. I will be at the festival , loking forward to it
Jo Powell
- Friday, February 29, 2008 at 20:21:38 (GMT)

Re Angela du Maurier. The two autobiographies It's Only The Sister and Old Maids Remember for a start. Then try the Summer 1973 edition No. 24 of The Cornish Review. This contains an interesting comparison of the three du Maurier sisters. Angela's novels, at least those published by Truran wil be on www.truranbooks.co.uk Amazon might have the others although Old Maids Remember is out of print. Bookends of Fowey is an excellent antiquarian bookshop and the leading authority on du Maurier publications.Also try The Exeter du Maurier archives (Jessica Gardner). Why not just come to the du Maurier Festival in May and talk to people.
Collin Langley
- Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 07:07:15 (GMT)

I am researching Angela du Maurier for a dissertation at Exeter uni and would be really grateful if anyone could offer any help many thanks
Jo Powell
- Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 21:45:44 (GMT)

As most of you know I have a major interest in all things relating to Daphne du Maurier and I love Justine Picardie’s writing so I had been waiting eagerly for Justine’s new novel ‘Daphne’. I was not disappointed, once I started reading I could not put it down. The story has an involved plot, which provides the reader with masses of detail and information, making the book a compelling read. The story is told by three people Daphne du Maurier, Alex Symington and a young woman. Despite the three narratives, each of which interweaves with the other two, it is not an unnecessarily complicated novel. The way the story moves chapter by chapter through the different areas of the novel, helps you to hold on to everything that is happening. I think the story about the young woman is what held me the most, probably because, for me, she was the unknown quantity. She was so isolated from all the affection and comfort that most people take for granted...she was lost and alone and when she eventually found herself and we found out her name I was very moved. I like to think that she was called Jane after Wendy's daughter in Peter Pan. There were many other moments that really touched me - references to Guy du Maurier, Gerald du Maurier and the birds, the fact that inevitably Peter Llewelyn Davies was going to throw himself under that train, the young woman in the grounds of Menabilly. There was so much that had to be told and it was done brilliantly. The elements of the novel that relate to Daphne du Maurier and Alex Symington have been well researched and are very strong factually and the fiction which is the young woman’s story brings the whole narrative together beautifully. I lived and breathed every word and I hope other readers will appreciate the detail and complexity of this book as well as enjoying its content. I am sure this will be a book that provokes much interest and discussion and that it will give the author the recognition that she deserves.
Ann.
- Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 20:18:47 (GMT)

Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature booking Information May 2008. Bookends too, 25a Fore Street, Fowey is pleased to announce that as from 3rd March we will be taking PERSONAL BOOKINGS for patrons only, and from 10th March for all others, wishing to buy tickets for the du Maurier festival. This service will continue through to the end of the festival, our opening hours are 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Saturday and Sundays from 11am to 4pm from Easter onwards. Payment by cash or cheques only. Please make cheques payable to RESTORMEL BOROUGH COUNCIL. For full booking information see the festival programme at www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk
David
- Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 09:24:40 (GMT)

Just to clarify my previous posting, the Yeats' poem is about Lissadell and called 'In memory of sisters Eva Gore-Booth and Con Markiewicz.' The first line is: 'The light of evening,Lissadell,...' Lissadell was the family home of the Gore-Booths in Co. Sligo on the West coast of Ireland. It was to Lissadell that Daphne and Kits made their pilgramage in 1962 as fans of W B Yeats. Google Lissadell to view this stunningly preserved 19Ce house.
Collin Langley
- Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 21:48:48 (GMT)

I'm researching Daphne's interest in poetry. Margaret Forster's bio (p.340) refers to a script Daphne did for a film about W B Yeats. Kits has very kindly confirmed that his mother enjoyed WB's poetry including Lissadell where he lived in Sligo. Kits and Daphne visited Lissadell in 1962 and a film was made by them about WB's life called The Last Romantic. It was broadcast on Irish TV in 1965 and distributed worldwide by CBS. Narration was by Cyril Cusack. The film contained some of Daphne and Kits' favourite WB poetry. Unfortunately Kits no longer has a copy and the Yeats Society in Sligo is trying to track it down. Does anyone have a copy or no anything about Daphne's favourite WB poetry please ?
Collin Langley
- Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 07:41:24 (GMT)

Thanks for that information David, I find it very exciting to think there's to be a film about Daphne. I'm particularly delighted that the 'Fox Family', with their familial links to Daphne and Fowey are to be so closely involved. It's safe to assume maybe that the makers of 'Atonement', the wonderful, Oscar nominated film with Keira Knightley and James MacAvoy, will make a really good job of the new project. It's too early to start speculating upon who might be in the cast lineup, but......
Sam
- Friday, February 01, 2008 at 16:08:21 (GMT)

The following piece of information has just been announced on the booktrade.info website and I thought readers of the du Maurier guestbook would be interested: Bloomsbury Publishing is delighted to announce a film deal for Justine Picardie’s forthcoming novel, Daphne, to be published in March 2008. The option has been bought by Robert Fox, producer of the films - Iris, The Hours, Notes on a Scandal and executive producer of Closer and most recently the Golden Globe winning, Oscar nominated Atonement. Daphne will be his next project. Fox's family had ties with the Du Mauriers and as a child Robert himself visited Daphne at Menabilly, Fowey, the house that would go on to inspire so much of her writing. Justine Picardie is thrilled to have a producer so in tune with this book and its history. Daphne is published on March 3rd 2008.
David <d@willmore.eclipse.co.uk>
- Friday, February 01, 2008 at 08:37:41 (GMT)

Hello Ann and David, I an very sorry to hear that Glyn Hodge has left us for the 'Elysian Fields'. I did not know him well of course but he was always friendly and polite to me, a grockle, and was interesting to talk to when he was in the mood for conversation. I thought over the last couple of festivals that his interest was waning. He seemed to be withdrawing into himself, which I thought sad. When he was 'on form' he was very interesting, having had a colouful life I believe...... The story I heard about him, if I understood it correctly, illustrates the esteem in which he was held locally. Apparently a new incumbent at the Galleon objected to Glyn's routine, and eventually excluded Glyn. An unkind thing to do to an old man, but with a happpy outcome, for the bar staff went onto some sort of strike, or at least a concerted protest, to support Glyn. The publican was persuaded to back down and restore Glyn to his usual corner table for his daily meal. I hope I've got the story something like correct, but hope those nearer to him will put me right if I'm wrong...... Glyn was a 'character' in an increasingly grey world, he'll be missed, and I for one will lift a glass to his memory when I'm next in Safe Harbour (in May - God Willing)...... I was reminded too of Roger , another charming old local chap who has left us. He proudly gave me a couple of magnificent onions off of his allotment the last time I saw him well, to bring back home on the train, with my other luggage. Another sad loss! ......Best Wishes all.
Sam
- Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 18:42:38 (GMT)

All of you who have stayed at the Safe Harbour over the years, particularly during the du Maurier Festival will be sad to hear that Glyn Hodge died yesterday morning. He was a regular at the Safe, always sitting on the stool in the corner by the door. We used to see him every day as he walked past Bookends on his way to the Galleon for his lunch. He had become increasingly frail and had been in Fowey hospital for some weeks. He was an integral part of the Fowey community and will be missed by lots of people.
David <d@willmore.eclipse.co.uk>
- Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 08:31:55 (GMT)

John, thanks for the website for Boconnac. I,too, find it fascinating.
Mildred
- Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 12:25:09 (GMT)

It's fascinating to see how Daphne interwove fact and fiction in her novels, particularly The King's General. I was researching the history of the Boconnoc estate - the largest private estate in Cornwall - and you can see similarities in events, people and places. have a look at their website: www.boconnocenterprises.co.uk/history.html
John B
- Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 00:42:22 (GMT)

I just wanted to say that Daphne Du Maurier's book "The King's General" has perked up my writing and got me reading again after concentration problems. I love her writing style and look forward to reading everything I can get my hands on by her :)
Michelle
- Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 23:45:02 (GMT)