Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier was such a fun read for me. It’s kind of romancey and yet not sappy in the least and I guess that’s why I liked it so much. There are no blatant intimate scenes, just subtle innuendo and sometimes that really adds a lot to a novel.
Dona, a bored housewife and mother, is our main character and what a hoot she is. She belonged in modern society not back in 17th century England. Being completely and utterly tired of things at home with her husband Harry and high society, she takes off with her children for Navron House. Once there, she finds only one servant in residence, William, who just happens to be in cahoots with our illustrious pirate.
Dona is looking for adventure and excitement and that’s just what she gets when by chance she meets her French pirate. He fulfills her in all the ways she’s been yearning for giving her love and a purpose to her life however dangerous it may be. She finally gets to experience all the danger and heart thumping excitement she’s wanted and she’s never been happier.
As with most things though, in the end, Dona has to make a life decision. Does she go back to her old and boring life as a mother and wife or does she risk everything and leave with her Frenchman and live the life of a pirate with her true love instead. What will she do?… Where in the end does her heart lead her?…
I can easily see why Daphne du Maurier is considered such an amazing and talented writer. While Dona is the main character, all of the characters jump out at you. She makes them all interesting in their own little ways. I loved the dialogue in the book with some of the most memorable being between Dona and her servant William, who if you remember is also in with the pirate. It had me laughing out loud more than a few times.
I really enjoyed du Maurier’s writing and I’ll just share one of my favorite quotes…
- ‘She looked out towards the ship, straining at her moorings there in the creek, the riding-light swaying to the freshening wind, while the men on board her slept soundly; and she thought of those silent trespassers who would come upon her out of the darkness. No creaking of oars in the night, no shadow of boats, but a wet hand stretching from the water upon the chain, and a wet footmark upon the fo’c’sle head, and lithe dripping figures dropping down upon her decks, a whisper, and a whistle, and a strangled smothered cry’. (pg 137, Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier)
This is a entertaining read and one I would recommend if you enjoy a classic historical romance. Really, Frenchman’s Creek is a tale of escape and who doesn’t want to escape their lives once in a while for something more risky and exciting! This edition is newly released through Sourcebooks and the cover is absolutely amazing. It’s dark and just a little mysterious just as you would suspect a pirate’s life might be! You can purchase Frenchman’s Creek here in the US and here in Canada.
Be sure to check out my Daphne du Maurier giveaway posted yesterday in celebration of what would have been her 102nd birthday on May 13 here.
Fabulous review Dar! This one is next in line and now I’m super excited to read it!
I also have a giveaway for Daphne…a lot of readers are really excited to win! At least they have a lot of chances between all of us!
I’ve read Rebecca and have been thinking I need to read something else by her!
I tried to Rebecca but wasn’t that into it, and actually not even the blurb interested me. I only tried to read it cos someone said it was good.
But I am more drawn to this one 🙂
This sounds like something I’m just in the mood for. 😀 Off to see if the library has it…
It sounds like a great read. I love a good escape now and again.
Great review! Sounds like I’d enjoy this book. I have Rebecca but haven’t read it yet. I probably should.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I really want to read the book after that great review!
Thanks for the great review. I am definitely putting this on my TBR list, sounds like my kind of book.
This sounds really good. I am going to try and get a set of Daphne Du Maurier books.
I love Du Maurier! Excellent review. And these new editions really do have gorgeous covers.
I might have to give this one a try. I tried reading the first couple of pages and it didn’t really grab me, but I have read some of Daphne du Maurier’s other books and I have enjoyed them. That coupled with your review has me thinking I will probably give this one a try.
I also enjoyed this one, now I’m getting ready to read My Cousin Rachel and I’m really looking forward to it. Du Maurier was a very talented writer.
The only Du Maurier I’ve read is REBECCA, which I really liked.
I had seen your giveaway, but thought I should learn to “just say no”. After reading this review, I’m heading back to put my name in for the drawing!
Sounds great! I love that you point out that it’s romantic but not sappy. That’s the type of romances I enjoy most, they seem much more realistic somehow. Thanks for the review 🙂
great review, this does sound good.
nice quote. I do enjoy a good historical romance.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Dar.. great review. I haven’t read this one but really want to now.
I read Rebecca a LONG time ago but I never did read anything else by Daphne du Maurier. This one sounds like a good one!
Great review, Dar! I have Rebecca in my TBR and haven’t touched it yet. I really should. And I ought to include this into my wish list too.
You always write such amazing reviews! They really make me want to read the books!
I think I might have started this one years and years ago before I felt any need to escape so didn’t appreciate it. Now, though, …oh, yeah, I’m going to look for it at the library!
I’m so ashamed to say it but I’ve never read a Daphne du Maurier book!! I did however buy My Cousin Rachel a few weeks ago because of a bloggers wonderful review!! Now your fantastic review has put another one of her books on my radar!! Great job Dar!!!
I’ve read Rebecca by this author and really, really enjoyed it. I’m definitely going to sign up for the contest and read these 🙂
Great review, Dar! I loved Rebecca, but haven’t read her other work. I’ll look for this at the library this week.
Amy, I can’t wait to read your review. I hope you like it!
Lenore, I’ll be reading more of hers too. I still haven’t read Rebecca but want to.
Anna, lol. Not surprising we both have Rebecca on our shelf but haven’t read it.
Nymeth, I really love the new edition covers. Sourcebooks has done a great job.
Nicole, read past the first few chapters of this one. The beginning might be slow but it takes off after that.
Dawn, I’m glad you entered. Saying no isn’t always fun. I only enter for the books I really want so that makes it ok.
Joanne, I don’t like sappy romances either but I do like the subtle ones or funny ones.
Everyone else, thanks for the compliments on my review. If you get a chance to read it, let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
I’ll have to check this one out. Thanks for the great review!
This book is the only one of du Maurier’s that I don’t have on my shelf. I am anxious to read it!
Oh, I hope she goes with the French pirate! How romantic! 🙂 Like I said in your giveaway post, I hadn’t heard of this one before but I’ve been hearing rave things about Du Maurier since blogging. I just picked up Rebecca, but I’ll have to put this one on the list, too!
Trish, I have Rebecca also and just need to find some time to read it. I hear it's one of her best ones. I can't wait!