Manderley Forever: A Biography of Daphne du Maurier

Daphne du Maurier (1907–89) was a successful author; most famous for her novel Rebecca and short story The Birds, which Alfred Hitchcock turned into the film of the same name. Despite her achievements, du Maurier never received the respect she deserved as a writer, often labeled a romance novelist, an inaccurate description she despised. Best-selling author de Rosnay (Sarah's Key) recognizes du Maurier's writing talents and had an affinity for her novels from a young age. Her English/French background has parallels to du Maurier's. The translation is an excellent read that discusses many details such as du Maurier's unusual attachment to her father, her close bonds to her sisters, her kinship with France, and her bisexuality. Despite success, du Maurier's life was not easy. Her dedication to her writing left her initially estranged from her children and put major strains on her marriage that led to adultery by both parties. This well-researched work includes correspondence, memoirs, and insight from du Maurier's children as sources.