‘My Cousin Rachel’ is quite a simple, measured tale told in the first person. As a result, I noticed the high quality of the writing - it seemed especially polished - more than the merit of the plot itself. I found it a digestible read and was intrigued by the characters, but part of me did wonder if it could have been compressed into a short story or novella. I was uncertain whether or not to sympathise with the naive protagonist Philip. The introduction, which as ever I read last, provided an interesting feminist perspective on the titular female character. I found myself feeling somewhat ambivalent about her; Philip elicited sympathy with his narration, but he was undoubtedly a foolish and misogynistic boy. She was an enigma. Overall, this novel made less of an impact on me than I’d expected. I enjoyed the writing and the atmosphere of it, however on the whole it did not seem terribly memorable. Other du Maurier novels with more compelling subjects have interested me a lot more. I did love the binding of this one, though.
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Rachel is simply the original model of gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. The levels of deception seen almost clearly by the readers are masked by Phillip's pure infatuation and obsession. The pieces of the puzzle are laid out plainly, but seeing a pretty lady takes away any ability for Phillip to think with logic and reason. I think the reason for the lower ranking is simply because I found Phillip's inability to see what was truly in front of him so beyond frustrating.

The setting and the actual writing paint such a lovely picture for the readers to see in their minds eye, but again the frustration of what the readers know/can see versus what the narrator chooses to see don't always match which took me out of the story. ( )

Orphaned as a young lad, Philip Ashley was taken in by his older cousin, Ambrose, whom he admires above all mortals. Ambrose makes Philip his heir to his country house and huge estate in Cornwall. Ambrose goes abroad for his health, meets an Italian woman named Rachel, marries her, and dies less than a year later. Ambrose's final letters to Philip are full of fear. He believes he is being poisoned, and warns Philip against his new bride.

Then Rachel comes to Cornwall to see Ambrose's ancestral home, and invited by an entranced Philip, stays with him at the estate. Philip soon becomes captivated by Rachel's beauty and personality, and he becomes blind to her faults. Then Philip, too, is beset by fever and unbearable pain. Is he, too, destined to die of poisoning?

I liked the book very much. It was atmospheric in a way that only du Maurier is capable of, and the sense of doom throughout the book kept my heart beating quickly and my breath short. What set this book aside for me from the other du Mauriers i have read, is that I really did not like any of the major players, save for a young woman in the neighbourhood, Louise, who talked sense and was clearheaded. I was amused by the steward, Seecombe, for his silly ways and for his pride. Philip is blinded by attraction, ill-tempered, jealous, and impetuous. I disliked him intensely. Rachel held no charms for me, despite her sweet talk and her teasing nature and the descriptions of her beauty. I knew she was trouble when she walked in (borrowing here from Taylor Swift!), and I feared her.

I definitely recommend the book. Du Maurier's books are always worth reading, it is just that this particular novel did not equal my enjoyment of Rebecca or Jamaica Inn. ( )

Another haunting and unsettling read by Dame du Maurier of the romantic gothic disposition and a fitting counterpart to the transcendental Rebecca. Philip Ashley bubbles over with unreliability here as the cynical teller of this bleak tale, which is made worse in twofold due to his gullibility and inexperience of a sickly sheltered lifestyle. I feel I know even less of the ever-elliptical cousin Rachel having finished the novel than I did before, and it is stunning to think du Maurier was able to pull it off so sleekly in this fashion without any serrated edges. To keep this review spoiler-free, I will say little more, only that I found at times the plot dragged a bit in the middle, but it makes up for it in its exemplary and disconcerting denouement. ( )

This gothic book is a classic written by Daphne Du Maurier. I have watched the 1952 movie with Richard Burton and Olivia de Havilland and the movie does follow the book.
Ambrose Ashley raised his cousin, Philip Ashley, after the death of Philip's parents.
Ambrose goes to Florence, Italy for his health because the winters in Cornwall are hard on him. His letters to Philip become increasingly unlike Ambrose telling Philip that he believes his wife is trying to kill him. Philip goes to Florence but Ambrose has died. Rachel has left with Ambrose's clothes and books.
Rachel comes to Cornwall bringing the books and clothes. Philip gets a different opinion of her than from the letters Ambrose has written and even falls in love.
Rachel is always the pleasant lady to everyone but treats Philip like a very young person; Philip will turn 25 in the book.
The book is narrated by Philip.
I won a complimentary copy from Goodreads. The opinions are my own. It is a 5 star rating for me. ( )