53 pages • 1 hour read
Jamaica Inn
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, England • 1820s
1935
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier is a period piece thriller set in early 1800s Cornwall, following Mary Yellan as she navigates the dangerous world of smuggling at the ominous Jamaica Inn, owned by her abusive uncle, Joss Merlyn. Living with her Aunt Patience, Mary uncovers a dark and violent smuggling operation while grappling with her complex feelings towards Jem Merlyn, Joss's younger brother. The book contains discussions of domestic violence, murder, rape, ableism, and alcohol addiction.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
60,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn garners praise for its gothic atmosphere, vivid setting, and suspenseful plot, capturing readers' imaginations. Critics commend the strong, compelling heroine and intricate character development. However, some note predictable plot points and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a gripping and evocative tale recommended for fans of gothic fiction.
Who Should Read Jamaica Inn?
A reader who enjoys thrilling, atmospheric Gothic novels with strong, complex characters and dark, suspenseful settings would love Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier. Comparable to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, this novel appeals to those captivated by tales of mystery, danger, and romance in desolate landscapes.
60,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, England • 1820s
1935
Adult
18+ years
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