🩸 Horror Fiction

The Doll

✍️ Daphne Du Maurier
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$18.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of thirteen early short stories by Daphne du Maurier.

The book contains thirteen short stories composed by Daphne du Maurier prior to her twenty-third birthday. Several of these tales have been unavailable since the nineteen thirties. The writer is widely known for Rebecca, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. She also authored Jamaica Inn and The Birds. Critics at the New York Times consider her unique in her field. This volume highlights her early interest in human flaws and tragic love. It shows how she started her writing career with short fiction. The collection documents her rise as a literary figure. It links her initial works to the classic status she later attained. Admirers of her famous novels will appreciate seeing her beginnings.

Key Themes
human foibles tragic romance early career
Literary Context

Daphne du Maurier is best known for Rebecca, the basis for an Academy Award-winning motion picture directed by Alfred Hitchcock. She also created Jamaica Inn and The Birds. The New York Times places her in a class by herself. This collection highlights her start in short fiction before her major novels.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Edith Wharton · Henry James · M.R. James
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 William Morrow & Company 📅 2011 📖 209 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780062080349

📝 Description: The Doll

New York Times critics view Daphne du Maurier as unique among writers. This book gathers thirteen early tales composed before she reached age twenty-three. Several stories have not been published since the nineteen thirties. The volume showcases her beginnings in short fiction prior to her success with Rebecca and other well-known works. These narratives examine human weaknesses and sorrowful love affairs. They demonstrate the rise of a significant writer who later produced Jamaica Inn and The Birds. This impressive set of early stories is essential for fans of du Maurier. It appeals to those interested in gothic literature and her professional growth. Readers preferring contemporary horror might find the older style less engaging. William Morrow & Company published this edition in 2011. The ISBN number is 9780062080349. The book provides insight into her formative period. Audiences can observe the development of her signature gothic tone through these initial pieces. This compilation offers a straightforward look at her first creative efforts.

💎 Our verdict on The Doll

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
This compilation serves as a fascinating glimpse into the origins of a literary giant, showcasing thirteen early short stories composed before the author turned twenty-three. The volume effectively highlights du Maurier’s initial exploration of tragic love and human weakness, establishing the foundation for her later success with works like Jamaica Inn. Critics note her unique position in the field, and this collection validates that assessment by displaying her developing gothic tone. While the older style may not appeal to readers seeking modern horror tropes, it remains a crucial resource for scholars and admirers of classic Gothic fiction. It offers a straightforward yet profound look at her first creative efforts, making it a worthy addition for dedicated fans.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in the genealogy of Gothic literature will find this volume essential for understanding the roots of Daphne du Maurier’s signature tone. It is particularly valuable for those who admire Rebecca or The Birds, as it reveals the developmental arc of her craft before she achieved classic status. Fans of tragic love stories and psychological horror will appreciate the examination of human flaws presented in these early tales. While contemporary horror enthusiasts might find the older stylistic approach less engaging, those interested in literary history and the progression of a major writer’s voice will gain significant insight into her formative creative efforts and professional growth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

This compilation serves as a fascinating glimpse into the origins of a literary giant, showcasing thirteen early short stories composed before the author turned twenty-three. The volume effectively highlights du Maurier’s initial exploration of tragic love and human weakness, establishing the foundation for her later success with works like Jamaica Inn. Critics note her unique position in the field, and this collection validates that assessment by displaying her developing gothic tone. While the older style may not appeal to readers seeking modern horror tropes, it remains a crucial resource for scholars and admirers of classic Gothic fiction. It offers a straightforward yet profound look at her first creative efforts, making it a worthy addition for dedicated fans.

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