Hi friends! I can’t wait to hear what you thought of our October 2022 selection! As you may know, I absolutely love Daphne du Maurier. It was such a treat to read another one of her novels. If you haven’t gotten the chance yet, I highly recommend watching our event with Ann Willmore who shared countless fascinating details about Daphne’s life and writing. See My Cousin Rachel discussion questions below and respond via the comment box at the bottom of this page!
Discussion Questions:
1. The narrative of this novel is provided from the perspective of Philip. How would the novel be different if Rachel had narrated it? Do you think the decision to use Philip as narrator helps add to the mystery or blurs the true actions and motives of the characters?
2. Philip professes his love for Rachel, but she does not reciprocate. Why do you think she does not agree to marry him? Do you think he is right in his impression that she loves him, as well?
3. du Maurier’s writing is quite stunning. Do you have a favorite quote from the book?
4. Have you watched the film adaptation? How do you feel it compares to the novel?
5. Please feel free to share your overall thoughts!
2. Philip professes his love for Rachel, but she does not reciprocate. Why do you think she does not agree to marry him? Do you think he is right in his impression that she loves him, as well?
3. du Maurier’s writing is quite stunning. Do you have a favorite quote from the book?
4. Have you watched the film adaptation? How do you feel it compares to the novel?
5. Please feel free to share your overall thoughts!
Christine Edwards says
The use of Philip as narrator is essential to the mystery since we never know what Rachel is really thinking or feeling.
Rachel is an enigma. Is she good or bad – even Daphne Du Maurier said she didn’t know (per Ann Wilmore). Rachel slept with Philip on the night of his birthday – and per Philip this was the only time he was with a woman so he never got over her. I keep changing my mind about Rachel – we will never know the truth which adds to the mystery! I though the film adaptaion with Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton was very good. Did not like the remake with Rachel Weisz.
Megan Kovacs says
1. I feel like if Rachel was the narrator, the book would be very short, as she might not be as willing to give up her thoughts and feelings. I think having Philip as the narrator definitely adds to the mystery of the story because he is in the dark about knowing anything until the very end. Although, his true motives shine through at the very end when he chooses not to warn Rachel.
2. I think Rachel chooses not to marry him because of her selfish desires and her being controlled by Rainaldi, although, I think there is a small part of her that truly does care for Philip. But it is very clear that she is using and abusing her relationship/friendship with him, maybe not from the very beginning, but as the story progresses. I think he is right in his impression that Rachel loves him, but he is definitely blinded by it.
3. My favorite quote is, “The point is, life has to be endured, and lived. But how to live it is the problem.”
4. I haven’t seen the film adaptation, and I don’t think I plan to watch it.
5. It was difficult for me to get into this book. I ended up listening to it on audio. I’m not a huge fan of Gothic literature/romance. I have read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, among others, and I enjoyed them, but it’s not my go-to. About three-quarters of the way through, I had to keep listening to find out what was going to happen–it was getting good! I enjoyed the mystery of it, as that is definitely a genre I enjoy reading.
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