Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier

We'll be talking about 'Jamaica Inn' this Thursday 1st May at 6 p.m. It's been a topical read with the BBC drama attracting so much publicity ... not always for the right reasons. The screen version didn't capture the book for me, and looking forward to hearing what everyone else thinks. 

Daphne Du Maurier was captivated by Cornwall on childhood holidays, and lived there following her marriage. She wrote 'Jamaica Inn' when she was 29 years old after spending a night in the place on Bodmin Moor, and it's still open for business today - with good reviews on Trip Advisor! 

Daphne Du Maurier's 'Jamaica Inn' is isolated and forbidding, and the heroine Mary Yellan makes a truly gothic arrival there via coach one dark winter's evening to live with her mother's sister, Patience. Mary's aunt Patience is married to the landlord, a sinister and secretive bully engaged in smuggling and worse. He has an enigmatic younger brother who makes his living as a horse thief. Mary is trapped, unsure of who to trust, as she is dragged deeper into the intrigue and dangerous events unfolding at 'Jamaica Inn'....

Here's the star of the BBC adaptation of 'Jamaica Inn', Jessica  Brown Findlay in 'Albatross' which was filmed entirely in the Isle of Man. Released in 2011, and well worth a watch. 

John Steinbeck

First edition Viking Press (Penguin)

published 75 years ago on 

14th April 1939

Everyone in the group hugely enjoyed whichever book they’d chosen by John Steinbeck. 

We mostly read a selection of his shorter works such as Tortilla Flat, Travels with Charley, Mice and Men, The Wayward Bus and Cannery Row because of the time frame for meetings. 

This was a great taster, with many of the group saying they thought the book ended too soon, and they would like to read more. 

Some of the group have started ‘East of Eden’ which is too good to hurry, and are engrossed. 

Overall, this makes John Steinbeck the group’s favourite author so far, with everyone awarding the book they’d tried a 4 or 5 star rating.

Young At Heart - Children's Book of your own choice

At tonight's meeting in the library @ 6 p.m. we’ll be talking about a children’s book of your own choice. Why limit yourself when so many children’s books are great reads, with timeless appeal? A chance to enjoy some nostalgia with an old favourite, or read something you missed out on. 

Image from Amazon