Lesley is Reading: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier 
Inanother edition of “sometimes your parents have good taste”, my father and I are bonding over our mutual love for Daphne Du Maurier. Turns out, after he recommended I read her best-known books (Mary Anne, Rebecca, and The Birds…all highly recommended by the way) I finally got around to picking up my dad’s favorite; My Cousin Rachel. And I’m glad to report, so far it’s also my favorite book by Maurier. Most of her novels are from the female perspective, about women who find themselves in tense situations in strange places. But in My Cousin Rachel, the book is narrated by the male protagonist who suspects such a woman. Narrator Philip suspects his cousin of causing the death of his guardian/cousin, and after he inherits the family farm and estate, he comes face to face with the woman. The focus on morose Philip having been raised without a single female influence, causing his lack of awareness and suspicion of women, adds a nice edge to the mystery about a possible black widow. Maurier’s unique brand of modern gothic style and easily is so good at sucking you in right from the start. Considering the sunburn I got reading the book on my porch this weekend, if you’re looking for a summer/beach read to devour one weekend, a Daphnne Du Maurier s novel’s a safe bet.
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