As the nights drew in the Tyneside Book Club tackled Gothic classic Jamaica Inn Jamaica Inn was the final book choice of longstanding member Jacky.
This tale of smuggling and skullduggery in 18th Century Cornwall formed the basis of our November meeting - its foggy darkness proving suitably autumnal.
There were a range of responses to the book. The consensus was that it didn't have the psychological darkness and complexity of Du Maurier's Rebecca - a previous book club choice - but that it still had merit.
Some liked the atmosphere (those foggy moors) and felt the plot gripped tightly enough to engage them. Heroine Mary irritated some, but was also appreciated for the independent spirit and agency granted her by the author.
Du Maurier's influences (principally the Brontes) were on show, meaning Jamaica Inn didn't feel particularly original, but did offer Gothic thrills. Some felt the characters lacked depth, and that the plot twist was relatively predictable. But some remarked on the darkness of the "wrecking" and the impact it had on one of the central villains.
Most felt though that Du Maurier - who was in her 20s at the time of publication - would go on to better and more complex work.
December sees the Club in party mode with the next book scheduled for January. As it is a selection of MR James' ghost stories though, peaceful nights aren't guaranteed.
This tale of smuggling and skullduggery in 18th Century Cornwall formed the basis of our November meeting - its foggy darkness proving suitably autumnal.
There were a range of responses to the book. The consensus was that it didn't have the psychological darkness and complexity of Du Maurier's Rebecca - a previous book club choice - but that it still had merit.
Some liked the atmosphere (those foggy moors) and felt the plot gripped tightly enough to engage them. Heroine Mary irritated some, but was also appreciated for the independent spirit and agency granted her by the author.
Du Maurier's influences (principally the Brontes) were on show, meaning Jamaica Inn didn't feel particularly original, but did offer Gothic thrills. Some felt the characters lacked depth, and that the plot twist was relatively predictable. But some remarked on the darkness of the "wrecking" and the impact it had on one of the central villains.
Most felt though that Du Maurier - who was in her 20s at the time of publication - would go on to better and more complex work.
December sees the Club in party mode with the next book scheduled for January. As it is a selection of MR James' ghost stories though, peaceful nights aren't guaranteed.
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