Daphne du Maurier’s novels are often classed as romances. However, the only obvious romance story she ever wrote was Frenchman’s Creek (Virago 2003, ISBN 1-84408-041-2). It is a wonderful, evocative story of a woman who longs for her own sense of freedom and finds it in her romantic escapades with the strangest of counterparts.
Yet, as with all Daphne du Maurier’s work, there is something which does not rest quite easy and which leaves the reader uncomfortable as only this superb author can do. Here it is an examination of the human psyche, in this instance, of her heroine Dona, which is intermingled expertly into the plot of this, her only true romantic novel.
Adventure and Romance
The beautiful, headstrong wife and mother, Lady Dona St Columb, whiles away her days of tedium by seeking out the outrageous to counteract the pomp and ceremony at the Restoration Court, by which she is surrounded. Yet she longs for her own freedom and for love, at any price, and is not much different from the female characters of the Medieval courtly romances, originators of the romance genre.
Dona leaves London for her family estates at Navron in Cornwall and searches for her secret desires amid the hidden creeks and secluded woods. In doing so, she falls in love with the notorious French pirate, Jean Aubrey. This love entices her into adventure on the high seas, aboard his pirate ship. Lady Dona, without doubt, discovers a man who harbours the same passion and adventure as she does, and is willing, as she is, to risk everything for what he wants.
Common Themes in Daphne du Maurier’s Work – Cornwall and the Sea
Daphne du Maurier is as famous for her life and portrayal of Cornwall as she is her literary works. The Cornish scenery and the coastline are painted in sophisticated, well-chosen words which bring them alive for the reader, whether on the ship with Jean Aubrey or at Navron, amid the house and gardens. The richness of language allows readers to transport themselves into the past, experiencing the sights and smells of the Cornish coast.
She equally makes use of her knowledge the sea she knew so well. This is a theme which occurs in her novels, such as Rebecca, and also in her short stories, such as Escort, found in The Rendezvous and Other Stories. The theme of danger and death recurs also with the use of these devices, possibly as a consequence of Du Maurier’s husband, Boy Browning, being often absent and in command of airborne troops, putting himself at unknown risk.
Freedom Versus Responsibility – The Romantic Heroine’s Choice
Freedom comes at a price, which Dona has to reconcile inside herself. Du Maurier makes it clear that, although Dona desperately wishes to escape her tiresome life and discover her own freedom, she is nevertheless a wife and a mother of two small children.
Throughout her dangerous escapades at Navron, the author reminds the reader that Dona has these children with her on the estate, and that her husband still resides in London. But Dona experiences such love she has never known before, that she really has no choice but to risk everything for Jean Aubrey’s love. These problems of the turbulent heart are the juxtapositions Du Maurier combines and integrates into the novel so well.
Whether you are an advocate of historical or romantic fiction is of no real consequence when reading this stunning novel. The romantic element is never overstated and fans of either genre will be entirely engrossed by the suspense-filled, romantic adventure as by Dona herself, with all her desires, foibles and inner turmoil. And if you are a fan of historical romance, then look no further. Daphne du Maurier’s works are in a class of their own.
Reference:
Daphne du Maurier, Frenchman’s Creek, Virago Modern Classics, 2003
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