53 pages • 1 hour read
Daphne du MaurierJamaica Inn
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1935A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier is a period piece thriller set in early 1800s Cornwall, following Mary Yellan as she navigates the dangerous world of smuggling at the ominous Jamaica Inn, owned by her abusive uncle, Joss Merlyn. Living with her Aunt Patience, Mary uncovers a dark and violent smuggling operation while grappling with her complex feelings towards Jem Merlyn, Joss's younger brother. The book contains discussions of domestic violence, murder, rape, ableism, and alcohol addiction.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn garners praise for its gothic atmosphere, vivid setting, and suspenseful plot, capturing readers' imaginations. Critics commend the strong, compelling heroine and intricate character development. However, some note predictable plot points and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a gripping and evocative tale recommended for fans of gothic fiction.
Who Should Read Jamaica Inn?
A reader who enjoys thrilling, atmospheric Gothic novels with strong, complex characters and dark, suspenseful settings would love Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier. Comparable to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, this novel appeals to those captivated by tales of mystery, danger, and romance in desolate landscapes.