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Join in for children's book recommendations.

Join in for children's book recommendations.

Children's books

Daphne du Maurier recommendations for my 12 year old dd please

15 replies

FrogPrincess · 06/07/2011 11:02

DD is just turning 12 and an avid reader, and has now discovered Daphne du Maurier. She absolutely loved Rebecca and Jamaica Inn and would love to read more but I am unsure which ones to go for next as these are the only two I have read

So I thought of the wonderful MNers......

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FrogPrincess · 06/07/2011 11:02

Possibly posted in the wrong section......

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SybilBeddows · 06/07/2011 11:04

I would go for Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel next.

FrogPrincess · 06/07/2011 11:13

Thank you, I think I'll get them as an extra birthday present for her. I knew the plot of Frenchman's Creek, but not My Cousin Rachel. Having looked it up I think she will enjoy it. She was thrilled at being totally surprised by the ending of Jamaica Inn!

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Takver · 06/07/2011 15:05

That takes me back! I used to love DdM - went through the whole lot as a young teen (caveat - my parents didn't censor at all, and I can't guarantee that they are in any way suitable for a 12 y/o!)

I know they're rather different, but if she's discovered DdM, might she also like Georgette Heyer? (In particular 'These Old Shades' might appeal.)

Catsycat · 06/07/2011 22:35

Frenchman's Creek was the first one I read at about 12, and I loved it. I re-read it as an adult and realised there were bits I just hadn't understood as a girl! I do think it's a lovely book, and I hope your daughter enjoys it.

FrogPrincess · 07/07/2011 11:43

Takver, I'm not too worried about censoring her reading material. She has read the awful Twilight series, which is awful in so many ways, so I'm pretty sure Daphne du Maurier can't be more unsuitable than that (plus it will have an exciting plot and good writing!)

Can I admit to not knowing about Georgette Heyer (I'll pretend she was never known in France, shall I?)? Might look into her now.

Catsycat, I think she will definitely enjoy the romance and adventure in Frenchman's Creek (and that some notions will go right over her head, but that's fine!).

Anyway, I have bought Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel and she will get them as a surprise early birthday present tonight.

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FreeButtonBee · 07/07/2011 11:52

Oh, GH is amazing. I would have loved to have found them at 12. Better than the Thorn Birds which informed by views on sex of many a year!

FreeButtonBee · 07/07/2011 11:54

House on the Strand also interesting - has a time travelling element which is really spooky

FrogPrincess · 07/07/2011 11:58

Oh yes House on Strand does look like another good one she'd enjoy! Might order that one soon.

And another vote for Georgette Heyer..... So great to discover a new author (new to me!)

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wearymum200 · 07/07/2011 19:49

I was about that age when i got "in" to Ddm. The King's General was my favourite. Also read at around the same age, with similar sort of historical themes: Jean Plaidy, Mary Renault, Mary Stewart's Arthurian novels (and also loved her more modern ones, too; IIRC nothing I wouldn't want a mature 12 year old reading)

munstersmum · 08/07/2011 10:39

Another confession of ploughing through 'loads' of GH at about same age. Grandmother used to pass them on !

If you're open to new authors also consider the Poldark series. Nothing too saucy as published 1950's I think.

Back to Daphne Du M, don't miss out Rule Britannia as it's a bit different & likely to lead to an interesting conversation.

FrogPrincess · 08/07/2011 12:24

Thank you for the suggestions, I shall look into all of these! She was given a summer reading list by school this week so I think she will have plenty to choose from!

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pointythings · 12/07/2011 21:16

Seconding Georgette Heyer here too - These Old Shades is brilliant (as is the sequel The Devil's Cub), so are Regency Buck, The Grand Sophy and Frederica.

EustaciaVye · 29/07/2011 10:12

I loved DdM when I was younger. I have kept the box set of 4 I had as a Christmas present (it was the 4 books mentioned). I have also kept Lorna Doone which I also remember loving but I cant quite remember the plot. May be an alternative ? although not sure of suitable age. Might have to re-read.

IndridCold · 29/07/2011 18:32

I loved them at that age too, my favourite was the Kings General. I went to a 'do' at Menabilly once (the real Manderley) which was quite exciting.

I also remember loving the Flambards books at the same time, so they might be of interest to your DD too.

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