The Doll by Daphne du Maurier
Dr. E. Strongman finds a mysterious diary washed up on the shore. The author of it is unknown and some of it is illegible and has some pages missing. However, Dr. Strongman writes a paper on it.
It is most certainly written by a man obsessed with a woman named, Rebecca. We learn that she is a violinist and met the unknown man at a party. He later starts coming to her flat.
"Before I left she showed me round her tiny flat. There was a little scullery place she used for a kitchen, a poky bathroom, and her own small bedroom which was furnished like a nun's cell, quite plain and bare. There was another room leading from the studio, but she did not show me this."
Rebecca does eventually show him the other room, to introduce him to Julio. He turns out to be a very evil looking mechanical doll. The he persistently asks Rebecca why she has this doll, she never tells him. He becomes more and more obsessed with her and the doll.
This is a pretty creepy story about obsession. Very well written and great character development. I highly recommend it, especially for those who can't get enough of Daphne du Mauier. Click on The Guardian to read it.
Also reviewed by:
Short Story Monday is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.
Tweet
Posts
Sounds like an odd story, in a good way. I've actually never read one of duMaurier's short stories.
Anonymous said... September 26, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Rebecca is one of my favorites so this has been on my radar for a few months now since I have been hearing more about it on book blogs of late! Thanks for reminding me that I need to read it!
Kathleen said... September 26, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Thanks for posting this information. I love Daphne du Maurier's works.
Charleydog said... September 26, 2011 at 4:23 PM
Sounds fascinating -- the story and that it was lost. I only know Daphne du Maurier through Rebecca. I didn't even know she wrote short stories.
Patricia said... September 26, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Great find! I'll definitely be reading this, I love Daphne du Maurier. Too bad my husband can't pronounce her name, I wanted to name my daughter after her. ;)
Perogyo said... September 26, 2011 at 8:31 PM
Carol, I think you would like it.
Teddy Rose said... September 26, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Kathleen, I hope you enjoy it.
Teddy Rose said... September 26, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Charleydog, sure, I think you will enjoy it.
Teddy Rose said... September 26, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Patricia, she has written other shorts as well.
Teddy Rose said... September 26, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Medea, I probably don't pronounce it correctly either, I am terrible at that.
I tried to read your short story review but was denied access to the link and I don't see it on your regular blog.
Teddy Rose said... September 26, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Two Short Story Monday posts about things washed up on the shore this week. How bizarre.
Medea has a new link added on my blog now, it's http://perogiesandgyoza.blogspot.com/2011/09/short-story-monday-down-at-beach.html
John Mutford said... September 27, 2011 at 5:43 AM
It was such a weird one, wasn't it? I love her short stories. They're so creepy.
Chrisbookarama said... September 27, 2011 at 9:42 AM
John, that is bizarre. Thanks for the new link!
Teddy Rose said... September 27, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Chris, it sure was but I really enjoyed it! I have more of her shorts on my TBR.
Teddy Rose said... September 27, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Post a Comment