Daphne du Maurier

Author:
Daphne du Maurier

Date of birth: 13-May-1907
Place of birth: London, England UK

About the author:
Daphne du Maurier (1907–1989) was a British author known for her atmospheric novels and stories that often blend romance, mystery, and psychological suspense. Her work has captivated readers worldwide and inspired numerous film adaptations.

Born on May 13, 1907, in London, England, Daphne came from a creative family—her father was the famous actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier, and her grandfather was the renowned cartoonist George du Maurier. She was educated privately and developed a strong interest in literature and the arts from a young age.

Du Maurier’s most famous novel, Rebecca (1938), is a gothic masterpiece that tells the story of a young bride overshadowed by her husband’s first wife. The book was an immediate bestseller and was famously adapted into a classic film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Other notable works include Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, and The Birds, the latter of which was also adapted into a famous Hitchcock film.

Her writing style is characterised by its evocative descriptions, suspenseful plots, and richly drawn characters. Themes of identity, memory, and the supernatural frequently appear in her work.

Daphne du Maurier spent much of her life in Cornwall, a region that greatly influenced her settings and storytelling. She passed away on April 19, 1989, but her novels continue to be widely read and celebrated for their timeless appeal and haunting atmosphere.