What do readers think of Manderley Forever by Tatiana de Rosnay? Write your own review.

Tatiana de Rosnay has given the reader a reverential tale of the life of Daphne du Maurier. The book although well researched reads as a novel or historical fiction.
We learn of du Maurier's privileged life as a child and as an adult
her relationships with her family and friends seem to be unreal as the relationships of the characters in her many novels.

The book was an enjoyable read but not what I expected of a biography. It seemed gossipy at times. Endlessly telling of her travels seeking new exotic setting and characters for strange and intriguing stories.

Daphne du Maurier was an accomplished and prolific author. I was glad to know some of her history, but I'm left feeling I don't know the real person I was seeking.
Instead I found a kind of romance heroine written by a fan.

It is evident that the author has done a great deal of research on her subject -- Daphne DuMaurier. Readers will find within these pages all of the background information about her life and loves that were the foundation of her work, including her obsession with places and ideas until they were put on the pages of her books. I found her early on to be spoiled, selfish and self-absorbed, although as she aged those tendencies somewhat softened. She seemed to inspire loyalty in those she brought into her circle of friendships and they remained lifelong correspondents and confidants.

Unfortunately, I didn't care for the author's style. She mentioned in the preface that she is describing DuMaurier as if she were filming her with a camera, and this, for me, created a strange distance from the subject.

DuMaurier was a fascinating woman - so ahead of her time in many ways. This biography will appeal to fans of her work, as they learn the intimate details that led to the creation of her stories.