Product Description

Daphne du Maurier's second work of fiction—an amazingly vivid coming-of-age novel set in 1930s Europe.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #534252 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
'Du Maurier's descriptions of riding in Norwegian mountains, of life before the mast and in foreign capitals ring as true as her transcription of a young man's thoughts and talk' PUNCH 'Amazingly vivid' SATURDAY REVIEW

From the Publisher
Dame Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) wrote more than twenty-five acclaimed novels, short stories, and plays, including Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Jamaica Inn, and The House on the Strand. She was also a passionate and skillful chronicler of her own remarkable, famously artistic family. Now, this is one of three of her fine novels that have been reissued in the distinguished Virago Modern Classics series.

"The iron of the bridge felt hot under my hand. The sun had been upon it all day. Gripping hard with my hands I lifted myself on to the bar and gazed down steadily on the water passing under... I thought of places I would never see, and women I should never love." In a moment of crisis, Richard is saved by a passing stranger—Jake. The two men, both at turning points, become fast friends and, out for adventure, jump aboard the first ship they see. Their journey takes them across Europe, cementing a passionate friendship. But it is in bohemian Paris that Richard finally meets the woman who enables him to fulfill his artistic promise. This, Daphne du Maurier's second novel, is a masterpiece of narration, showcasing for the first time in her career the male voice she would use to stunning effect in four subsequent novels, including My Cousin Rachel.

About the Author
Daphne du Maurier was born in 1906 and lived most of her life in Cornwall. The daughter of the famous actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier, she began writing in 1928 and was made a DBE in 1969. She died in 1989.

Customer Reviews

Satisfying!
Although described as a "sensitive portrait of a young man in love", Daphne du Mauriers "I'll never be young again" is much more than that. It is the unassuming mental journey of a young man, rescued from suicide, as he rediscovers joys and beauties of the world and regains a place amongst people and society.

Richard, leaving an unhappy childhood and a cold family behind him, moves on in life, trying to understand himself and what he wants from life. He makes journeys through Europe, treks through mountains and drinks in cafes in cities, until finally settling down with Hesta, a Parisian girl. Through his narrations and stories we go through his mind, understand people, psychology and social behaviour. The book is so beautifully and gently written that while the narrator himself doesnt make loud proclamations about whats going on around him, we feel at times we can understand more of whats happening than he can.

While it isn't as much as a story as a study in psychology, this book is definitely a must read.

A classic Du Maurier, if not her best
"I'll Never Be Young Again" is Du Maurier's second novel, and as such shows both her strengths and weaknesses. One of the many things I love about her novels is her unparalleled ability to get into the heads of her characters. The protagonist here, Dick, is no exception. I didn't find him to be sympathetic character at all, especially in the second part of the novel (set in Paris)--but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book, because it is precisely Du Maurier's skill in forming her characters that made me dislike him so. And to think she was only about 23 or 24 when she wrote this book! (In part, I think her being the same age as Dick and possibly feeling and experiencing some of what he feels and experiences is largely what made his character so believable.) While "I'll Never..." doesn't have the suspense and narrative pull of some of her later books, most notably Rebecca, Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel, it is still a strong book by an excellent writer. For those new to Dame Du Maurier, I'd recommend starting with one of the books I previously mentioned, but for her fans, "I'll Never..." is a must-read.

Growing pains for a young man...
Richard is twenty-one, and feels his life has no meaning. He would like to become a writer, but he can't measure up to his father, a well-respected poet, and has no idea where to go from here. And so, just when he has given up on everything, Jake comes along. Jake is older, mysterious and philosophical. He lost his youth through some rather rough circumstances, and mourns the fact that he will never be young again. However, he is determined to live youth through Richard. And when they embark upon a journey through Europe, Richard goes through a journey of his own -- one of self-discovery. But during this journey, he will have to put up with the same things others had once had to put up with him.

Most early efforts are somewhat autobiographical. I have a feeling that this novel was very personal for Daphne du Maurier. As I read this book, I couldn't help but wonder if she, like Richard, had difficulty finding her own voice as a writer. I also wonder if she'd felt she didn't measure up to her grandfather, George du Maurier. I haven't read any of her autobiographies and memoirs, so I don't know. I'll Never Be Young Again is a coming-of-age story. It was also Du Maurier's second novel -- her first featuring her "male alter ego." The relationship between Richard and Jake is interesting, to say the least. And there are similarities between that relationship and Richard's later relationship with Hesta, only in reverse. (You'll see what I mean once you read this.) And if you read it and think that Richard is whiny and insufferable... you're not alone. As for the novel itself, while it lacks the wonderful writing of later works like Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, Mary Anne and The House on the Strand, it is quite good nevertheless. It isn't great though. The narrative lags in certain parts. However, I don't think Daphne du Maurier was capable of writing a bad book, and an average effort from her would be a masterpiece for somebody else. I look forward to reading Du Maurier's remaining backlist.