Most people will have heard of Daphne du Maurier but possibly not The House on the Strand*, published in 1969. I actually read it last year but it’s been percolating in my head ever since, so I thought I’d share my thoughts. Incidentally, this classic was also du Maurier’s favourite of all the books she wrote. So, how does it compare to her more famous works like Rebecca* (read my review here), Jamaica Inn*, or My Cousin Rachel*?
The House on the Strand
Dick Young’s old school friend (now Professor) Magnus Lane, offers him an escape from his job hunting troubles with the loan of Kilmarth, Magnus’ house in Cornwall. The catch is that Dick has to agree to be a guinea pig for a new drug that Magnus has created. When he tries it, Dick finds himself transported to the Cornish manor of Tywardreath in the 14th century.
As Dick witnesses the intrigues of the court there, he becomes fixated with the steward, Roger, and the captivating Isolda Carminowe. He withdraws from the modern world to spend more and more time in the past. But his attempts to change history bring terror to the present and throw his own life in the balance.
Daphne du Maurier (13 May 1907 – 19 April 1989) was an English author and playwright. Although her bestselling works weren’t taken seriously by critics at first, they’ve since earned her an enduring reputation for storytelling craft, and many have been successfully adapted into films. As an aside, I didn’t realise du Maurier’s short story, The Birds, was the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Birds*, released in 1963.
First impressions of The House on the Strand
I was caught up in the book straight away. Du Maurier keeps the narrative moving back and forth between both time periods effortlessly, as well as keeping the tension on both levels. Dick, the narrator, is not a particularly sympathetic character.
He’s weak, easily led, and rather selfish. But he’s the perfect test subject for Magnus, the eccentric inventor who overawes his friend. That said, none of the characters in the present day are especially likeable either: Vita is overbearing and bossy, and Dr Powell could hardly be described as having his patient’s best interests at heart.
Of the two periods, the historian in me preferred the 14th century. But I also found it interesting that the drug allows Dick’s brain to travel while his body remains in the same physical location: when he walks in the past, he walks in the present, although entirely oblivious to present time. And that’s why he puts his hand through a glass pane in the present. And why Magnus walks under a train. His brain was in the 14th century and the train simply wasn’t there for him.
The House on the Strand ending explained
As the novel progresses, we learn more about the side effects of Magnus’ drug: nausea, vertigo, confusion, and a creeping paralysis. The ending came as a shock and it’s left open, which is something I always like in a novel. Daphne du Maurier said of it: “What about the hero of The House on the Strand? What did it mean when he dropped the telephone at the end of the book?”
The House on the Strand as a film?
I mentioned at the beginning that this was du Maurier’s favourite book and she was disappointed that a film version wasn’t made. Personally, I think this is a film script waiting to happen and I’m amazed no-one’s snapped it up yet. And don’t you think this upside down shot of the front cover of my copy looks just like an eye? I’m sure that could be worked into a film poster!
Would I recommend The House on the Strand?
I think the fact that I read this book some six months ago and still find myself thinking about it means that it’s a yes, highly recommended. Even now, I’m still not sure whether Dick and Magnus were really time-travelling or merely hallucinating. LSD was popular in the 1960’s so a perfect topic for du Maurier to explore and craft a novel around.
Categorising the book is hard though, because it covers so many topics: science fiction, time travel, supernatural, history, addiction, control. It’s not what I would class a usual Daphne du Maurier, which I think is also in its favour. But I do think it’s a brilliant example of her skill as a storyteller and I’m very glad I found it.
Have you read The House on the Strand, or any of du Maurier’s other books? What did you think if so?
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Not something I would pick up without having read about it first and although I don’t particularly like historic elements in books, I really like the sound of this and the past/present theme. Sounds really intriguing so I may have to pop to my library for this one.
It’s certainly not what I was expecting but it’s really good! x
I haven’t heard of this author but the plot sounds very intriguing. Combined with your review I would love to read this at some point- when my TBR pile is slightly smaller. I think it’s always testament to a good book if it’s still in your mind months later!
Thanks for sharing Lisa?
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
Oh, my TBR piles are frightening, every time I finish one book I can see shelves full beckoning and the next in line just depends which one I feel most guilty about not having read yet, haha. Which is why this review is so late! x
I’ve actually just ordered Rebecca from my local library as I’ve never read any of du Maurier’s books, but now I’m thinking I’ll have to order this one too! Your review has left me highly intrigued and this book sounds so good – the fact it’s stayed with you for so long says a lot!
(Also in the nicest possible way I thought you were about 10 years younger than you are, you ageless beaut!)
Beth x
Oh, I loved Rebecca but this is completely different, not at all what I was expecting but still brilliant – let me know what you think if you do read it. And thank you, that’s absolutely the loveliest comment I could have received, you are wonderful! xx
I read The House on the Strand while staying opposite the church in Tywardreath – very atmospheric. I actually prefer Du Maurier’s short stories which are more tightly structured & like you I disliked the main character but the book is interesting to read.
Oh my goodness, how amazing to read the book where it was set, I am envious! I haven’t read any of her short stories but after finding out she wrote The Birds I’m very tempted to explore them. I do like short stories, as you say, they tend to be more tightly structured and easy to follow!
This book sounds really interesting, especially if we are not sure if the characters were time-travelling or just hallucinating. The fact you are still thinking about the book after reading it last year tells me it’s gotta be a great story! I love reading your book reviews Lisa, they are always so well-written and detailed. Thanks for sharing! xx
Oh, thank you Bexa, that’s very kind! I really loved this book, it wasn’t like anything I’d read before or indeed like her other novels that I’ve read. Perhaps that’s why it’s stayed with me. Too good not to share though! Xx
I like history events, it’s not usually my first choice when picking up a book but if I find one that has such an exciting tale of events like this one I think I’d be surely happy! ? I like books that play with timelines but I find it so interesting that it’s so captivating and mind blogging that you can’t tell if the main characters are time traveling or hallucinating ? great review Lis! ? ?
xx Lena
If you like books that play with time then I think you’d surely like this one, it’s so clever. Also, because it was written a while ago, it’s also historical in the sense that we’re looking back at the ’60’s too, haha. I love the twist with the time travelling vs. hallucinating and the ending as the real shocker! Thank you for reading, Lena 🙂 xx
Ooh what an intriguing sounding book! I think I’m definitely going to be giving this one a go!
Oh, that’s great – please let me know what you think if you do! 🙂
This isn’t a book I’ve heard of before unusually, I wonder why it isn’t as infamous as her other works?
I know, I hadn’t heard of it either and I was really surprised when I found out it was by Daphne du Maurier. But that’s why I love my Book Group, I often come across books (and authors) I haven’t heard of before!
This sounds like an interesting book. It’s not my usual style, but I’m a book-aholic so book ideas are always welcome!
It’s not my usual style either but it’s so good, I couldn’t put it down, haha!
Sounds like a good read! I’ve got such a long lost on goodreads at the moment. Reading allot of blogs with great recommendations! Xx
It’s a great read – I daren’t go on Goodreads, my TBR piles at home are scary enough, Goodreads would tip me over, haha! xx
Ooh I love finding books to add to my reading list. This sounds right up my street so thanks for a fab review Lisa! xx
Oh, thank you, I’m so glad! I hope you enjoy it as much as me – let me know what you think if you do read it! xx
The fact you are still thinking about the book now definitely makes me want to give it a try, I love books that keep you thinking! I’m not usually a fan of this kind of genre, but loved reading your review:)
Kate
Aw, thank you, Kate! That’s brilliant to hear – please let me know if you do try it and what you think! x
Daphne Du Maurier will forever be one of my favourite authors!
Haha, mine too! She’s such a varied writer, so many styles and genres to choose from 🙂 x
I am more of a thriller book reader but the story sounds intriguing the time travel is an interesting topic. Will check this one out besides you have been thinking about this for so long. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
I know time travel has been done in so many ways before but I think this novel is a bit different – and of course it’s Daphne du Maurier, so it should be a good ‘un! x
Oooo this book sounds interesting, it’s one I really think my gran would love as she’s a big fan of past/present books as it’s really gripping for her. She’s been looking for a new book, maybe I’ll surprise her with this.
Your gran has probably read Daphne du Maurier before but these brilliant twists and historical elements work really well, I’m sure she’d love it 🙂
Hello, my name is Christian and there is a film adaptation of House on the Strand.
I saw the film on TV in the 1980s, but unfortunately I can’t remember the title.
The film would have to have been shot on location in the early 70’s, but I also don’t know the actors.
I’ve looked a lot on the internet to see if I can find anything about it by accident, but to no avail.
I still have a few image sections in mind and the film adhered exactly to the literary template.
I can’t say for sure whether it was an English production, but I saw the film in Germany in German.
I would give anything to know the name of the film and I would love to see it again.
Kind regards, Christian
Hello Christian, thank you for your comment. Like you, I have tried and failed to find a film or tv adaptation of The House on the Strand. I believe the film / tv rights are slightly complicated in that Hammer Films own them for the UK and the rest of the world whilst the American rights are held by Du Maurier Productions Ltd – this may be why nothing has yet been made. The best I have found is this radio adaptation on YouTube, starring Ian Richardson – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5R82b9P0Lw – I hope it helps, and if you do track down the film you saw in Germany, please do let me know!
Lisa, I’m a 67 year old male who read Rebecca for the first time as a Freshman in high school in NYC in the early 70’s. It is without doubt one of the two greatest books I have ever read (The Grapes Of Wrath being the other). Over the years I have read Rebecca 5 or 6 times and watched the movie a few times as well. For reasons unknown, I have failed to read Du Maurier’s House On The Strand. My daughter brought me the book from a rummage sale and insisted I read it. Subsequently, I scoured the internet for reviews. Yours has inspired me to read it. Daphne will have had to do some heavy lifting to out-perform her masterpiece – REBECCA!
Hi Giuliano, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I do hope you will enjoy The House on the Strand. It’s very different to Rebecca, but I think it’s an excellently crafted novel – albeit rather tricky to categorise. I’d be most interested to hear what you think once you’ve finished it 🙂
Hello from Denmark 😉
I first read this brilliant DdM thriller novel back in the 70s, when my parents received it as part of a book club package, and I was just hooked straight away and have reread it several times since those days.
In my view it could really deserve to be made into a thriller movie or TV series.
A fun fact is that DdM actually based the members of the nobility families back in 14th century Cornwall on real historical people – you can look them up.
I suppose she must have forgotten to ask their permission, before she involved them in all her intrigues, affairs and evil plots 😉
Henrik.
Oh that’s really interesting, I didn’t know she’d based her characters on real people! But yes, I agree, it’s crying out for ones film adaptation. 🤞
Hi Lisa,
I’m Suzannah from Tywardreath, and it was so good to find your review after reading The House on the Strand for the first time. I grew up in Treesmill and walked around where the character walked, drove to school everyday past the cows and the farms and the names and walked to Polkerris and I loved my home but there is something about it that resonates its ancient life. The marshy walk I tried to make sense of always felt like a dead river. What a read!
I become addicted, like Dick, to the past, especially at Treesmill and Tywardreath, as you read the land. But I’m coming to a place of life where I have a decision to make: indulge in my old vices and inherited patterns or them throw off and make the most of the people and tasks around me. Oh how he helped me with that decision and changed the way I think of that enchanted land.
What fun it is to make sense of this incredible world and share it. Poor Dick though. I want to imagine him getting better.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, thank you for your lovely comment! And how lovely to find a fellow fan of this brilliant book – and of the location where it’s set.
The House on the Strand is one of three books that have taken a permanent post in my mind. I read it as a library book in the 1980s and later discovered it as an audio book which I purchased and have listened to it when I get in one of my escapist moods. It’s a little like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While he is somewhat monstrous and egocentric I can identify with the main character. I find his Sacramental act at the end of the book both spooky and thrilling, and heard the words repeated at Prince Philip’s funeral and at my own mother’s funeral, from my own lips.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is an excellent analogy, that hadn’t occurred to me, I feel like I need to re-read the book now, thank you!