Daphne du Maurier is a name that is synonymous with Gothic literature. Her novels, such as “Rebecca” and “Jamaica Inn,” have enthralled readers for generations with their haunting atmosphere and dark characters. However, behind the success and fame of this esteemed author lies a lesser-known, yet equally intriguing, story – one of a hidden legacy that has only recently been revealed.
Born in 1907 into a family of writers, Daphne du Maurier was always destined for a life in the literary world. She was the third of three daughters, and her father, Gerald du Maurier, was a well-known stage actor and author. Growing up, Daphne was deeply influenced by her father’s writing and developed a love for storytelling.
It was this love that led her to publish her first novel, “The Loving Spirit,” in 1931 at the age of 24. Although it received critical acclaim, it wasn’t until the publication of her second novel, “Jamaica Inn,” in 1936 that Daphne’s career truly took off. This gothic tale of murder and mystery set in Cornwall became an instant bestseller and established Daphne as a formidable force in the literary world.
In the years that followed, Daphne continued to write and publish beloved novels such as “Rebecca,” “My Cousin Rachel,” and “Frenchman’s Creek.” Despite her success, she remained a private and elusive figure, shying away from the public eye and rarely giving interviews or appearances. This led to many speculations about Daphne’s personal life, with some even suggesting that she had a dark and mysterious past, much like the characters in her novels.
However, it wasn’t until her death in 1989 that the truth about Daphne’s hidden legacy was revealed. In her will, she left the rights to her works and estate to her son, Christian Browning. This came as a shock to many, as Daphne’s fans and literary critics had always assumed that her husband, Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Browning, was the sole beneficiary.
This revelation sparked a renewed interest in Daphne’s personal life and her relationships. It was soon discovered that she had a secret, “forbidden” love affair with a woman named Ellen Doubleday, the wife of her American publisher, Nelson Doubleday. The relationship reportedly began in the 1950s and lasted for nearly three decades, ending only with Daphne’s death.
Their love letters, which were found among Daphne’s papers, revealed a passionate and intense romance, one that Daphne had kept hidden from the public eye for fear of backlash and consequences. It was a revelation that not only shed light on Daphne’s personal life but also added a new layer of complexity to her writing.
Many have since re-examined Daphne’s works, with a new perspective and understanding of her private struggle and the impact it may have had on her characters and their relationships. It has been speculated that her same-sex love affair influenced her depiction of relationships in novels such as “Rebecca,” where the main character is haunted by the presence of her husband’s deceased first wife.
Daphne’s hidden legacy has not only added depth to her already beloved works but also highlighted the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ people during that time period and the need for more diverse representation in literature.
In 2019, the BBC aired a documentary titled “In Search of Daphne” that explored this hidden chapter in the author’s life. It featured interviews with Daphne’s family and friends, shedding even more light on her previously unknown personal struggles and artistic influences.
Daphne du Maurier may have kept her personal life hidden from the public eye, but her legacy and impact on literature are now more widely known. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated and successful individuals may have hidden layers and complexities, and that their true legacy may only be revealed after their passing.