My Cousin Rachel

Synopsis

NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING RACHEL WEISZ AND SAM CLAFIN

'Du Maurier is a storyteller whose sole aim is to bewitch and beguile' NEW YORK TIMES

'Du Maurier has no equal' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

' One of her best novels, ingeniously contrived as to plot, successfully realized as to characters' KIRKUS REVIEWS

'I threw the piece of paper on the fire. She saw it burn . . . '

Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in making Philip his heir, knowing he will treasure his beautiful Cornish estate. But Philip's world is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries. Then he suddenly dies in suspicious circumstances.

In almost no time at all, the new widow - Philip's cousin Rachel - turns up in England. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious woman like a moth to the flame. And yet . . . might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?

Summary

Chapter 1: Philip's Promise

* 10-year-old Philip Ashley lives with his elder cousin, Ambrosio, in a secluded country estate in Cornwall.
* Ambrosio receives a letter from his cousin, Rachel, inviting him to Italy for the winter.
* Philip promises Ambrosio to write to him regularly, but Ambrosio dies suddenly before receiving any letters.

Chapter 2: The Arrival of My Cousin Rachel

* Two years later, Philip receives a letter from Rachel, announcing her arrival in England.
* She arrives at the estate, accompanied by a handsome Italian companion, Giacomo.
* Philip is immediately struck by Rachel's beauty and charm, despite hearing rumors of her manipulative nature.

Chapter 3: Doubts and Suspicions

* Philip's housekeeper, Mrs. Pascoe, becomes wary of Rachel's influence on Philip and suspects her of poisoning Ambrosio.
* Philip dismisses Mrs. Pascoe's suspicions, but becomes increasingly troubled by Rachel's behavior.

Chapter 4: Love and Intrigue

* Philip falls deeply in love with Rachel, despite his lingering doubts.
* Rachel reciprocates his affection, but also manipulates him for her own purposes.
* Giacomo is revealed to be Rachel's illegitimate son, and he grows jealous of Philip's relationship with her.

Chapter 5: A Fatal Deception

* Rachel becomes pregnant with Philip's child, but she dies during childbirth.
* After her death, Philip discovers letters proving that Rachel had been manipulating him and poisoning Ambrosio.
* He is devastated by the realization that he has been betrayed by the woman he loved.

Real Example:

Chapter 1: Philip's promise to his cousin Ambrosio represents the trust and loyalty he feels towards his family. However, the sudden death of Ambrosio leaves a void in his life and sets the stage for the arrival of My Cousin Rachel.

Chapter 2: Rachel's arrival is a turning point in the novel, introducing a mysterious and potentially dangerous figure into Philip's life. Her beauty and charm initially captivate him, but his housekeeper's suspicions cast a shadow over her true intentions.

Chapter 3: Philip's growing doubts about Rachel reflect his struggle to reconcile his love for her with the suspicions surrounding her. The housekeeper's role as a voice of skepticism highlights the tension between passion and reason in the face of manipulation.

Chapter 4: Philip's love for Rachel blinds him to her true nature. Rachel's manipulation and use of Giacomo to sow discord in their relationship demonstrate the destructive power of deceit and betrayal.

Chapter 5: The discovery of Rachel's letters is a pivotal moment that shatters Philip's illusions. His realization that he has been manipulated and betrayed by the person he loved is a devastating blow that leaves him heartbroken and disillusioned.