CASTLE DOR

Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch & Daphne Du Maurier, Virago, 2004, £7.99 (first published 1962)

pb, 274pp, 1-84408-067-6

In 1860s Cornwall, Breton Amyot and newly-wed Linnet meet, and their story follows the ancient tragic path of Tristan and Iseult. Throughout the book, parallels are drawn between the 19^th century lovers and the legendary pair. From the moment Linnet hears Amyot’s name, not spoken but just shimmering through the air, the enchantment is set. Sometimes Amyot and Linnet seem to recognise a place or a sensation, but without knowing why, as they unconsciously re-enact the timeless events.

This book was begun by writer and critic Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, and when he died, Du Maurier was asked to finish the tale by his daughter. The book is wonderfully tied to Cornwall, with a pervasive feeling of authenticity and luminous descriptions of the landscape, particularly in the early chapters.

S Garside-Neville