The Breaking Point: Short Stories (Virago Modern Classics)

The Breaking Point: Short Stories (Virago Modern Classics)

by Daphne Du Maurier (Author), Daphne Du Maurier (Author), Daphne Du Maurier (Author), Sally Beauman (Introduction)

Synopsis

The apathy of Sunday lay upon the streets. Houses were closed, withdrawn.
They don't know, he thought, those people inside, how one gesture of mine, now, at this minute, might alter their world. A knock on the door, and someone answers - a woman yawning, an old man in carpet slippers, a child sent by its parents in irritation; and according to what I will, what I decide, their whole future will be decided . . . Sudden murder. Theft. Fire. It was as simple as that.'

In this collection of suspenseful tales in which fantasies, murderous dreams and half-forgotten worlds are exposed, Daphne du Maurier explores the boundaries of reality and imagination. Her characters are caught at those moments when the delicate link between reason and emotion has been stretched to the breaking point. Often chilling, sometimes poignant, these stories display the full range of Daphne du Maurier's considerable talent.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Publisher: Virago
Published: 07 May 2009

ISBN 10: 1844085759
ISBN 13: 9781844085750
Book Overview: A collection of eight chilling stories by the author of 'The Birds' and 'Don't Look Now', introduced by Sally Beauman

Media Reviews
In this collection, Daphne du Maurier's peerless craftmanship, her eerie sense of the macabre, her gift for sheer story telling come to full fruition. * Kirkus Reviews *
She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality -- Patrick McGrath * Guardian *
'Disconcerting, strange, but extraordinarily gripping stories' Val Hennessy, Daily Mail -- Val Hennessy
Author Bio

Daphne du Maurier (1907-89) was born in London, the daughter of the famous actor-manager Sir Gerald du Maurier and granddaughter of George du Maurier, the author and artist. In 1931 her first novel, The Loving Spirit, was published. A biography of her father and three other novels followed, but it was the novel Rebecca that launched her into the literary stratosphere and made her one of the most popular authors of her day. In 1932, du Maurier married Major Frederick Browning, with whom she had three children.
Many of du Maurier's bestselling novels and short stories were adapted into award-winning films, including Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and Nicolas Roeg's Don't Look Now. In 1969 du Maurier was awarded a DBE. She lived most of her life in Cornwall, the setting for many of her books.