The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

Welcome to the discussion space for our March 2025 book selection, Rebecca!

As we read, feel free to share your thoughts, insights, and reactions. To keep everyone's experience spoiler-free, please use the spoiler function when discussing key plot points. Happy reading!

spoiler: (view spoiler)[ It looks like this :) (hide spoiler)]

I'll be lurking here to see what everyone thinks. My favorite by Daphne du Maurier. Hope y'all enjoy it!

How does the author, Daphne du Maurier, get us so pulled into a story when so many characters are so unlikable?

Tiffany wrote: "How does the author, Daphne du Maurier, get us so pulled into a story when so many characters are so unlikable?"

Maybe it's because we the readers want to see Manderley as much as the narrator does? I'm at Chapter 8 now, and I want to explore every room of the house.

Vickie, I hadn't thought of that, but that is a great point. Especially the way the rooms change with the mood of the MC.

Just received the ebook from the library app. Has anyone else started this one? If so, how is it so far?

I just got it as well, Devin. I’m finishing my current read before I start. Or maybe another one then Rebecca.

Julie you are doing audio correct? I was so torn between the two.. settled on ebook 🤞🏻

Yes, Devon. I have an audio book. They are my go to.

Julie wrote: "Yes, Devon. I have an audio book. They are my go to."

I started with print but was struggling with that. Switched to audio and am really enjoying it.

Print is a little slow and unusual, but it was mentioned in many reviews and often encouraged to not give up. It’s starting to grab my attention some more so I’m hoping i do not have to switch to audio myself.

Halfway through, and Danvers reminds me a lot of O'Brien, from Downton Abbey.

Kristen wrote: "Halfway through, and Danvers reminds me a lot of O'Brien, from Downton Abbey."

Following your posts hun, and I was already curious about this book without even knowing a thing about it, but you mentioning Downton Abbey, I am definitely all for it! Haha! (Even if O'Brien was one of my least faves. Lol)

But yeah, I would have likely joined with the group, but I have just already accumulated quite a stack of books. I believe Nickel Boys was one from here though, right? And I still have The Women and probably another in my list from here. 😅 One day, folks!

I’m only about 15% into the audiobook. I think something might be starting to happen. The narration seemed very slow and dark to me at first but I believe that is part of the story telling. I hope that is part of the story telling.

I highly recommend the audiobook - the one by the lady with a British accent. It MADE it for me... and the beauty of the words was not lost. When I finished, I started it over again immediately just to enjoy the writing/words at my leisure. Loved it!

I am 52% into this audiobook (not the British narrator) and I am bored! I have a long drive tomorrow and Sunday and could finish it but ugh! I’m getting nothing out of it. They are planning the first ball…that is the point I am at. This main character musings make me nuts!!
Tell me reasons to continue, please.

I too am wondering what I am missing Julie. But i continue on haha. It does make me wonder though how they made the Netflix version. Id assume not as slow. Patiently waiting for an “oh wow” moment that grabs me.

Julie wrote: "I am 52% into this audiobook (not the British narrator) and I am bored! I have a long drive tomorrow and Sunday and could finish it but ugh! I’m getting nothing out of it. They are planning the fir..."

Totally get where you're coming from—it does feel like a slow burn, especially if you're used to more action-packed reads. The MC's constant self-doubt and inner monologue can be frustrating (she really lives in her head), but you're actually right on the edge of where things start to shift. The ball sets up a major turning point that kicks the suspense into gear, and the psychological tension starts paying off. If you stick with it, you’ll start to see just how layered and twisted things really are. Still lots of inner dialogue though :)

In 2016, I bought the book on amazon for kindle but it was the shortened version. I read the book and realized I was lost and no mystery emerged. The plot was revealed too soon and I never got a chance to feel the thrill and excitement described by the reviews of the actual book.I would love to forget it and re-read but I feel i remember too much of it.

70% in and now its getting rather exciting but i feel disconnected from the thrill supposed to be taking place since i found the first 60% painfully slow with little direction in where the story was going.