The story of Tristan and Isolde transplanted to 19th Century Cornwall. The characters are engaging and fresh at the beginning, but the book loses steam toward the middle because the protagonists are straight-jacketed by the Tristan and Isolde story. The action is imposed by the necessity of following the plot of the legend; it doesn't arise organically from the characters' personalities and situation. Everybody seems to move zombie-like their doom. Also, all the major characters are reincarnations of people in the myth and I got the sense that fate had recycled them one too many times.
Q (as the author refers to him) once complete the Robert Louis Stevenson story St. Ives. Du Maurier, who new him from childhood, has completed Castle Dor. So what is it about? It seems that Q was always fascinated by the Tristsan legend. This, then, is the tale of Tristan and Isolte set in the same countryside of Wales but brought into the 19th century. Youll be delighted with this mixture of history and myth; provided, of course, you are familiar with the legend.
This is an interesting retelling of the story of Tristan and Iseult, set in 19th century Cornwall. It reads less like a romance and more like an historical mystery, however, as the main character is someone observing the unfolding tragedy. There is actually little emphasis on the lovers themselves.
A must read for Du Maurier fans or Tristan and Isolde fans.
Quiller-couch left this book unfinished at his death. DuMaurier attempted to complete the book. The book has interest as a curiosity. As is often said too many cooks spoil the broth.
