The House On The Strand by Daphne Du Maurier (Vintage 1969 Hardcover)

“The House on the Strand” by Daphne du Maurier is a captivating blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense. Published in 1969, this novel takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through time and consciousness.

The story follows the character of Dick Young, a disenchanted publisher from London, who escapes his troubled marriage by vacationing in Cornwall. There, he is offered the chance to participate in a scientific experiment conducted by his old university friend, Magnus Lane. The experiment involves a drug that allows Dick to experience the past vividly and in full sensory detail.

As Dick becomes increasingly addicted to the drug and its time-traveling effects, he finds himself transported to the 14th century, where he becomes entangled in the lives and intrigues of people from the past. He becomes particularly obsessed with the lives of the De Bohun family, whose medieval world becomes an intoxicating escape from his present-day problems.

Daphne du Maurier’s masterful storytelling combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and psychological thriller. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of both the contemporary and historical settings, as well as its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by time travel and the consequences of living in two different eras simultaneously.

“The House on the Strand” is celebrated for its atmospheric and immersive narrative, blurring the lines between the past and the present. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the human desire to escape from one’s troubles and the potential consequences of such escapism.

For readers who appreciate a compelling mix of history, suspense, and psychological depth, “The House on the Strand” offers a captivating and haunting reading experience that showcases Daphne du Maurier’s storytelling prowess.