Honeyburn Books (UK)
1948 Hungry Hill - Daphne Du Maurier(Victor Gollancz)
1948 Hungry Hill - Daphne Du Maurier(Victor Gollancz)
Stained and faded covers and faded gilt, but text block is fine rarer title from Du Maurier. Faded RAF Hospital stamp on first two pages.
"Hungry Hill" is a novel written by Daphne du Maurier, which was first published in 1943. The story is set in Ireland and spans across several generations of the Brodrick family, who own a copper mine called Clonmere.
The novel explores the themes of family, love, power, and the burden of history. It begins in the 1820s with the Brodrick family's acquisition of the Clonmere estate and introduces the reader to the patriarch of the family, "Copper John." As the copper mine becomes the source of fortune and power for the Brodricks, it also becomes a catalyst for conflicts and tragedies that span generations.
The narrative follows the lives of different family members as they face personal and familial struggles, including love affairs, conflicts of interest, and secrets that shape their destiny. The book delves into the consequences of greed, ambition, and obsession, as well as the weight of inherited wealth and responsibilities.
The title "Hungry Hill" refers to the mountain that overlooks the copper mine and serves as a symbol of the Brodrick family's ambitions and their insatiable hunger for wealth and power. As the story progresses, the mountain becomes a metaphor for the legacy of the family and the burdensome history that haunts them.
Daphne du Maurier's "Hungry Hill" is known for its intricate storytelling, vivid descriptions of the Irish landscape, and complex characters. It explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the human condition in the face of daunting circumstances.