The Parasites by Daphne du Maurier. Summary of the book.

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The Parasites by Daphne du Maurier – Summary of the Book

Introduction

The Parasites, written by Daphne du Maurier, is a psychological thriller that follows the story of a family who finds themselves in a web of deceit and betrayal. Published in 1954, the novel is set in the English countryside and has been praised for its gripping suspense and exploration of the darker sides of human nature.

Plot Summary

The story centers around the family of the wealthy and powerful Lord Richard Mountrachet. The family is made up of his cousins, his brother-in-law, and his niece, as well as his own three children. Lord Mountrachet has been receiving strange phone calls from a mysterious woman, and soon he discovers that his family is in danger.

The novel follows the family as they unravel the mystery of the woman’s identity and the danger that she poses. They eventually discover that the woman is a member of a mysterious cult, known as the Parasites, and that she is planning to use her powers to take control of the family’s fortune.

The family must find a way to stop the woman and protect their wealth, while also keeping their secrets hidden. In the process, they uncover dark secrets about their own pasts, and come to terms with the fact that they may not be as innocent as they first appeared.

Main Themes

The Parasites explores themes of power, deceit, and family secrets. It examines the ways in which people can be manipulated by those who have more power, and how the truth can be hidden in plain sight.

The novel also looks at the idea of family and how people can be both loving and manipulative towards each other. It examines the lengths people will go to in order to protect the ones they love, and how secrets can have a damaging effect on relationships.

Interesting Facts about the Book

  • The Parasites was inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s own family history. Her own great-aunt had been involved in a mysterious cult, and du Maurier had always been fascinated by the story.
  • The Parasites was adapted into a film in 1960 by director Don Sharp.
  • The Parasites is often seen as a precursor to the psychological thriller genre.
  • The Parasites was included in the Modern Library 100 Best Novels list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Who wrote The Parasites?
    • The Parasites was written by Daphne du Maurier.
  • What is The Parasites about?
    • The Parasites is a psychological thriller about a family who find themselves in a web of deceit and betrayal. The novel follows their attempts to unravel the mystery of a mysterious woman and protect their wealth.
  • What themes does The Parasites explore?
    • The Parasites explores themes of power, deceit, and family secrets. It examines the ways in which people can be manipulated by those who have more power, and how the truth can be hidden in plain sight.
  • When was The Parasites published?
    • The Parasites was published in 1954.
  • Has The Parasites been adapted into a film?
    • Yes, The Parasites was adapted into a film in 1960 by director Don Sharp.

Conclusion

The Parasites is an intriguing psychological thriller written by Daphne du Maurier. It follows the story of a family who find themselves in danger, and examines themes of power, deceit, and family secrets. The novel has become a classic of the thriller genre and has been praised for its gripping suspense and exploration of darker sides of human nature.

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