Rule Britannia by Daphne du Maurier, reviewed by Eva Leung

Rule Britannia UK 1st ed

An image of a UK first edition hardback copy of Rule Britannia dated 1972

Genre: Speculative Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Science Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Original Publication: 1972

In this futuristic – apocalyptic – world, the United States sets up an alliance with the United Kingdom called USUK, sends planes and helicopters and soldiers over, and claims that they are friendly… but at the same time, roadblocks are set up, telephone lines are tapped, there are no radios, and people need a pass to get around. Pets are freely shot, and people can be taken away at will. A 79-year-old retired actress nicknamed Mad lives with her 20-year-old granddaughter Emma and six adopted sons, from 3-year-old Ben to 19-year-old Joe. The family quickly realises that the USUK is an invasion disguised as a union, but they are no submissive, compliant brood. It is, however, when a US corporal goes missing that the family is drawn directly into the heart of the storm.

At first, I planned not to write a review for this book, not because it isn’t good – it is very good – but because, if I were to recommend a book by Daphne du Maurier, I wouldn’t have chosen this. This book is not the reason why du Maurier was a bestselling author for 50 years of her career, and it is not the kind of story readers anticipate from the author of the classic Rebecca. This book unsettles and disturbs rather than entertains. It is thought-provoking especially after Brexit, when people wonder if du Maurier had actually predicted Brexit four decades ago (BBC article here: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36904536). The first time I read it, I was too young to understand the book, and it did not appeal to me. However, when I picked it up again in 2019, my city happened to be going through a very difficult time, so the themes of oppression and rebellion became particularly relevant. This book may not be the kind of book du Maurier readers expect to read, but it is precisely how du Maurier demonstrates her brilliance and versatility by experimenting with a new genre in the last novel of her long career. Half a century after its publication, it continues to inspire.

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