Reading Groups

In Short: Daphne du Maurier's "The Birds" and "Don't Look Now" with Art Taylor

$30

Out of stock

Wednesday, 7:00 pm EDT - 8:30 pm EDT January 29, 2025

Online via Zoom

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Daphne du Maurier’s short stories “The Birds” and “Don’t Look Now” are better known through their successful film adaptations, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and Nicholas Roeg, respectively. But the original texts are among the author’s most inventive and thrilling, and are evidence of how du Maurier’s short stories challenged her reputation as a writer of romantic and historical novels and moved into the worlds of horror, speculative fiction, and psychological suspense. Uncanny and perhaps unknowable threats, the menacing aspects of place and space, and ominous endings—these elements are hallmarks of both stories, though each twists them in unique ways.

What to read before the first meeting: Please read the short stories “The Birds” and “Don’t Look Now” (revisiting the films is not required but could be rewarding). PDFs of the two stories will be emailed to all participants and can also be purchased in this collection.

What to expect from this reading group: A brief introduction to du Maurier’s career will lead into an instructor-led group discussion of the two stories. Attendees should bring their own questions as well.

Capacity: 25

Please note: All virtual classes are recorded. Please click here for information about our recording policy.

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About this series

Reading Groups

Whether you’re looking to catch up on great novels or you’re interested in exploring a new writer or literary period, our reading groups offer high-level literary discussion led by experts in the field.

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