Hungry Hill

Hungry Hill chronicles the saga of the Brodrick family, Anglo-Irish landowners who control copper mines in Ireland during the 19th century. The story begins in 1820 when patriarch Copper John Brodrick establishes the mining operation, setting off a chain of events that will impact generations to come. The narrative spans 100 years and follows five successive heirs of the Brodrick line, each facing unique challenges in their attempts to maintain the family's power and prosperity. Their story plays out against the backdrop of a changing Ireland, where ancient traditions and modern ambitions create mounting tensions. The mines of Hungry Hill and the family's grand estate, Clonmere Castle, serve as the center stage for the Brodricks' triumphs and struggles. A curse placed on the family by a rival shapes their destiny, while their relationships with the local community remain complex and often strained. Du Maurier's novel explores themes of inheritance, pride, and the price of progress, questioning whether wealth and power can truly bring fulfillment or if they inevitably lead to destruction.

Readers report Hungry Hill moves slower than du Maurier's more famous works like Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel. Many find it a detailed multi-generational saga that requires patience. Readers appreciate: - Rich descriptions of the Irish copper mining landscape - Complex family dynamics and curse motifs - Historical accuracy about mining operations - Strong character development across generations Common criticisms: - Takes 100+ pages to build momentum - Too many characters to track - Less suspense than du Maurier's other novels - Abrupt ending that feels unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) "The writing is beautiful but the story drags," notes one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads readers mention struggling to connect with the characters, with one stating "I never felt fully invested in any generation's story." Several reviews praise the atmospheric setting while finding the plot "meandering."

The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne Follows multiple generations of a New England family living under an ancestral curse in their grand mansion, with themes of inheritance and pride mirroring the Brodrick saga.

These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner Chronicles three generations of a pioneering family in the American Southwest as they build their fortune and face conflicts with the local population.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough Traces the history of the Cleary family across three generations on their Australian sheep station, depicting their struggles with land, power, and forbidden desires.

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett Presents an interconnected narrative of five families through the social and political upheavals of the early 20th century, with similar themes of inheritance and changing times.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton Tells the story of an aristocratic English family's decline through the early 20th century, centered around their estate and family secrets passed through generations.

🔹 Based on du Maurier's own Irish ancestors, the Brodrick family was inspired by the real-life Puxley family who operated copper mines in County Cork during the 1800s. 🔹 Du Maurier wrote Hungry Hill during World War II while living at Menabilly, the mansion that would later inspire her famous novel "Rebecca." 🔹 The curse featured in the novel stems from an actual Irish legend that warns "Those who desecrate the land will be punished unto the third and fourth generations." 🔹 Hungry Hill is a real location in County Cork, Ireland, rising 2,251 feet (686 meters) and remains the highest point of the Caha Mountains. 🔹 The novel spans 100 years exactly, from 1820 to 1920, deliberately encompassing major periods of Irish history including the Great Famine and the fight for Home Rule.