TITLE: Rebecca
AUTHOR: Daphne du Maurier
PUBLISHED: 1938
Whilst in Monte Carlo working as a companion to a wealthy woman our unnamed narrator meets the much older and very handsome Mr de Winter. They are married and heading for his estate: Manderley. But our protagonist is not his first wife, she is the second Mrs de Winter and she did not anticipate just how much the first, late Mrs de Winter (Rebecca) haunts her husband, his home, and the staff that he employs. Will the young bride be able to find her place, truly win her husbands heart, and eradicate the shadow that Rebecca has left behind?
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I was prompted to read this because it is one of my mother’s favourite books and because it is such a famous story. Rebecca was a book that I was unfamiliar with but really intrigued by. Well, what a book it is! I can see why it has gained so much attention over the years…I loved it! In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I could pick it back up straight away and read it again. I was gripped from the first page and this remained throughout, even once I had finished the book I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Without a doubt this will make it onto my favourite books list!
So what was so great about it?
I should probably elaborate past simply saying everything shouldn’t I. But I really did love everything about it! I loved the protagonist; shy and nameless (beyond the title of Mrs de Winter), she could have so easily been irritating with her crippling self doubt and blind devotion to her husband but she really wasn’t. Instead she was endearing, because her thoughts and fears whilst somewhat irritational, were understandable, natural and relatable mostly.
I have to mention the late first wife, and title character: Rebecca. She is a shadow throughout the book; there but not quite. She is something of an enigma, an impossible to complete puzzle. All the pieces are there before the reader and yet it is just out of reach to put them together in the correct way. All is explained at the close of the book though and it is not a disappointment. She is proven to be a very complex character!
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I did some research after I had finished reading this because I was so fascinated by it and I found out that this is a book which has been fiercely underestimated from its first publication onwards. It was rudely explained away as being ‘just women’s fiction’ rather than the great piece of literature that it is. Its themes were relevant then and they remain relevant now. This book can travel through time and all around the world and remain relatable because of the feelings and emotions running through it; primarily jealousy and desperation. Whilst the actions of most would never be undertaken by the majority of people, it is impossible to not understand and appreciate what has caused them to be. Daphne du Maurier is a powerful wordsmith, she keeps the reader hooked and asking questions from beginning to end. In my opinion this is a psychological masterpiece and a book that I will reach for again and again to reread.
I’m sure it is quite clear by now, but to confirm, I would definitely recommend this one! I loved it and there isn’t anything that I would change. The plot is rich and effectively driven, the characters are perfectly constructed, the pacing is just right and the imagery is wonderful (the descriptions of Manderley particularly)! Rebecca is a powerful read that I can’t imagine anybody not enjoying.
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MY RATING: 5/5
Have you read Rebecca? What did you think about it? If you haven’t read it do you think that you will? As always I would love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for reading, I hope that you enjoyed!
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Until the next time…Jess x
Just stumbled across your blog and I love it! You’re a talented writer and I really appreciate the research after reading. Context always brings all new layers. Can’t wait to read more of your stuff!
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Thank you, such a lovely comment 😊 I just had a look at yours and it’s such an interesting concept so I’m looking forward to reading more 😁
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I also loved this book! Your passionate review has made me feel nostalgic for it. I read it with my book club and it introduced me to Daphne du Maurier. I enjoyed My Cousin Rachel just as much and went to see a theatre production of it which was amazing. Rebecca would be fantastic on the stage as well, I think – someone should get on that!!! X x x
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I’m so glad you loved it as well…it’s definitely a new favourite of mine 😊 My Cousin Rachel is the next one by her that I really want to read, I’ll treat myself to a copy of it when I’ve caught up on some more of my books 😊 I agree, Rebecca would be fab as a stage production!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😁 x
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Ah I love this- it’s such an entertaining book!
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It really is! I thought I would enjoy it, but I loved it even more than I anticipated 😊 glad you are a fan as well!
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Great review! It’s a fantastic book (have you seen the black and white film?) If you want to read more of her, you might find this post useful http://nsfordwriter.com/daphne-du-maurier/
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Thank you! I haven’t seen the film no, is it worth a watch? Ah fab, I’ll have a read of that post now, thanks for sharing 😊
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The Hitchcock film is worth watching, quite atmospheric! The ending is a little changed though (some kind of morality code they had in the film industry at the time).
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I didn’t know it was a Hitchcock film, I’ve seen a few of his films and really enjoyed them 😊 that’s interesting that they had to change the ending…makes it more intriguing!
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Love – and in some ways fear this book, because Rebecca’s dangerous personality isn’t defined. Why exactly was she so powerful, and so disturbing – controlling men and women ? One of my mother’s favourite’s too – both the book and the film.
Perhaps even more chilling, My Cousin Rachel – which I’ve just started to re-read.
Hope all are well
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I agree, she is a scary character, I quite like that she remains undefined, it makes her even more frightening. I want to read My Cousin Rachel next, it sounds great! What do you like about it? Thank you, and I hope you are well also 😊
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Another great review Jess, it sounds interesting, intriguing and very readable.
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Thank you! It really was a fantastic book! I can’t wait to read more by her 😁
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I have read this book and I love it 💜 hoping u n ur family r safe 😊
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It’s so good isn’t it 😊 it was one of those books that I didn’t want to end even though I was desperate to know how everything would turn out. I’m glad you love it too 😊 thanks for commenting and I hope you are safe and well also 😊
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