Title: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Genres: Classic, Gothic, Mystery

Published by: HarperCollins (August, 1938)

Summary

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again . . .

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady’s maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives–presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

First published in 1938, this classic gothic novel is such a compelling read that it won the Anthony Award for Best Novel of the Century.

 

I first added Rebecca to my TBR a year or two ago after hearing so many wonderful things about it.  I just knew I was going to to love it!  Let me just say that this book did not disappoint!

From the first sentence of Rebecca, I was gripped by the story.  This book was so beautifully written!  I loved the descriptions and simply just the flow of every single sentence.  I cannot wait to read more of Daphne Du Maurier’s books now.  There’s really no other way to describe the writing in this book other than gorgeous.  The overall vibe of this book is so dark and mysterious, too.  From the narrator – the unnamed second Mrs. de Winter – to the rich and dark atmosphere, Rebecca is truly gothic literature at its finest.

The actual plot is so intricate and so well done, too.  Just when I thought I knew where this story was going, a wild plot twist would be thrown in and I would have to re-think everything!  I would love to reread this book someday because I’m sure there are so many details I missed out on the first time, because I did not know what was going to happen.

Every single character in this novel were so fitting for the story.  The main character, the unnamed second Mrs. de Winter, made such an intriguing protagonist.  The reader truly does watch her grow up in this story.  Whether I liked their personality or not, I truly loved each character for what they added to Rebecca.  If even one character was different, I believe the story would have felt quite different to read about.  This is also one of those books where you are not entirely sure who you should be rooting for – I loved that!

Overall, I loved this book! I’m so glad I listened to the hype and gave Rebecca a chance.  It is mysterious, compelling, and so well-written.  The entire book, from beginning to end, truly connects itself together in such an amazing way.  I’ve also heard it parallels Jane Eyre, which has also been on my TBR for quite some time, so I’m even more excited to read that book now, too!  I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves gothic literature and is looking for an intriguing and mysterious story.

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