Book Review: Rebecca-Daphne Du Maurier

Now I know it’s been a while since my last bookish post, but sometimes life gets in the way and makes you way too busy for the things you love (unfortunately). However I’m back and better than ever. During the time of busyness I was reading, just very v e r y slowly. Sometimes reading at a slow place is okay, especially when it’s a book that is worth every bit. I found the novel Rebecca  to be completely mesmerizing. It’s one of those books that pull in you and before you know it, you can’t stop turning the pages.  Written in the early twentieth century, the author Daphne Du Maurier creates a riveting story that captures the reader. du Maurier’s style is much like Brontë-dark, mature, yet lingers on the tongue as you turn the pages. I was happy to pick up this classic and be brought into the enigmatic world that is Manderley.

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.

Rebecca focuses on the story  of a young women (whose name is never given) who serves as the companion to an old and rather sufferable rich American woman. When she meets the wealthy, handsome, and recently widower Maxim de Winter, she is swept off her feet by his mature and sober dominance. Soon they marry, and move to his estate, Manderley, where more than bones are buried beneath the floorboards. The new Mrs. de Winter finds out the story behind her husband’s previous wife, Rebecca. Drowned in a sailing accident, mystery lurks in the water and walls.  Mrs. de Winter finds herself living in the shadow of Rebecca everywhere she turns. Even the servants of the house look at her as if she is an intruder, especially Mrs. Danvers-the loyal servant of the late Rebecca. There are deep secrets rooted in Manderley, and Mrs. de Winter slowly uncovers the twists and truths that are buried within. We follow her progression of the strange story behind Rebecca and Manderley, and we discover that every perfect marriage is not what it seems.

This novel is absolutely satiable. I enjoyed every bit of this page turner, as it provided plot twists after plot twists.  Although the main character can be described as a bit weak and sophomoric, her callowness quickly develops into maturity the more she discovers about Rebecca. The author writes a classic mystery, romantic, and thriller all in one and honestly this is the kind of novel that can be transferred through the ages; a true classic. If you are a fan of Brontë, you will love Rebecca. I gave this novel five stars on Goodreads. There are so many underlining themes and questions in this novel, and I love how du Maurier pairs it with a mystery to uncoil some of the literary themes. I found giving the main character having no name really brilliant, and helps the audience see how the ghost of Rebecca permeates everything includes people. A fantastic novel, worth the slow read indeed.

Have any of you read Rebecca?  If so, what are your thoughts?

Happy reading!