From the Bookshelf of Never too Late to Read Classics…

Rebecca

Daphne du Maurier

Start date: July 15, 2016

Finish date: August 14, 2016

Discussion: "Let us Chat a Moment!"

Discussion leader: Lesle

Why we're reading this: Came in First in the Poll and is an English Classic
[close] Came in First in the Poll and is an English Classic

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"Let us Chat a Moment!"

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What Members Thought

Jun 11, 2017 Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mysteries-thrillers, classics, 1001-books, gothic-lit, national-book-award-winners

This is another wonderful book about which I was completely wrong -- I had absolutely no understanding of what this book was about. It is not a love story, or a romance. It isn't sweet. Now, some of you would have known this because you knew Daphne du Maurier, but I was not knowledgeable about her and had not read any of her books until a few weeks ago.

I was completely wrong and I am so glad about it.

This book is really fantastic. The setting is dark and brooding and so well drawn that I could s This is another wonderful book about which I was completely wrong -- I had absolutely no understanding of what this book was about. It is not a love story, or a romance. It isn't sweet. Now, some of you would have known this because you knew Daphne du Maurier, but I was not knowledgeable about her and had not read any of her books until a few weeks ago.

I was completely wrong and I am so glad about it.

This book is really fantastic. The setting is dark and brooding and so well drawn that I could see it clearly. The author's descriptions of Manderley were rich and detailed; her words were full of artistry, tightly knitted together creating a mood. I now know that Alfred Hitchcock used her works and created at least three films. He was a master of film noir, and this book is a perfect example of what I can only call "novel noir."

In the very beginning of the book du Maurier told the reader how the book will end, but doesn't give away the surprise. Each moment, each twist in the story, is a surprise. The characters are fully fleshed out people, each struggling with their own demons, holding their own secrets. Each is flawed and unique and often unlikable. Even the protagonist provoked me at times because I found her to be silly and simpering. Her extreme self-consciousness and weakness was painful to read. She was so certain that Rebecca was more beautiful, smarter, sweeter, and more loved. Her certainty didn't come from any real place -- it all came from her own insecurities. And her husband didn't do anything to help her. He was dealing with his own guilt and depression, and he was so focused inward that he ignored his wife and failed to notice her.

I loved how du Maurier kept the tensions in her words and that when the story climaxed I was completely surprised. I loved how even after the story resolved there was one more shocking event. I loved how the story isn't wrapped up in a pretty little bow. It seems that one of du Maurier's trademarks was to leave questions open and lingering in your mind. I saw this in My Cousin Rachel and The House on the Strand, and now in Rebecca too.

Deciding my rating for this one was difficult. It was easily 4 stars; Maybe almost 5 stars. But I liked My Cousin Rachel even better so I am only giving it 4. EDITED TO ADD: I changed my rating to five stars in Nov 2017 because of how well the book has lingered in my mind. ...more

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Feb 02, 2025 Nicole rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This one was worth all the hype. Beautifully dark and haunting just like the elaborate setting of Manderley. I love how an older novel like this can truly transcend time. I had such vivid imagery in my mind the entire time I read it. I'm almost amazed (but definitely thankful) this was never made into some sort of film. ...more

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Jul 21, 2017 Rachel rated it really liked it

I enjoyed rereading this after about 25 years and refreshing my memory of the plot. The characters have depth, and so does Manderley. Love books where the setting is its own character.

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