I am thrilled to join the club of readers who have enjoyed Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. The elegant writing and fascinating story were a true pleasure. The opening chapters were beautifully written and had me mesmerized while also curious about this place called Manderley. After I finished the book, I immediately read the first couple of chapters again. It felt fitting, as the beginning was just as significant as the ending.

I relish stories set in old, huge mansions where its former residents remain present. The story begins in Monte Carlo where Maximillian de Winter meets Caroline. Following a whirlwind wedding, the couple returns to Maximillian’s home, Manderley, where the presence of his former wife, Rebecca, is prevalent. Caroline, who is much younger than her husband, struggles to adjust to life as a wife, in a new home. A home that constantly reminds her of Rebecca.

I treasured every moment of this book. I experienced curiosity and wonder about the role some characters would play in the story. I enjoyed the growth and development of Caroline. I was fascinated by Rebecca. I felt cautious of Maximillian. I loved building images in my mind of Manderley and dreamed of having tea in the library and walking the grounds.

This book has been on radar for years. I’m glad I finally clicked the ‘place hold’ button on the Libby app. It was well worth the approximate six-month wait. I have yet to re-read any books and this one makes the very short list of books I would consider revisiting in years to come. I chose the audiobook format and the narration by Anna Massey was wonderful.

I read Daphne Du Maurier’s author bio on Goodreads and was unaware she has written so many books. Her personal history sounds fascinating. I wonder if readers have enjoyed her other books.

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog ( )

I just read Rebecca for the first time as part of my Classics book group. I’ve had it on my TBR forever so I was glad this one got voted for, but honestly I liked it way more than I thought I was going to. The writing is absolutely phenomenal. The way that Daphne du Maurier brings us into the mind of the main character is just stunning. This was also a really good read for this time of the year being that it’s a gothic story with some very creepy, dark vibes (not scary though). I am so excited to check out the Netflix adaptation coming out later this month!

The main character of Rebecca is working as a lady’s companion in France when she meets the handsome, mysterious, and recently widowed Maxim de Winter. She is soon swept off her feet and back to his home at the famous Manderely estate as his new wife. But Manderely, and Max, may not be all they seem. While Manderely’s beauty and the fabulous parties held there are the talk of the village, there’s something dark lying just under the glamour. As the new Mrs. de Winter struggles to adjust to her new life, the past comes back to haunt her at every turn. And the housekeeper that runs the estate, Mrs. Danvers, seemed determined to show Mrs. de Winter her place.

Another thing that really impressed me about the writing of Rebecca was just how well the atmosphere is created. Even the most mundane details are turned into something eerie and haunting by the word choices used.

Rebecca: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ( )

Derrière une première phrase mythique, beaucoup de longueurs qui participe sans doute à cette atmosphère pesante, mais rendent la lecture un peu fastidieuse.
Mais la tension monte dans la deuxième moitié du livre, pour une fin dramatique au possible. Manderley… ( )

Started out a little slow but picked up a few chapters in. ( )

Read it over 10 years ago and loved it.

Read it now and not so much.
It’s an easy gothic read but my god, the “new wife” is an idiot. Why you would stay with such a condescending mean man after finding THAT out is beyond me. It’s honestly baffling. Besides the awful romance there’s not a whole lot going for it plot-wise. I should have just let this stay a good book in my memories. ( )