Rating: ****1/2
Will it grip you? Without a doubt
Rebecca is my mum's favourite book (and one her favourite films!), and for good reason. I don't want to sound cliched, but the story will haunt you when you've finished this. Mum has been trying to get me to read this for years and when I finally did, I could not put this down and I think I read it in less than two days. :)
The story starts in Monte Carlo, where a young Lady's maid falls in love with dark and glamorous Max de Winter. After a whirlwind romance (of a sorts...) they quickly get married. Max moves himself and his new bride back to his house in Cornwall, Manderley. However, married life isn't quite what the protagonist thinks it will be. Max, Manderley and all the servants seem to be haunted by the memory of Max's late wife, Rebecca. The more the new Mrs de Winter discovers about Rebecca, the more she hates her.
This is a book that can only be properly enjoyed once; the first time you read it. Once you have read the end and know the truth, and know why Max is a changed man at home, then re-reading the book knowing this is never the same.
The female protagonist in Rebecca is never named; she pales in comparison to the lively and colourful Rebecca. The new Mrs de Winter pales in comparison with her predecessor. The spirit of Rebecca lingers, and the title of the book shows this.
Although the first few chapters drag a little, once the novel picks up pace it's un-put-downable. I cannot recommend this book enough, it's just such a great read. I love Daphne du Maurier's books, she has a style of writing that just draws you into the world of the novel. For me, this book has everything you could want from a book, suspense, mystery and drama. Go read Rebecca, you won't regret it!!!
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