Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Title: Rebecca

Author: Daphne du Maurier

Published: 2006, HarperCollins (first published August 1938)

Format: Paperback, 410 pages

Source: Personal copy

Summary: 

A classic novel of
romantic suspense finds the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter entering the
home of her mysterious and enigmatic new husband and learning the story
of the house’s first mistress, to whom the sinister housekeeper is
unnaturally devoted.

My thoughts: I’m not sure why I waited so long to read this book…for some reason I never read it in high school or college and then I never picked it up until now. Part of that is because I received a copy of The Winters by Lisa Gabriele, which is inspired by Rebecca and felt I should read Rebecca first and the other part is because I am trying to make my way through some of the classics that I never read.

This book utterly captivated me from the very first line and I just knew it was going to be a favorite! I loved it and have a feeling this will definitely be reread again in the future. Do you ever get that feeling about a certain book?  

This is a hauntingly delicious gothic mystery that pulls you in with superb storytelling. There are dark, psychological undercurrents running through the story and it is full of tension and completely atmospheric. And the characters – the haunting Rebecca, the mean-spirited Mrs. Danvers and the unnamed narrator – these characters come alive on the pages and are completely unforgettable. 

I did not know what to expect when I started this book and was surprised in all the best ways – I love when that happens! This is definitely a book I have not stopped thinking about and cannot wait until I read again. Have you read this one? If you haven’t, I definitely recommend picking it up!