Book Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca
One of my top ten favorite opening lines is now, ‘Last night I dreamt of Manderley again” – these sparse words set a tone where I just know the language is going to be beautiful. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a tale of gothic romance, without the creepster Heathcliff.
The characters are haunting. There is the second Mrs. DeWinter, Maxim, Mrs. Danvers, and of course, Rebecca. DW2 is a character who is unsure of herself, as she is thrown into a new life situation. I felt her actions and reactions were quite genuine. To be completely honest, I would most likely have done the same. Honestly, what female hasn’t compared herself to the dreaded ex? I thought Maxim was a creeper out for a trophy wife. Mrs. Danvers was terrifying, I just picture her as a wicked witch, LOL.
The plot twists in Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier are often described as being predictable in other reviews. Apparently, I am slow as I did not see many of the twists coming until well, the actual twist itself. However, I refused to look at spoilers or really look at reviews of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier which I feel added to my suspense.
Aside from the action, I felt the language was extraordinary. Reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier was delicious. If you already know the destination of Rebecca, perhaps you should read it to appreciate the journey. The writing is eloquent, which is not something I am very used to. I drew out my reading of Rebecca because I wanted to savor the words, and you can only read a book for the first time once. I would love to revisit Rebecca someday. It is deserving of multiple readings. I feel there is so much to be studied and interpreted within the pages, such as female roles during the time period (late 1920s-1930s I’m guessing), looking at the story in terms of control and submissiveness, looking at this via cultural norms, and also as a study of class relations. I feel I could discuss this novel all day!
While reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, I suggest you drink a peppermint patty. Peppermint Patties are one of my favorite drinks ever. To make one, you pour a glass of milk and chocolate syrup, put in a shot of Crème de Menthe and a shot of Peppermint Schnapps, stir and enjoy. You can also make one by replacing the milk and chocolate syrup with a mug of hot chocolate for the cold winter nights!
I read this as part of a Read-A-Long hosted by You’ve Gotta Read This and also for the RIP Challenge
Tagged as:
Adult fiction,
Book Review,
Classics,
Mystery
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Ahh…so glad you liked it. I always hold my breath a little when I open up a fellow blogger's review of this book. I would be so sad to see that someone had a bad reading experience with it
It's one of my all-time favorites.
I love the movie, although I think it would be great as a remake.
I have a giveaway that includes some Du Maurier books – not sure if you've seen it. twoandahalfbooklovers.blogspot.com the giveaways are on the top left sidebar.
I was holding my breath too! I'm so glad you liked it. It's such a great book. You wrote an excellent review as well.
I wasn't expecting the plot twists when I first read it either. Have you seen the movie?
I actually haven't seen the movie yet, but it's on Turner Classic Movies at midnight, so I might just turn on the TV to watch it, I hear it's well-done and directed by Hitchcock!
I feel the same way as you all, about books I love. When I see other reviews, I have baited breath in hopes that it is as well-loved as I think it deserves to be!
One of my fav books. It's good that you read the book before you saw the movie; there's a lot explained in the book that the movie doesn't get to. I'm going to have to make a Peppermint Patty soon!
I recently started this and just have not had much reading time, but I've really enjoyed it so far!! And that drink sounds so good!
I've heard this is fabulous. And the drink sounds so yummy!
This was a really great read and one that I plan on rereading as well at some point. The language and the atmosphere that the novel creates were two of the best parts of the book and I plan on reading more by this author for sure. Great review!