Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredibly slow and dull book about truly awful people.
Occasionally a fun Gothic vibe.
Occasionally a fun Gothic vibe.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I first saw the Hitchcock film of this in college and loved it (hello handsome Olivier). But I just got around to reading it. Fortunately, I didn't totally remember the twist in the book so I was able to be surprised as it went on. And it was enthralling from start to finish. I am especially fascinated by the fact that the narrator/protagonist has no name. Since she simply goes by "Mrs. de Winter" her entire identity is wrapped up in Maxim. Whereas Rebecca is, well, Rebecca. The former Mrs. de Winter, sure, but also the title character of this novel. That raises some interesting points about the power of a name and one's identity. If our narrator has no name and is only identified in her position as a wife, how can she ever compete with the specter that is Rebecca, full of life and with a name all her own. Obviously this is what du Maurier is going for and I find it so cool.
I look forward to reading more of her works and re-watching the Hitchcock film.
I look forward to reading more of her works and re-watching the Hitchcock film.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel like I don’t know how to process this book. It seems superficially simple and the narrator a bit of a ditzy young thing, but then it’s also full of such darkness and horror. As I think about it, it becomes more twisted and meaningful and not simple at all. Very cleverly written. Not a book I absolutely love, but I feel this one might stay with me a while.
I honestly don’t think I could have finished this without it being a book club book for which I was supposed to be the leader. I also wouldn’t have finished without having the audio book to read it while I followed along. The never ending descriptions of everything! Good god! I kept thinking about the author- how could she keep going on and on about all of the plants and the random thoughts that the main character had. It was pretty predictable also.
I made a note about half way through this book stating I was bored and was looking forward to being done with the book so that I could move on to something more entertaining. A few chapters later I was completely enthralled and ended up finishing the book that day.
I think the writing is beautiful, but I can only take so much before I start to wonder if there is even a plot to the book. Personally, I think there are entire chapters filled with daydreams and everyday monotony that could have been consolidated or left out entirely.
The second half of the book was more entertaining and I enjoyed the Afterword that talked about the author's personal life and how it reflected in this book.
I think the writing is beautiful, but I can only take so much before I start to wonder if there is even a plot to the book. Personally, I think there are entire chapters filled with daydreams and everyday monotony that could have been consolidated or left out entirely.
The second half of the book was more entertaining and I enjoyed the Afterword that talked about the author's personal life and how it reflected in this book.
Rebecca took my breathe away. how Maurier captures the main characters emotions and the rich atmosphere she created and up held throughout the whole book…the development of the main character too, I truly loved this piece and its power, Maurier is a master at her craft! wow.
So happy my friend recommended this, it’s always nice to imagine what someone else was thinking at certain parts when you read them :)
So happy my friend recommended this, it’s always nice to imagine what someone else was thinking at certain parts when you read them :)