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A review by oceanwriter
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
For some reason, I never wrote a review for this book when I first read it in 2016... not uncommon at this point in my life but I've been regarding it as one of my all-time favorite books since then. Nothing has changed the second time around. I opted to listen to the audiobook this time. Initially, I just wanted a comfort read to help me fall asleep. That didn't work so much. I was only reminded how much I love this story. There's so much I identify with and the suspense is unmatched.
What gets me most with the book is the narration. We never learn the second Mrs. de Winter's name, and yet, it's so intimate with her every thought and emotion surrounding each event. We watch from grow from a shy and timid companion to a strong and unabashed wife of a tormented widow. Then of course there's Mrs. Danvers who is perhaps my favorite antagonist of all-time — book, stage, or screen. Her presence is as haunting as Rebecca's memory, and yet there is something so human about her that you can't help but sympathize.
Between the original film and the two subsequent mini-series (as well as a musical), I have almost every bit of this story memorized and still the twists hold up. The tension continues to build up to the very end. Listening to it on audiobook made it a new experience with an old friend.
What gets me most with the book is the narration. We never learn the second Mrs. de Winter's name, and yet, it's so intimate with her every thought and emotion surrounding each event. We watch from grow from a shy and timid companion to a strong and unabashed wife of a tormented widow. Then of course there's Mrs. Danvers who is perhaps my favorite antagonist of all-time — book, stage, or screen. Her presence is as haunting as Rebecca's memory, and yet there is something so human about her that you can't help but sympathize.
Between the original film and the two subsequent mini-series (as well as a musical), I have almost every bit of this story memorized and still the twists hold up. The tension continues to build up to the very end. Listening to it on audiobook made it a new experience with an old friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief, Cancer, Terminal illness, Emotional abuse, and Suicide
Minor: Incest