A review by mfeibel
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

5.0

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.