Rebecca

I can't believe that I had never read this book. I think I was put off by thinking that it was more of a romance novel than a pseudo ghost story/gothic novel. Although there isn't an actual ghost, there is an overbearing presence and there are enough chilling scenes to make you shiver. There is a lot of psychological drama and the no name narrator is necessarily intimidated by her circumstances. Loved it.

The pacing for me with the gothic writing left me wanting to skim the pages rather than take in the beauty of the writing. Not to say it isn’t written well, it is just not the style I prefer. I have not ever been a Jane Austin or Frankenstein Fan of that era of writing. It was an interesting take though on the perspective of what would a person do if they found that their spouse had a colored past.

“I am glad it cannot happen twice, the fever of first love. For it is a fever, and a burden, too, whatever the poets may say. They are not brave, the days when we are twenty-one. They are full of little cowardices, little fears without foundation, and one is so easily bruised, so swiftly wounded, one falls to the first barbed word” (61).

Rebecca was definitely one of the best books I've ever read. It's one of those books that I have trouble even explaining what about it was so amazing, because it is just EVERYTHING. Daphne du Maurier's style is scrumptious; I ate it up for hours straight without even realizing that time was passing. Her writing feels as though you've actually been inserted inside of the protagonist's head, and I do believe it was genius to NEVER EVEN NAME HER. You become her. You see Rebecca through her eyes and through no one else's, and any suspicions you have are her suspicions too.

Rebecca feels so incredibly rich and gothic, it feels like I'm walking through a painting of Manderley. I am not sure if I have ever read anything more atmospheric. I am honestly very excited to keep reading du Maurier's other works, and despite this book's incredible length, I'm sure if it had been even longer I would have still read. I would probably read a whole series just about Manderley, or just about the protagonist, or just about Rebecca, or just about Maxim. The depth here really impressed me. I loved the mystery, the flaws and charms of each character, I loved the imagery and the setting and the clothing and the beautiful ornate objects.

Ok maybe it's because my name IS Rebecca... but this book is truly for me.

Average rating was a 3/5 stars.

Very ominous! Like a spookier version of Jane Eyre. I think this book is very overlooked!