Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. I believe it’s never been out of print and there’s a new Netflix movie out starring Lily James. I remember the basics of this novel in that it’s got a Wuthering Heights vibe of love, passion, deceit, and consequences. But watching the Netflix version had me grasping for the book to settle some confusion in my mind about the storyline. The film does take some liberties but I actually think the film plays out the last half of the book better way than the novel.
The novel is about an unnamed young woman who is working as a lady’s companion and finds herself swept off her feet in Monte Carlo by the wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, of the renowned country estate Manderley. After a romantic courtship in Monte Carlo and honeymoon in Italy, Rebecca is whisked off to Manderley, where she is quickly unsettled by the stone-cold housekeeper Mrs. Danvers. What follows is some supreme gaslighting, a weird bit of nerves and misunderstandings, and then the abrupt and emotional discovery that Maxim’s first wife was murdered.
Rebecca is a dark psychological tale full of secrets and betrayal. The 1930s language can be a bit dull, but if you’re a Bronte or Austen fan then definitely give this one a go.
I listened to the audiobook off Libby, which I recommend. But I also discovered this reader, who has a great voice for the book too.