I was also worried about reading Rebecca and also had the 'even better' reaction. It's so wonderfully atmospheric and stays with you forever. The movie is amazing as well.
I read this book for the first time about 12 years ago.My edition was published by Avon books in 1971,and is now yellow and very raggedy from being read soooo much.It is still one of my favorite books.I think that buying the current edition-before I read it again- in hardcover would be a good idea for me.Its just a great, unforgettable story.
I just read this one in the last few months and loved it also. I felt like the author was skilled in making you feel moods instead of just telling you what the current tone was for the characters.
I've been meaning to read du Maurier *forever* because I can't really do horror novels because I'm a giant wuss, but man do I love stuff that's creepy and gothic, and her work seems like something that would fit the bill perfectly. I should really move her up the queue.
I just finished the book this morning. I have mixed feeling's about it. On the one hand, it is definitely a well written and crafted story. However, the book requires patience on the part of the reader. Without giving anything away, the story (at least for me) didn't really become interesting until the costume ball at Manderley, At any rate, Daphne Du Maurier deserves a lot of credit... "Rebecca" is a good suspense-romance novel that is worth a read.
Now on my ninth reading! My fave romantic novel; nothing else in this genre transcends Rebecca. I keep hoping someone will craft the definitive prequel, "Rebecca de Winter," explaining her own "spurious origins," to quote the very quotable du Maurier.
This is great to hear considering I picked up the book a couple of weeks ago. Since my name is Rebecca I felt that I NEEDED to read this and now I know I have a lot to look forward to! - Becks
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it :) for a second I thought that you were gonna say that it let you down and I was like, "oh no!" But I'm so pleased you liked it. My parents are massive fans and they got me hooked when I was in my teens. Love Du Maurier!
I actually saw a musical of Rebecca before I realized it was a book. I immediately fell in love with the gothic, suspenseful tone. Read it immediately afterwards and absolutely loved it.
My favorite book of all time. Do read My Cousin Rachel too if you haven't already. Not exactly Rebecca level but very atmospheric. And do give the Jeremy Brett/Joanna David series of Rebecca a try too. I loved it!
I read Rebecca when I was seventeen and loved it as well. I think I got it at a used book store for cheap and didn't think that there would be much to the novel until I started reading and didn't stop until I was finished! I will always cherish this novel as a favorite
I read "Rebecca" in the beginning of October and I also had really high expectations on it and was blown away. Definitely my favorite book of the year. While I read it I so badly wanted to underline quotes and write things on the pages, which I almost never want to do, but I have this really pretty edition from the VMC designer collection and I didn't want to ruin it so I'm going to buy a cheap paperback edition I can write in :)
I JUST finished reading this for the first time. I had put it off for so long because I was afraid of being disappointed. It is a new favorite for me, and like you, instantly wanted to reread it when i finished it.
Yes, there was a Hitchcock movie--staring Olivier and Joan Fontaine. There were also at least two TV versions--at least one by the BBC (which included Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers). The Hitchcock movie modified the ending. The performance by Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers will have your hair standing on end. The BBC version follows the book exactly.
Mrs Danvers is incredibly creepy! Although I learned from that extra material in the back of my book that she wasn't always meant to be. She was originally going to be a sympathetic character. Glad she changed it! The impact wouldn't have been the same. :)
I read this book and absolutely loved it. I watched Hitchcock's version of it, and even though some of it was different from the book, I loved the cast and really enjoyed the interpretation. Did you ever get around to seeing Hitchcock's version, and if so, what did you think of it?
I am so glad you loved this book! It is one of my favorites! I was lucky enough to have a great english teacher in high school that assigned this novel for us to read. I remember that it was a book that many students actually enjoyed!
Fantastic review! I seriously didn't know what this book was about until I just sat and listened to you talk about it. I think now I'm really interested in reading it.
I watched the movie first (1979 version) and then read the book. Though this version of the movie is the closest to the novel, the book details the characters so much better. I loved both, the movie and the book ... ah! the name of the girl is told ... just once and it is lovely as Maxim said
Yay! So glad you loved it, you had me worried there at the beginning. Haha. I have been wanting to read this forever, and actually checked it out from my college's library but never got around to it. It is coming out in December for Kindle, and I am preordering it. I can't wait!
Well. I watched this review when you uploaded it (5 months ago! Time flies!) and then remembered Daphne du Maurier was an author I had read before and liked, so I ordered Rebecca and was looking forward to reading it. I just finished reading it and OMG! I was so tense while reading, angry and kind of scared of what might happen... Anyway, thanks for the review, it really is a tremendous book!!
I saw the film first and then read the novel. I loved them both. I usually read the novel first because it can be hard to read a book where you know what will happen but this book was written so beautifully. It’s so good. I’d recommend both the novel and the film.
hey as someone who has read and appreciated the beauty of this book that needs no intro... did u get the chill while u read it during some moments or like the thrills while reading?? ps.. rebecca is so well incredibly written.
I just read this book and had the exact same reaction to the twist - how did I not see this coming? But I was so shocked! Wonderful book I thought it was a bit slow at the start but like you said once they got to Manderly I spent all day eating it up, thank goodness it’s Christmas!
It is amazing to think that du Maurier wrote "Rebecca", "My Cousin Rachel", and "Jamaica Inn" all within just a few years. It was definitely a very rich period in her imagination.
Everytime I visit a bookstore I always look at this book with the intention to buy it and for some reason I just choose not to. After your review, I'll definitely pick it up.
Your experience sounds so similar to mine. Just finished it a few hrs ago. I was surprised with the turning point. I wasn't even on a path let alone the right one. And when I finished I flipped right back to the front and read a bit from the first couple of chapters. And like you a need a better copy for future reading. My mass market is full of typos.
I love this edition! I found it very pretty! x) And I just found the book at the store because I've previously seen in your video, so I like it even more because of it! KOPSAKPS I hope I enjoy the book as you did! :D
Have you seen the Comic Strip's take on "Rebecca"? It was written by French and Saunders and is on CZcams somewhere. It's a great take on the book. It's called "Consuela OR The New Mrs Saunders'.
I love this book I feel like it starts with all the markings of a classic gothic ghost story, (only without an actual ghost) and then changes into a suspenseful mystery. I hear that Susan Hill wrote a sequel which is supposed to be quite good, I think its called Mrs De Winter.
I love this book. I have had the same battered copy for 15 years. It was a school read for me in 7th grade and has been my favorite ever since. I'm glad you got around to it and enjoyed it! Have you watched the film?
Knew you would love this as you raved about the Sarah Waters novel too:) Can't wait for you to read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn now..I promise you will fall in love and gush and gush and gush over it:)
Just finished reading Rebecca. Just wow...in every way. Now my new favourite! Read Jamaica Inn before then onto Rebecca. Both great books and I loved Jamaica Inn. It gave me a great introduction to Daphne Du Maurier's style and then Rebecca has just blown me away. So many parts in the 2nd half of the novel that made me say a loud "Woah...oh my" etc, haha. Loved your review!
Hey, lovely review! I'm never one to comment but this one book is one of my favorites, since my mother gave it to me when I was very little and said one day I'd enjoy it, as I did of course. Just wanted to say there's also a movie from BBC called Daphne that tells the story of her life and it is also really touching and well done for a tv movie. I think you would enjoy it. 'Kay bye ;) and cheers from Brazil!
Hitchcock promised Daphne that he would not change the story if she let him film it. Which she did. When it was done Hollywood made him change the ending of the story, as they felt at the time it was in bad taste to let the public see a murderer go free. Hitchcock wrote a very sincere letter to Daphne apologizing for the ending. So the 1941 movie is accurate except the very ending. The 2001 version with Charles Dance and Emilia Fox is also very good. Bothe actress' that played mrs. Danbers were excellent actress' and won awards for their roles. Tho the '41 vrs Mrs Danbers was a lot more callous.
Thank you for this video! I will definitely read this sometime, it sounds absolutely amazing LAST VIDEO POSTED SUPER MEGA MONDO BOOK HAUL PART #3 (Long Beach Bookstore)
I thought I was gonna fall in love with this book and I sort of enjoyed it but the cons outweighed the pros for me. I love her writing and loved Maxim and the twist towards the end but the main character's major lack of self esteem that only slightly improved and I originally liked the idea that it was inspired by Jane Eyre but then it just seemed too close. It seemed like she changed a few bits here and there but it ended up being the same structure.
Having now seen and completely loved both the 1940 film and the 1997 mini-series, i am thinking i need to go back and give the book a second read to see if I like it better this time around.
SPOILER ALERT 🚨 So i have read only the last few chapters and i can't really understand why is maxim okay with the fact that he murdered his innocent wife ??
StayAlive Weirdos but she technically wasn't innocent. She was supposedly having an affair (near the end it suggests that was with her cousin Jack Favell) and pregnant. I may be prejudice, but she didn't sound like much of a nice person to me. obviously that's no reason to kill your wife, but i get his motives right or wrong and at the end of the day if he didn't kill her this story would have never came into existence!!☺
When I got to the "turning point", I actually got up out of my chair and walked around the room in amazement before sitting back down
Edan Fuller iñdiàñ cooķìñģ
I left the book for 12 hours because i couldn't believe it, and didn't want to believe it 😂
I wasn’t surprised because I watched the musical first but when I got to that scene in the book I literally screamed “MAXIM WHAT THE FUCK!”
Edan Fuller it was a great book. Full of tension.
Love this book and the movie. It is the perfect mix of gothic suspense and romance told though the mind of a nameless heroine.
Rebecca is a must read for every aspiring writer. Plot, characters, pacing everything is nailed by the writer.
I was also worried about reading Rebecca and also had the 'even better' reaction. It's so wonderfully atmospheric and stays with you forever. The movie is amazing as well.
Glad I'm not the only one. :)
I read this book for the first time about 12 years ago.My edition was published by Avon books in 1971,and is now yellow and very raggedy from being read soooo much.It is still one of my favorite books.I think that buying the current edition-before I read it again- in hardcover would be a good idea for me.Its just a great, unforgettable story.
There's a gorgeous hardcover from Virago Modern Classic's designer series that I have my eye on. :)
I'm so glad that you loved Rebecca, I love love love it as well! But, of course, I love anything that has that Jane Eyre theme!
I just read this one in the last few months and loved it also. I felt like the author was skilled in making you feel moods instead of just telling you what the current tone was for the characters.
I've been meaning to read du Maurier *forever* because I can't really do horror novels because I'm a giant wuss, but man do I love stuff that's creepy and gothic, and her work seems like something that would fit the bill perfectly. I should really move her up the queue.
Do it! I really think you'll love it! :D
I just finished the book this morning. I have mixed feeling's about it. On the one hand, it is definitely a well written and crafted story. However, the book requires patience on the part of the reader. Without giving anything away, the story (at least for me) didn't really become interesting until the costume ball at Manderley, At any rate, Daphne Du Maurier deserves a lot of credit... "Rebecca" is a good suspense-romance novel that is worth a read.
Now on my ninth reading! My fave romantic novel; nothing else in this genre transcends Rebecca. I keep hoping someone will craft the definitive prequel, "Rebecca de Winter," explaining her own "spurious origins," to quote the very quotable du Maurier.
This is great to hear considering I picked up the book a couple of weeks ago. Since my name is Rebecca I felt that I NEEDED to read this and now I know I have a lot to look forward to! - Becks
Yay! That's awesome! I look forward to hearing what you think of it. :)
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it :) for a second I thought that you were gonna say that it let you down and I was like, "oh no!" But I'm so pleased you liked it. My parents are massive fans and they got me hooked when I was in my teens. Love Du Maurier!
I actually saw a musical of Rebecca before I realized it was a book. I immediately fell in love with the gothic, suspenseful tone. Read it immediately afterwards and absolutely loved it.
My favorite book of all time. Do read My Cousin Rachel too if you haven't already. Not exactly Rebecca level but very atmospheric. And do give the Jeremy Brett/Joanna David series of Rebecca a try too. I loved it!
I just finished this and it's absolutely fantastic!!
this is my absolute favourite book, just finished it yesterday and want to read it again 😍
I read Rebecca when I was seventeen and loved it as well. I think I got it at a used book store for cheap and didn't think that there would be much to the novel until I started reading and didn't stop until I was finished! I will always cherish this novel as a favorite
I read "Rebecca" in the beginning of October and I also had really high expectations on it and was blown away. Definitely my favorite book of the year. While I read it I so badly wanted to underline quotes and write things on the pages, which I almost never want to do, but I have this really pretty edition from the VMC designer collection and I didn't want to ruin it so I'm going to buy a cheap paperback edition I can write in :)
I think the VMC edition is the one I'm going to get to keep for good. :)
This is one of my favorite books as well. Glad to see we have the same tastes in books!
I JUST finished reading this for the first time. I had put it off for so long because I was afraid of being disappointed. It is a new favorite for me, and like you, instantly wanted to reread it when i finished it.
Yes, there was a Hitchcock movie--staring Olivier and Joan Fontaine. There were also at least two TV versions--at least one by the BBC (which included Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers). The Hitchcock movie modified the ending. The performance by Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers will have your hair standing on end. The BBC version follows the book exactly.
One of my all time favorite books! Mrs. Danvers.....soooo creepy! The Hitchcock film is really good as well.
Mrs Danvers is incredibly creepy! Although I learned from that extra material in the back of my book that she wasn't always meant to be. She was originally going to be a sympathetic character. Glad she changed it! The impact wouldn't have been the same. :)
Slightly older? Maxim is middle-aged!
I read this book and absolutely loved it. I watched Hitchcock's version of it, and even though some of it was different from the book, I loved the cast and really enjoyed the interpretation. Did you ever get around to seeing Hitchcock's version, and if so, what did you think of it?
Rebecca has always been one of my favourite books. So glad you enjoyed it!
I finished reading it today. It has a great plot. I did not always want to start the next chapter because of the building sense of dread.
I am so glad you loved this book! It is one of my favorites! I was lucky enough to have a great english teacher in high school that assigned this novel for us to read. I remember that it was a book that many students actually enjoyed!
i lve it when u gush over a book because it makes me want to buy it even ones i wouldnt normally read!!
i love
I love to hear that! Thank you! x
Fantastic review! I seriously didn't know what this book was about until I just sat and listened to you talk about it. I think now I'm really interested in reading it.
You should try out Jamaica Inn by her! I read it a couple of months ago and it was phenomenal. I will definitely read Rebecca ASAP!
I watched the movie first (1979 version) and then read the book. Though this version of the movie is the closest to the novel, the book details the characters so much better. I loved both, the movie and the book ... ah! the name of the girl is told ... just once and it is lovely as Maxim said
Yay!!! So very good. I loved your review. I reread those early chapters again. Brilliant book!
rereading those chapters is a must! haha It seems like we like a lot of the same books! Recommend me something!? :D
One of my all time favourites!!!! Not found a book that has taken it's spot.
I have added it to my to-read list! It sounds intriguing. In the beginning of the video, I really thought you were going to say you didn't like it!
THE FILM IS SO GOOD!
That's wonderful to hear!
currently reading it! and i'm hooked!
Yay! So glad you loved it, you had me worried there at the beginning. Haha. I have been wanting to read this forever, and actually checked it out from my college's library but never got around to it. It is coming out in December for Kindle, and I am preordering it. I can't wait!
Well. I watched this review when you uploaded it (5 months ago! Time flies!) and then remembered Daphne du Maurier was an author I had read before and liked, so I ordered Rebecca and was looking forward to reading it. I just finished reading it and OMG! I was so tense while reading, angry and kind of scared of what might happen... Anyway, thanks for the review, it really is a tremendous book!!
I have this book sitting on my shelf. I'm looking at it right now. You just convinced me to make it a priority. :D
Excellent! I hope you love it as much as I did!
Great review for a timeless classic book. Keep up with the good work 😉
I love your book reviews! Thanks for sharing and I will definitely put that book in my tbr!
I saw the film first and then read the novel. I loved them both. I usually read the novel first because it can be hard to read a book where you know what will happen but this book was written so beautifully. It’s so good. I’d recommend both the novel and the film.
You have put in on my mental to-read list, along with How Green was my Valley.
This book is just AMAZING. I absolutely loved reading it. It was almost impossible to put it down. So well written! Nadja
This is so going to be on my TBR for next year!
Yes! I really think you would love it! :)
hey as someone who has read and appreciated the beauty of this book that needs no intro... did u get the chill while u read it during some moments or like the thrills while reading??
ps.. rebecca is so well incredibly written.
Charles Dance's TV movie of Rebecca was quite good. I loved this book.
I just read this book and had the exact same reaction to the twist - how did I not see this coming? But I was so shocked! Wonderful book I thought it was a bit slow at the start but like you said once they got to Manderly I spent all day eating it up, thank goodness it’s Christmas!
there is also a german musical adaption which is amazing (if that is your kind of thing) :) xxx
loved this book. Half way through I thought I'd figured it out but nope, the twist was totally unexpected.
Me too! It's done so well! :)
What did you originally think the twist was?
Definitely watch the movie. It is a great adaptation.
rebecca is my favorite book and i think the film definitely does it justice! i look forward to hearing your thoughts on it :')
One of my favorites :)
It is amazing to think that du Maurier wrote "Rebecca", "My Cousin Rachel", and "Jamaica Inn" all within just a few years. It was definitely a very rich period in her imagination.
Incredibly so!
I have loved this book for years, It completely blew me out of the water. I'd you want something else by her try Jamaica inn. Also quite spooky.
Everytime I visit a bookstore I always look at this book with the intention to buy it and for some reason I just choose not to. After your review, I'll definitely pick it up.
a singer/violinist I love posted this book on instagram so its on my list now
I'm currently reading The Parasites and love it. I can't wait to read this!
Your experience sounds so similar to mine. Just finished it a few hrs ago. I was surprised with the turning point. I wasn't even on a path let alone the right one. And when I finished I flipped right back to the front and read a bit from the first couple of chapters. And like you a need a better copy for future reading. My mass market is full of typos.
Owned this book for years. Have to get round to reading it after this great review.
I really hope that I can read it next year. It sounds like I'd love it.
I love this edition! I found it very pretty! x)
And I just found the book at the store because I've previously seen in your video, so I like it even more because of it! KOPSAKPS
I hope I enjoy the book as you did! :D
I LOVE Rebecca. I also love My Cousin Rachel...have you read that? It's imo as good as Rebecca and just as shocking :D x
Good book review. Keep up the good work.
i´d like to see the musical... the story is really intriguing...
Angela Ciani me too, if only they hadn’t lost the rights to produce it on Broadway. I would’ve loved to see it live and in English XD
Have you seen the Comic Strip's take on "Rebecca"? It was written by French and Saunders and is on CZcams somewhere. It's a great take on the book. It's called "Consuela OR The New Mrs Saunders'.
I love this book I feel like it starts with all the markings of a classic gothic ghost story, (only without an actual ghost) and then changes into a suspenseful mystery.
I hear that Susan Hill wrote a sequel which is supposed to be quite good, I think its called Mrs De Winter.
Ooh! I'll have to look into that for sure! Thanks for letting me know! :D
I love this book. I have had the same battered copy for 15 years. It was a school read for me in 7th grade and has been my favorite ever since. I'm glad you got around to it and enjoyed it! Have you watched the film?
We have similar taste in books. I picked up The Graveyard book. Now I want to read Rebecca.
Btw, your videos are amazing! (:
Knew you would love this as you raved about the Sarah Waters novel too:) Can't wait for you to read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn now..I promise you will fall in love and gush and gush and gush over it:)
Just finished reading Rebecca. Just wow...in every way. Now my new favourite! Read Jamaica Inn before then onto Rebecca. Both great books and I loved Jamaica Inn. It gave me a great introduction to Daphne Du Maurier's style and then Rebecca has just blown me away. So many parts in the 2nd half of the novel that made me say a loud "Woah...oh my" etc, haha. Loved your review!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this book, it's one of my all-time favourites! The film is incredible too, I hope you'll do a Cinemascope on it maybe? :)
Ooh! I should! I might also talk about The Birds since that's also based on a story by her. :)
WordsofaReader
Oooh you should! I was so surprised reading it though how different it was...
Hey, lovely review! I'm never one to comment but this one book is one of my favorites, since my mother gave it to me when I was very little and said one day I'd enjoy it, as I did of course. Just wanted to say there's also a movie from BBC called Daphne that tells the story of her life and it is also really touching and well done for a tv movie. I think you would enjoy it. 'Kay bye ;) and cheers from Brazil!
I posted my first book haul video and Rebecca was in it, per the recommendation of this video. Made sure to link back to you. 😊
Hitchcock promised Daphne that he would not change the story if she let him film it. Which she did. When it was done Hollywood made him change the ending of the story, as they felt at the time it was in bad taste to let the public see a murderer go free. Hitchcock wrote a very sincere letter to Daphne apologizing for the ending. So the 1941 movie is accurate except the very ending. The 2001 version with Charles Dance and Emilia Fox is also very good. Bothe actress' that played mrs. Danbers were excellent actress' and won awards for their roles. Tho the '41 vrs Mrs Danbers was a lot more callous.
Looks like a good read, thanks!
And the movie adaptation by Hitchcock was really good as well.
Did you ever get around to watching the film?? :) Definitely one of my favorites
You should defo watch Hitchcock's movie, and yes Olivier is Maxim. It's brill :D
How many pages are there in the book?
Thank you for this video! I will definitely read this sometime, it sounds absolutely amazing
LAST VIDEO POSTED
SUPER MEGA MONDO BOOK HAUL PART #3 (Long Beach Bookstore)
You know how to download and not buy
please
Ok so you say Manderley like I do. I say ManderLAY but I’ve heard some people say MandeLEE. Which one is it?
The plot twist in my opinion was very predictable, however very good book.
I thought I was gonna fall in love with this book and I sort of enjoyed it but the cons outweighed the pros for me. I love her writing and loved Maxim and the twist towards the end but the main character's major lack of self esteem that only slightly improved and I originally liked the idea that it was inspired by Jane Eyre but then it just seemed too close. It seemed like she changed a few bits here and there but it ended up being the same structure.
Having now seen and completely loved both the 1940 film and the 1997 mini-series, i am thinking i need to go back and give the book a second read to see if I like it better this time around.
Is it too scary?
I have got a brazilian portuguese edition of 1940. It belonged to my grandfather.
Is it really that good because the beginning doesn't seem that interesting and I want to get to the good parts already. Currently at pg. 14
SPOILER ALERT 🚨
So i have read only the last few chapters and i can't really understand why is maxim okay with the fact that he murdered his innocent wife ??
StayAlive Weirdos but she technically wasn't innocent. She was supposedly having an affair (near the end it suggests that was with her cousin Jack Favell) and pregnant. I may be prejudice, but she didn't sound like much of a nice person to me. obviously that's no reason to kill your wife, but i get his motives right or wrong and at the end of the day if he didn't kill her this story would have never came into existence!!☺
i tried to read it but was aggravated by the hroine not having a first name
Another one of my fave books
We have similar taste in books. I picked up The Graveyard book. Now I want to read Rebecca.
Btw, your videos are amazing! (: