A review by waytoomanybooks
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The first thing to know about getting into du Maurier's Rebecca is that the tension she creates is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. You really feel like you're living out the events of the book with the characters in real time. 

The characters are all so messed up and maladnusted that you just don't know exactly what they're going to say or do. No one can truly be trusted; not even our dear, misbegotten narrator, whom we follow throughout.

The build up to each plot twist is harrowing. The anxiety in the characters and in the setting is palpable. The reason that u marked the book as a slow-paced read is because I often found myself slowing down or rereading passages to make sure I wasn't missing something potentially important. The action happens in fits and starts, keeping the reader on their toes. It is truly delightful and engaging read!

Additionally, Hitchcock's 1940 adaptation is incredibly faithful to the book, and I highly recommend it as well!

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