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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 maladjusted that you just don't know exactly what they're going to say or do to the poor narrator next. No one can truly be trusted; not even our dear, misbegotten narrator, whom we follow throughout. You can’t help but feel sorry for her as she founders through trial after trial. As you watch her struggle to get her footing, your emotions will start to mirror hers, by turns anxious, frightened, manic, and resigned.
The build up to each plot twist is harrowing. Anxiety seeps out of every crevice of this novel in both the characters and in the setting. The unease is palpable.
The reason that I marked the book as a slow-paced read on my StoryGraph review 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!
The characters are all so messed up and maladjusted that you just don't know exactly what they're going to say or do to the poor narrator next. No one can truly be trusted; not even our dear, misbegotten narrator, whom we follow throughout. You can’t help but feel sorry for her as she founders through trial after trial. As you watch her struggle to get her footing, your emotions will start to mirror hers, by turns anxious, frightened, manic, and resigned.
The build up to each plot twist is harrowing. Anxiety seeps out of every crevice of this novel in both the characters and in the setting. The unease is palpable.
The reason that I marked the book as a slow-paced read on my StoryGraph review 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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Grief
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, Incest, and Terminal illness