A review by vaughanreads
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
๐น Engagement = 3.5
Overall, my engagement with Rebecca was middle of the road. I was noticeably more immersed in the second half of the book.ย
In the first half, my interest lulled with all the descriptions of Manderly and its surroundings. Whereas the investigative nature of the second half really pulled me in!
๐ป Language = 3
Daphne du Maurier definitely utilised suitable for her time. Personally, reading it today, and having no background in English Academia, it took a few sittings to get into that gear. HOWEVER, once that initial barrier was negotiated, I had a pretty easy time of it. ๐
๐ต Plot = 4
I loved the plot points of this story. It's dark, mysterious, inquisitive, quite offensive at times ๐ (see characters), and had a fantastic final act that completely hooked me! If you're a fan of the murder mystery genre, this is totally for you!
๐ฅ Characters = 5
Maxim de Winter is a monolith of a character within this story! Revered by the bourgeois in Monte Carlo but adored by his latest fiancรฉ, Max can seemingly do no wrong. The first few scenes show him as perfect to "Mrs de Winter's" eyes. This is then challenged by certain acts - the main being his proposal. Throughout the middle of the story, he just seemed like an asshole with a sprinkle of misogyny. The end portion really put Max in a new light and I grew to appreciate him a lot more!
The new Mrs de Winter, for she actually has no given name, is another fantastic character. She realises early on that the idyllic husband didn't exist in Max and her life in Manderly was made rather uncomfortable by his efforts. I'm glad that she hardened in these conditions and blossomed into a proper lady of her own estate.
๐บ Re-Read = 4
I would happily re-read this book again. Certain issues upon the first read would likely be ironed out much quicker on second viewing.
Overall, my engagement with Rebecca was middle of the road. I was noticeably more immersed in the second half of the book.ย
In the first half, my interest lulled with all the descriptions of Manderly and its surroundings. Whereas the investigative nature of the second half really pulled me in!
๐ป Language = 3
Daphne du Maurier definitely utilised suitable for her time. Personally, reading it today, and having no background in English Academia, it took a few sittings to get into that gear. HOWEVER, once that initial barrier was negotiated, I had a pretty easy time of it. ๐
๐ต Plot = 4
I loved the plot points of this story. It's dark, mysterious, inquisitive, quite offensive at times ๐ (see characters), and had a fantastic final act that completely hooked me! If you're a fan of the murder mystery genre, this is totally for you!
๐ฅ Characters = 5
Maxim de Winter is a monolith of a character within this story! Revered by the bourgeois in Monte Carlo but adored by his latest fiancรฉ, Max can seemingly do no wrong. The first few scenes show him as perfect to "Mrs de Winter's" eyes. This is then challenged by certain acts - the main being his proposal. Throughout the middle of the story, he just seemed like an asshole with a sprinkle of misogyny. The end portion really put Max in a new light and I grew to appreciate him a lot more!
The new Mrs de Winter, for she actually has no given name, is another fantastic character. She realises early on that the idyllic husband didn't exist in Max and her life in Manderly was made rather uncomfortable by his efforts. I'm glad that she hardened in these conditions and blossomed into a proper lady of her own estate.
๐บ Re-Read = 4
I would happily re-read this book again. Certain issues upon the first read would likely be ironed out much quicker on second viewing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Gun violence