BOOK: Rebecca

AUTHOR: Daphne Du Maurier

SUMMARY: This classic mystery had all in my book club captivated. Although written in 1938 this fast paced suspense-thriller holds the readers' attention in 2005. DuMaurier's power of description made me feel as though I was at Manderly. This country estate in England was as much of a character in this novel as any person. The opening line," Last night I dreamt I went to Manderly again…"pulled me into this dark psychological tale of deceptions, secrets, lies and betrayals. When I read this book 40 years ago, I remember it as being dark. My fascination with it now is its intricate plot and portrayal of interesting and complex characters. This story unravels in mysterious ways. Rarely has my book club had as long or as interesting a discussion of a book. Artful descriptions of even the minor characters make them hard to forget. The story is told in the first person by the second Mrs. deWinter although we never know her first name. Rebecca, the first Mrs. deWinter, is deceased but a prominent force at Manderly. These two women are opposites. Because the story is told from the second wife's point of view, and we are limited to her perceptions, suspense builds to a high point.

PLOT: This story begins in present day exile and quickly takes us back to the meeting of Maxim deWinter and the young woman who becomes his second wife. They meet in Italy, marry quickly, and return to his beloved estate of Manderly. The storyteller is very young, very timid and lacks confidence. Rebecca's reputation intimidates her. Running the estate demands an energy and decisiveness that Rebecca was known for. Mrs. Danvers, the imposing head of household at Manderly, adored Rebecca.. Maxim seems withdrawn almost to the point of indifference to his new wife. Gran, deWinter's mother, says of Rebecca, "She's got three things that matter in a wife, breeding, brains and beauty". At this point we realize why the book is named Rebecca. Rebecca's character, relationships and her story hold many surprises. We see our young Mrs.deWinter go from childhood to adulthood in a flash.