108 pages • 3 hours read
Rebecca
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, England • 1930s
1938
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier follows an unnamed young woman who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley, where she becomes obsessed with the lingering presence of his first wife, Rebecca. As she navigates her new life, the new Mrs. de Winter faces psychological torment from the sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and struggles with her own insecurities regarding Rebecca's memory and influence.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
678,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca is widely praised for its atmospheric tension, complex characters, and compelling narrative. The Gothic elements and the portrayal of Manderley add to its allure. However, some reviewers note a slower pace and an unsatisfying resolution. Overall, it remains a beloved classic of mystery and suspense.
Who Should Read Rebecca?
Readers who relish gothic romance with an air of mystery will be captivated by Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. Fans of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights will find the psychological depth and atmospheric tension particularly appealing. Those intrigued by suspenseful, character-driven plots will be enthralled.
678,154 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maxim de Winter
Maxim de Winter
A 42-year-old widower and owner of the Manderley estate, known for his brooding and authoritative presence, who remarries the young narrator.
Rebecca, the First Wife of Maxim de Winter
Rebecca, the First Wife of Maxim de Winter
The deceased first wife of Maxim, remembered as charming and proficient in her role as mistress of Manderley.
Mrs. Danvers
Mrs. Danvers
The devoted housekeeper of Manderley, fiercely loyal to Rebecca and dismissive of the narrator.
Mrs. Van Hopper
Mrs. Van Hopper
A wealthy American woman who employs the narrator as a companion, inadvertently introducing her to Maxim de Winter.
Frank Crawley
Frank Crawley
Maxim's loyal agent at Manderley, providing support and friendship to the narrator amidst her challenges.
Beatrice (de Winter) Lacy
Beatrice (de Winter) Lacy
Maxim’s forthright and horse-savvy sister, offering practical, if at times tactless, advice to the narrator.
Ben
Ben
A simple-minded inhabitant of the Manderley estate’s beach area, who is perceived as harmless by the narrator.
Jack Favell
Jack Favell
Rebecca's cousin, characterized by his flashy demeanor and connection to Rebecca's past.
Colonel Julyan
Colonel Julyan
The local magistrate who becomes involved when questions about Rebecca’s death arise.
416
Novel • Fiction
Cornwall, England • 1930s
1938
Adult
14+ years
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