Rebecca (novel)

Rebecca is a novel by prolific British author Daphne du Maurier, published in 1938 and likely the author's best-known work.

Plot

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again" is the book's opening line, and from here its narrator - who is never named, except as "Mrs. de Winter" after her marriage - recalls her past, recounting the tale of an innocent orphaned young woman who, while working as the companion to a society grande dame vacationing on the French Riviera, is swept off her feet by a wealthy Englishman, Maximilian de Winter, marries him, and becomes mistress of his house, the splendid Cornish estate Manderley.

Related Topics:
French Riviera - Manderley

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Only after their return to Cornwall does the newlywed realize how difficult it will be to lay to rest the memory of her husband's first wife, the eponymous Rebecca, whose spirit seems to pervade the estate and all its inhabitants, especially its domineering housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, one of the best-known female villains in literature.

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Mrs. Danvers, who was profoundly devoted to Rebecca, does her best to undermine the girl, suggesting to her that she will never attain the grace and elegance and charm possessed by her former mistress. Lacking self-confidence and overwhelmed by her new life, she commits one faux pas after another, until she's convinced that Max regrets his impetuous decision to marry her and is still deeply in love with the seemingly perfect Rebecca. An unexpected event leads her to the truth about the couple - she taunted him with a series of love affairs and he, truly hating her, murdered her and disposed of her body on her boat, which he sank at sea.

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The investigation into Rebecca's death reveals that she had been suffering from a terminal illness just prior to her death. Knowing she was destined to die, Rebecca lied to Maxim that she had been impregnated by another man, a secret paramour. Further, she threatened, she would claim the baby as Maxim's own, and burden him with the responsibility of raising it. Overcome with ire, he shot her.

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Upon returning to Manderley after the verdict is read, Maxim and his bride discover it in flames, supposedly set afire by the deranged Mrs. Danvers.

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The novel inspired three additional books, all approved by the du Maurier estate, but none ever achieved the greatness of the original. A mediocre "sequel", Mrs. de Winter, was written in the 1980s by Susan Hill. A "prequel", Rebecca's Tale, was written by Sally Beauman, and a contemporary version, The Other Rebecca, was authored by Maureen Freely.

Related Topics:
1980s - Susan Hill - Rebecca's Tale - Sally Beauman - Maureen Freely

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