Rebecca

     Author                          Daphne Du Maurier

     Country                        United Kingdom

     Genre                           Fiction

     Publication Date         1938

     Pages                            380






This is a gripping book that made me stay up late. Effortlessly written, it has all the characteristics of a typical Jane Austen classic with an elegant touch of modernity.

The story starts in Monte Carle where the heroine meets the handsome and recently widowed Maxim De Winter. With humble beginnings and working as a paid companion to an almost detestable lady, her joy knows no bounds when she is proposed to by Max. Full of innocent excitement, she gives up her current occupation to accompany Max to his gigantic estate and build a new life as Mrs De Winter. 

Life, however, had other plans in store for her. Being young, innocent and naive, she is overwhelmed by the shadow of Max's first wife, Rebecca that still seems to rule the house and all her loyal servants. She finds it hard and harrowing to establish her feet as both the mistress of the house and as Max's wife. The fact that the book is titled 'Rebecca' and the heroine isn't even given a name other than Mrs. De Winter is a telling reflection on how Rebecca's shadow is the protagonist and our heroine who is supposedly a 'nothing' in front of her has to battle against it to find her ground. 

Her constant struggle, self doubt, desire to prove herself, the knowledge that Max probably loves her - but more as a kid than as an equal - make the novel heart wrenching. The readers in a subtle way are made to reflect on the parity in a marriage. While in some way she is a companion to Max (providing him the much needed company after Rebecca's death), is he truly a companion to her? The fact that she could not openly discuss her insecurities with Max or lean on him for emotional support point to the contrary. But then, to be fair to Max, did she demand that out of him? Not till late for sure. And that in some way is reflected in her own thoughts when she wonders how many people are there in the world like her who suffer because they cannot break away from their own shyness and garner the courage to demand the truth. 

In a snapshot, this truly is a coming of age story for our heroine, Mrs De Winter; besides being a gripping romance mystery. Married to a much elder and mature man, she takes her time getting over her own inhibitions and demanding that she be treated as an equal in their marriage. Luckily for her, this happens sooner than later and she finds in Max a loving husband.

Unfortunately, most of us spend too much of our life time before we gain this courage!

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