Rebecca

Author: Daphne Du Maurier

One-sentence summary: A young second wife to a wealthy Englishman aquaints herself with his enormous estate, Manderly, as well as his secretive past with his late first wife, Rebecca.

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9

Our favorite thing about it: We loved the writing style and quality of this book. We also really enjoyed the setting of the book as well as the surprises of the story.

Our least favorite thing about it: We were alll thoroughly annoyed that the main character (the 2nd Mrs. de Winter) did not have a first name!

Main Topics of Discussion: Setting, Flowers/Greenery, Guilt, Strength, Marriage

Our favorite quote: "If only there could be an invention...that bottled up a memory, like a scent. And it never faded, and it never got stale. And then, when one wanted it, the bottle could be uncorked, and it would be like living the moment all over again." (37)

Notes: We all agreed that we were surprised in varying degrees about the ending of the book. We also all agreed that we were frustrated with the behavior of the main character when she first arrived at Manderly and her naivete regarding the costume Mr. Danvers suggested. Overall, we loved the descriptions in the book and were enthralled by the story and the characters. We noticed how the lands and flowers surrounding Manderly were described with characteristics relative to what was happening in the story at the time. We discussed at length the miscommunication or lack of communication between Max and Mrs. de Winter as well as the strange (an understatement) behavior of Mrs. Danvers. We all agreed that Rebecca could have almost been the main character, although she was not the narrator, because of her prominence in the story. We also (warning...spoiler ahead) discussed how we felt about Max after learning that he murdered Rebecca, especially after she hinted that she was pregnant.

Memorable Meeting Moments: What wasn't memorable about this meeting? First, we were served a gourmet dinner by chefs Josh and Jon (not pictured...sorry!). Then, we celebrated our own Rebecca's birthday (Becky) with book gifts. Then, we were treated to a candle-lit dessert right out of the book...an English Tea with cakes and goodies. And finally...a B.A.D. Girls first...we watched the movie, Rebecca, which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and filmed only two years after the book was written. What a great (and full) evening!