The mystery novel, “Rebecca,” is arguably one of the best tales of suspense that has ever been written.  Penned by Daphne Du Maurier and published in 1938, the successful book was also adapted for the stage and the screen.

 

The story begins in Monte Carlo in the South of France where the two main characters meet.  They enjoy a whirlwind romance and marry within a week of their meeting.  He is a rich and sophisticated, but tragic, widower.  She is a shy, timid companion/secretary to an overbearing older woman.  Wisely, Du Maurier never names the heroine, which adds to the overall impression of her as a meek, unsophisticated woman.

 

After a European honeymoon, the newlyweds go to Manderley, Maxim’s palatial estate in Cornwall, to begin their new life as a married couple.  Upon their arrival, the entire staff, which is quite large, is in the front hall to greet the happy couple.  The new Mrs. De Winter is obviously intimidated by this, but becomes increasingly intimated upon meeting Mrs. Danvers.

 

As the head of the household staff, Mrs. Danvers is stern and hard.  She had been the personal maid to Rebecca, the first Mrs. De Winter, and she makes it very clear from the beginning that she was quite fond of Rebecca, almost to the point of obsession.  She has left Rebecca’s stationary in the desk, and she has continued to maintain her room exactly as it had been before her death.  It was almost as if she expected Rebecca to return.

 

The new Mrs. De Winter tries very hard to learn the day to day routines of the household but runs into roadblocks at every turn.  She also, thanks to the evil Mrs. Danvers, seems to run into reminders of the late Rebecca at every turn.  Rebecca had been a glamorous, outgoing woman, the exact opposite of the new Mrs. De Winter.  Unfortunately, she soon becomes convinced that her new husband will love her more, and be more attentive if she becomes more like Rebecca.  She does not realize that Maxim was initially attracted to her because her quiet, unassuming, and shy nature makes her the exact opposite of Rebecca.  The poor girl is very nearly driven mad by a combination of her own insecurities and Mrs. Danvers. 

 

She tries several times to get the situation in hand and to show Mrs. Danvers that she is the new mistress of the house, and that she is therefore, in charge, but these attempts meet with no success.

 

The reader is skillfully guided by Du Maurier to champion the cause of the new Mrs. De Winter and to hope for her to win out over the horrible Mrs. Danvers.   Du Maurier’s writing skills also shine with her ability to portray Maxim De Winter, the perfect example of the man who has everything as tragic, insecure, and lonely.

 

Rebecca is a wonderfully crafted mystery with suspense to spare and should be on everyone’s must read list.