I first read Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca when I was 14.
Ever since, I've signed my name with an oversized, flourishing R.
I wanted to name my daughter Rebecca. I was entranced by the character, by Manderley, by the entire book. I tried to remind myself that Rebecca wasn't the heroine, if anything she was the antagonist. But I never quite believed it.
And now that I've finished reading Rebecca's Tale, by Sally Beauman, Rebecca de Winter has received her vindication! Beauman wrote her Rebecca in a way that held surprises on every page, but was also every bit the Rebecca I knew lurked beneath the surface of du Maurier's pages. It was an amazing feat. My only complaint was that it was too long for me to stay up and finish in one night - but also that it was over entirely too soon. So I suppose there was no winning, there.This is the sort of literary mystery I hope to master one day!
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5 comments:
Very cool! I'll have to pick it up!
July 18, 2007 at 7:48 AMSo often another author's attempt at a sequel is disappointing. I'm glad this one worked for you...and Rebecca. :)
Ok, I admire you because I never finished Rebecca. Now I'm going to have to get it out (yes, I have a copy) and put it in my to-read stack.
July 19, 2007 at 4:42 AMthis is interesting, Rob, because I have to admit I have never felt that way about that character. When done right, I love this concept, so I am glad to hear that you think this book worked! I will have to check it out.
July 19, 2007 at 3:11 PMI read du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek after having watched the old classic movie by the same name and absolutely loved it. I've never read Rebecca, though have seen the movie with Laurence Olivier.
July 19, 2007 at 4:48 PMJuly 20, 2007 at 9:28 PM
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