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Today, I give thanks for a special book. I chose not the best book I’ve ever read (even though it’s great), but a book that marked me before I even considered writing as a profession. A book I could only appreciate fully after I’ve become a writer.
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Rebecca is the story of the young, submissive Ms. De Winter. After a quick marriage to an older, widowed man, she’s brought to his estate. And there’ she has to face one of the weirdest antagonists of all time—the memory of Rebecca. Rebecca, the first Ms. De Winter is the deceased former wife of her husband. She’s revered by all, especially her former housekeeper, Ms. Danvers.
The obstacle we’re talking about is not a ghost, but the seemingly omnipresence of Rebecca. How strong is the deceased’s power? The main character is never referred by her first name or maiden name (by any character, not even herself), since she’s only “the second Ms. De Winter.” The book is atmospheric, suffocating, and brilliant.
It’s also one of the books that made me fall in love with England, with its precise and lyrical descriptions of the English countryside. Manderley is an estate like Downton Abbey, and running it is a full-time, demanding job. A job the new Ms. De Winter is ill-prepared to take, as Ms. Danvers never fails to remind her.
Despite a very slow pace, the mystery about Rebecca’s death (and life) gets more and more interesting, with missing pieces being methodically added to the puzzle.
As a writer
So, why does a YA writer admire a book like Rebecca? Because, in my mind, Rebecca is a precursor of YA.
A fragile girl faces circumstances beyond her control. At first weak-willed, she starts to unravel a complex story of deceit while being dragged into a power struggle. She lives in a recognizable but strange place (for me, Manderley, the Cornish region, and its costumes are as alien as Pandora). Baptized by fire, she rises to the occasion, learns the truth, and becomes a strong young woman. I’ve just read Divergent and re-read The Hunger Games, and I can see Ms. De Winter as a template for Katniss or Tris.
Stylistically, the book blends suspense, romance, and a story of survival told from first-person POV. It has some (but not excessive) cursing, sex, and violence. The protagonist is a young woman in search of love and purpose.
That’s YA before YA 
Rebecca is a favorite book of mine, and I’m thankful to have read it.
What about you? Is there a book that marked you as a reader or writer? Please share!
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Have a great day!
Wonderful story, Fabio. I love those kinds of books that leave you breathless and thinking about the characters long after the book is closed. Rebecca sounds like one of those. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for sharing.
I can’t really say that one book stands out in my mind as a reader, I love reading and have found lots of authors and books that I thought were wonderful! I have not read Rebecca but sounds like I need to add it to my TBR list:) Happy Holidays!
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Great post, Fabio. Love reading about your inspiration as a YA author.
Hello, Fabio! This book is mentioned often by members of my writing group in WI. I’ve never taken the time to read it because I’ve got tons of books on my list by friends, but you’ve really got me intrigued now.
I have to say, the way you described grabbing a book and feeling the sand beneath your feet, it’s almost as if you were right there on the beach!
Great post! I have never read this book you mention, but I will have to add it my list to read. I’m thankful for all the books and new authors that I find every day. I have plenty of books that marked me as a reader that I would know which one to mention.
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The book premise sounds spine-chilling. I can imagine poor Rebecca wandering the stairs and the rooms of the mansion, feeling the oppressing presence of the deceased Ms. De Winter. And the “YA before YA” idea definitely makes me want to give “Rebecca” a try. Thank you for introducing me to this book, Fabio.
I hope your vacation is great!
Sounds like a great book. Thx for the post.
Fascinating insights about your favourite book. I haven’t read Rebecca but I definately will now. I had never thought of it as YA before YA.
Most memorable books for me tend to be those that make me cry. Recently Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series (fantasy) and Patricia Briggs’ third Mercy Thompson book (urban fantasy) did it for me.
Two classics I return to over and over again are Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind.
Sometimes I have a little trouble with slow reads, but you have really intrigued me with your review of “Rebecca.” I may have to add this one to my TBR list. Thanks for your insightful look at the story, Fabio.
Happy hopping!