This is a very interesting book.  It has an odd, dislocated opening, which contrives to introduce the awkward, gauche perspective of the narrator.  This is the important crux of the novel - it is narrated by a girl who has no concept of the lifestyle of the previous Mrs De Winter, and the suspense and intrigue of the story depends on this 'innocence' in the face of an extreme, debauched precedent.

I read it as being the story of obsession, of many different types, commitment and control.  What is unsaid, and merely alluded to or suggested, is of more significance than what is presented on the surface.  It is such an interesting, layered novel that I would compare it to 'The Turn of the Screw' and suggest that it can be read as a critique of the novel itself, and the reader's interpretation of narrative perspective.  I think this is the reason that so many people become fascinated with the book.  Rebecca, as a character, is the perfect elusive signifier for narrative truth. 

I've finally finished it - better late than never than I guess.

I really struggled to get into it to start with and gave up and read another book and then came back to it.  I agree with the comments about a slow start, but from the start I alternated between sympathy and wanting to throttle the young nameless bride.  I guess in this day and age it's hard to believe that anyone could be so naive.  I was literally yelling at the page when Mrs Danvers was recommending an outfit for the fancy dress ball "Don't be stupid, yo ucan't trust her!"

I raced through the second half of the book, and was really happy with the way things ended for Maxim and his bride, but I was abit frustrated by the very end of the book - I don't like loose ends - I wanted to know if they lived happily ever after forever  

This is another book that I would probably not have read if it hadn't been for RiSi.  I'm sure we have Jamica Inn in a bookcase and will be adding it to TBR.

I read Rebecca's tale & found this a very interesting book & a good read.

 On a side note - did you see the Mitchel & Webb take on the Rebecca / 2nd Mrs Dewinter - very funny!!

 i thought the Sally Beauman follow up to Rebecca was impressive - didn't like the Susan HIll one at all. 

 Rebecca's Tale by Sally Beauman is a really gripping read, but don't read it if you are a purist as it might infuriate you.  The book is broken into sections, and told through the viewpoint of several different characters, including Rebecca herself.  I wasn't convinced by the portrayl/reimagining of Rebecca, and would almost have preferred the book if her section was removed completely.  It's a fantastic, creepy mystery story and I couldn't put it down.

 I'm another fan of both Rebecca (and Du Maurier generally) and Sally Beauman's book, Rebecca's tale. I think I've kept it somewhere too, so I must have enjoyed it as I keep very few books these days.

I've also read and enjoyed a biography of Daphne Du Maurier which was fascinating. (Not sure of author but probably could work it out!)

eightlegs:

 I'm another fan of both Rebecca (and Du Maurier generally) and Sally Beauman's book, Rebecca's tale. I think I've kept it somewhere too, so I must have enjoyed it as I keep very few books these days.

I've also read and enjoyed a biography of Daphne Du Maurier which was fascinating. (Not sure of author but probably could work it out!)

 There's a very good Daphne Du Maurier biography by Margaret Forster, which might be the one you are thinking of.

 Sounds familiar, thanks!

 I love Rebecca - is one of my favourires.

I've also read the other two books - Rebecca's tale - thought this was excellent - Mrs DeWinter - not as good - didn't like the way Max came across and certainly didn't liek the ending!!

I finished Rebecca last night. I absolutely loved it from the start and didn't find it slow at all. 

I wasn't expecting it to turn out the way it did and had a few surprises. It's my first DDM book but have added all the others to my wishlist because I have a feeling I will like them.

A truly brilliant book in my opinion.

sam1978:

It's my first DDM book but have added all the others to my wishlist because I have a feeling I will like them.

I've read and enjoyed many and have others on my TBR.  Some are less "thrilling" but I think you would certainly enjoy: Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, The House on the Strand.  She also wrote a lot of short and long stories, some made into famous films (The Birds and Don't Look Now to name 2).

Thanks Wendy. The only other one I have on tbr is The Parasites.

I wouldn't say that Rebecca is one of my favourite books, but I'd say that it was certainly one of the most atmospheric books I've come across. 

It's been a while. But I can't remember a lack of "action"  - what do remember is feeling extremely frustrated with the narrator.  I wanted to slap her across the face with a wet fish to try and put some life into her.  She was so PATHETIC  at times.  Re her name:  isn't it really odd that people nearly always start to call HER Rebecca?

Also, when we were discussing this at a book group, I was struck by the similarities with Jane Eyre.