Rebecca

Rebecca is a Gothic novel written by Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1938. The story is narrated by an unnamed young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his grand estate, Manderley, in England. Upon their arrival, she encounters the lingering presence of Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife, whose mysterious and tragic death continues to haunt both Maxim and the household. The second Mrs. de Winter struggles with her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, especially under the constant shadow of Rebecca, who was beautiful, charismatic, and beloved by everyone. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is particularly fixated on Rebecca and seems determined to make the second Mrs. de Winter feel like an outsider. As the novel unfolds, the second Mrs. de Winter uncovers dark secrets about Rebecca’s life and death, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful climax that unveils the truth and reshapes the relationships at Manderley. Rebecca explores themes of jealousy, identity, and the lasting impact of the past, with its eerie atmosphere and the constant presence of Rebecca making it a classic of the Gothic genre.