Rebecca

Gr 9 Up–This Gothic suspense novel is set in the beginning of the 20th century in the aristocratic English countryside. It is narrated by a young woman who remains nameless throughout, whose voice and imagination lead readers through descriptions of the setting, twists of the plot, and her own feelings. The sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers gaslights the protagonist into believing that her husband still longs for his former wife, Rebecca. The psychological torture that the narrator endures will keep modern readers engaged just as it did upon its 1938 publication. Du Maurier, who grew up in a similar setting, borrowed many aspects of the book from her own life, which makes the novel quite intense and appealing. This is a story about jealousy, romance, identity, love, and mystery. Students and teachers alike can enjoy the intricate plot and attention-grabbing mystery that will have them hooked until the last page. The eerie beginning sets the mood and follows through with a few twists added to the plot line. The language matches the setting and the mood. It is beautiful and concise, with a sprinkling of Briticisms and picturesque descriptions. It introduces students to the genre and is ripe for explorations of self-identity, jealousy, and the role that others play influencing feelings and beliefs.