Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca is a novel with two heroines, though one is nameless and the other is only a memory. It’s a novel which has a hero who is a murderer. It has a haunting opening sentence which has become justly famous, and since its publication in 1938 Rebecca has enthralled readers and remained Daphne du Maurier’s most popular book.
Click to purchase Daphne du Maurier & Rebecca
I first read Rebecca as a teenager, but have re-read it as an adult and often lectured on the book and its author. I find it intriguing and hope that I can make you think about its complexities and themes.
Find out about the woman behind the book, what inspired her to write a novel in which the romantic lead is a wife-killer, and what film versions you can watch. The monograph is only $3, and includes questions for discussion in case your book group would like to do it.
Click here to purchase A Reader’s Guide to Daphne du Maurier and Rebecca.
FREE COMPANION GUIDE
Once you have received your copy of A Reader’s Guide to Daphne du Maurier and Rebecca add more enjoyment to it with a FREE Companion Guide. Susannah has prepared this recommended reading list to accompany A Reader’s Guide to Daphne du Maurier and Rebecca with a list of resources.
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Jennifer Gray
Hi Susannah,
Thank you for the wonderful lecture at WEA – “My Cousin Rachel” and “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier.
I have now read “My Cousin Rachel” for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed it, along with your reading notes. I now look forward to seeing the recent movie.
I have since re-read “Rebecca” and enjoyed it all over again, with the extended knowledge which you brought to my understanding of the novel. I have just finished watching the 1979 British mini-series with Joanna David and Jeremy Brett – what a wonderful production, so true to the book. I look forward to re-watchig the Alfred Hitchcock version, and also the 1997 mini-series with Diana Rigg as Mrs Danvers.
Thank you so much for your recommendations – they have enhanced my reading pleasure no end!
Kind regards
Jenny Gray
Susannah Fullerton
I am so glad you enjoyed the talk and reading ‘My Cousin Rachel’ for the first time. Where did you get hold of the Joanna David film version? I would love to see it again and have never seen it available commercially. I recently listened to an audio version of Du Maurier’s novel ‘Hungry Hill’, one of the few books by her I had not read. It was very well read and I really enjoyed it.
Margarita Frizza
Dear Susannah, your recent lecture on Daphne du Maurier at WEA was superb. As always! Thank you!!!
I would just to let you know that screening of recent British series of “Jamaica Inn” will start tonight on ABC (repeat). I think you said that you have missed it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica_Inn_(2014_TV_series)
Kind regards,
Margarita
Susannah Fullerton
I am delighted you enjoyed the lecture. Thanks so much for letting me know about the ABC screening. I was out last night and had to miss it, but will try and get hold of it elsewhere.
Stacey S
Hi Susannah,
Thank you for this wonderful literary monograph. I am enjoying reading Daphne’s books this year. I just finished reading Jamaica Inn last weekend – I was very impressed and found the book so fascinating. Have you visited Jamaica Inn or Menabilly house? Frenchman’s Creek is next on my list, however, after reading your monograph, I am also very keen to read Mary Anne. Mary Anne Clarke does seem very interesting.
I am also very curious about Daphne’s life and hope to read some of her biographies. Thank you for providing a list in your monograph. I think I might begin with Manderley Forever by Tatiana de Rosnay.
Thanks,
Stacey
P.S. Looking forward to the next monograph. Please consider a monograph on Nancy Mitford next year – I would love to hear your thoughts on one of Nancy’s novels and the Mitford sisters.
Susannah Fullerton
Oh Stacey, you have made my day. I have worked hard on my monographs, trying to make them appealing and interesting, so it is just fabulous to get your nice feedback. Many thanks! Yes, I will add Nancy to my list for next year. She is my favourite Mitford girl and I love her books. That is a great suggestion. I have just got an audio version of ehr book ‘Hungry Hill’, one of the few I have not read, so am looking forward to that. I loved the book about Daphne and her sisters – you might like to try that too.