Rebecca

Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel by English author Daphne du Maurier. It introduces an unnamed young woman who hastily marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his large estate, Manderley, in Cornwall. Upon her arrival, the new Mrs. de Winter finds Manderley overshadowed by the presence of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, who died the previous year. The story explores themes of jealousy, the struggle with the shadow of the past, and the dynamics within a troubled marriage.

The household, particularly the cold and manipulative housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, remains deeply influenced by Rebecca–her memory is kept alive by the constant reminders of her supposed perfection. The narrator feels inferior and out of place, believing that Maxim is still in love with Rebecca and regrets their marriage. Mrs. Danvers further exacerbates these insecurities, leading to a series of dramatic events that reveal the truth about Rebecca's life and death.

As the narrative unfolds, Maxim confesses to the narrator that his marriage to Rebecca was a façade. Rebecca was unfaithful and cunning, and on the night of her death, she had provoked Maxim to kill her. Following this revelation, the remains of Rebecca's boat are discovered with her body, leading to an investigation. The novel concludes with Maxim and the narrator learning that Manderley has been consumed by fire, possibly set by Mrs. Danvers as a final act of devotion to Rebecca.

Acclaimed for its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and atmospheric setting, Rebecca has remained a bestseller since its publication. The novel has been adapted multiple times for stage and screen, most notably a 1940 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and a Netflix adaptation in 2020. The opening line, "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again," is one of the most famous in English literature, setting the tone for a story of haunting memories and a struggle for identity and love.