Rebecca in Bound Together

Apr 19, 2008 ☮Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-more-than-once, favorites, classics, read-in-2017

I can't say for certain when I first read Rebecca...either late high school or very early college years. I do know, though, that it had quite an effect on my shy, immature, naive self, waaay back then. Now as a much older (mature?) person, when the audiobook became available I decided to reread it. I don't ordinarily reread books unless they are very, very special; and so far this is only my third. I absolutely love everything about Rebecca and am quite surprised how much of it I remember:

•Mande I can't say for certain when I first read Rebecca...either late high school or very early college years. I do know, though, that it had quite an effect on my shy, immature, naive self, waaay back then. Now as a much older (mature?) person, when the audiobook became available I decided to reread it. I don't ordinarily reread books unless they are very, very special; and so far this is only my third. I absolutely love everything about Rebecca and am quite surprised how much of it I remember:

•Manderlay the estate with its gardens of bluebells and blood red rhododendrons, and the house with its drawing room, library, and a morning room where the lady of the house writes personal letters and approves the menus each day. No doubt the descriptions of the house and the daily schedules led me to be a diehard fan of Downton Abbey, Philipa Gregory, and all things British.

•The new Mrs DeWinter, unsure of her shy, immature and naive self, as she adjusts to married life in Manderlay, whereas the first Mrs DeWinter (Rebecca, of course) was probably born self assured with a silver spoon in her mouth, a complete opposite of our protagonist. Surely many female readers can identify with how difficult such a change in one's socioeconomic status would be. Moreso having no one to confide in, and especially with...

•Mrs Danvers, that witch. She was appropriately imposing and scary in Hitchcock's 1940 movie too. She adored Rebecca and makes life completely miserable for her replacement.

But there are so many other people making Mrs DeWinter uncomfortable. Other servants and townspeople extol the many virtues of Rebecca, how lovely and perfect she was. Maxim, clueless as to how she is struggling, does not go out of his way to make her feel at home either. Many of Rebecca's things are still scattered about; constant reminders of our Mrs DeWinter's failings, real or not. It all combines to leave her rather befuddled if not psychologically affected. She is so alone, and this author portrays her inner musings so well.

Addicting, compelling, tragic, timeless. And oh, that ending. ...more

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Jun 14, 2009 Wendy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2010-reads

What a fantastic book! I wavered between giving it 4 or 5 stars. (more review to come...)

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Apr 23, 2010 Ashley Hart rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook, 2010

I'd heard much about Rebecca before deciding to read it, and I'm afraid my opinion and enjoyment of the book suffered a little because of it. Don't get me wrong, I really did like Rebecca. The story itself could have been boring, but was written in such a thoughtful and deliberate way, with hints dropped here and there and slow reveals, that I was rapt with attention the whole time. I became enveloped in the world of Manderley, the second Mrs. De Winter, and of course, Rebecca. My problem was th ...more

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May 16, 2012 Michelle Stie rated it really liked it

It's a silly book, but I enjoyed it. A cross between Jane Eyre and An American Tragedy. ...more

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May 04, 2013 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-thriller, classic, 2013

PI really enjoyed this. I had never read it prior, was a selection for a few of my on,ine book clubs. Nice twist in the middle...great for fans missing Downton Abbey.

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Aug 21, 2010 Margaret rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I loved this book, but it took me a while to finish reading it. Job is in the way of my reading! Anyway, I had to put myself in the frame of mind of the period it was written in, just so I don't get too frustrated about some aspects of the book. Overall, an enjoyable, although long, read. ...more

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