I listened to the Rebecca audiobook on the recommendation of a good friend. Unfortunately, I was about 2/3 of the way through the audiobook (and was enjoying the story immensely) when I realized I was listening to an ABRIDGED version of the novel (*gasps* *flails* *dry heaves*). Guys, I am officially a book cheater. Without further ado, let me present you with an abridged review of an abridged Rebecca.

An Abridged Review for an Abridged RebeccaRebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Published by Naxos AudioBooks on April 28th 2005
Genres: Gothic, Classic Literature
Narrator: Emma Fielding
Length: 5 hours, 16 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads

"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again."

These famous words open the most popular novel by Daphne du Maurier, the story of an intense romance set in a mysterious house in Cornwall. Its unforgettable atmosphere and tension has transformed it from a popular romance on the page and on film to become a modern classic.

Since I was so far into the book, I felt like starting the audiobook over with an unabridged version would have been somewhat boring. I stuck with the abridged version and ultimately really loved the story, but now I’m left wondering: would I have liked it less if I had listened to the unabridged version? Or, would I have loved it even more?!

Rebecca is a story about a young girl (she is unnamed) who marries a widower, Mr. de Winter. Together they move to Manderley, Mr. de Winter’s estate in the UK, and Mrs. de Winter is forced to live in the oppressive shadow of his late wife, Rebecca

There is so much more mystery than I thought to suspect in this book. I knew it was a gothic novel, but the plot felt so much more modern that I’m used to expecting in similar novels. And let’s not forget the the scandals and plot twists. They had me devouring this book like some sort of contemporary melodramatic thriller! 

The book felt fast-paced, but I do suspect that was because it was an abridged version. What sort of things were left out I wonder? 

I can’t write this brief review without mentioning that I absolutely loved this audiobook narrator: her voice was like British butter and I could have listened to her read a telephone book.

I wish I could talk more about the book; however, it’s impossible to say much without revealing too much of the plot. I will say that its beautiful writing, the eerie setting, and the scandalous plot make for a fantastic story, and I’d recommend it to anyone. Now I must read the complete book and see how my opinion changes.

final star count
single starsingle starsingle starsingle star

chime in
Have you read Rebecca? What were your thoughts. I haven’t read a ton of gothic novels, but I loved this one. Do you have a favorite gothic novel?