Infobox
Rebecca
Info
Status read Year Read 2006 Rating ★★★★★ Shelves Western lit, British lit, Classics, Favorites, Worth a re-read, Fiction, Historical fiction, Hated the movie
2026 re-read notes
- Started: 3-Jan-2026
- Finished: 13-Jan-2026
Format: secondhand paperback (“reading copy”)
Rebecca remains my all-time favorite book despite my not having read it in recent years. I acquired my first secondhand personal copy last year (I think) and wanted to reacquaint myself with the story, see if I still love it today.
Verdict: Still my favorite book of all time.
It’s pretty cool reading this now that I’m older and having some memory of what it was like reading it for the first time. I remember relating to the protagonist’s lovesick, devotedly and pathetically hungry to be chosen. I no longer feel that way, I think, but I understand as a part of her still lives in me.
I also see Maxim now with new eyes. I don’t think he was abusive, but maybe a groomer and definitely misogynistic and conceited to want a younger wife who he could prevent from becoming Rebecca.
And protagonist ends the book how she started: a young companion whose life is devoted in service to somebody older. But I will still never agree with those who think Rebecca should have had a voice.
Miscellania
- As many friends now know, I am on a quest to collect various editions of this title. Will soon update with my collection so far, but my holy grail / chase edition is the 1975 edition by Pan, as it is what I believe to be the first edition I read.