Manderley and Beyond

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the publication of Daphne du Maurier’s captivating novel Rebecca.

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The memorable opening line: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again” instantly draws readers in to a haunting and compelling story. It is told by a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and goes to live with him at Manderley, his historic West Country mansion overlooking the sea, which was also home to him and his deceased wife Rebecca. However, the new life the couple hope to make there is overshadowed by the past as the author weaves a masterful tale combining suspense, atmosphere and emotion.

Within the book are characters that haunt and intrigue readers long after they have finished the final page. From the shy, second Mrs de Winter, whose first name remains unknown throughout the novel, to Maxim the seemingly perfect yet troubled husband, and Mrs Danvers, the sinister housekeeper, who treasures the memory of the vivacious Rebecca whose presence still lingers at Manderley.

Rebecca was Daphne’s fifth novel; it achieved bestselling status and brought her worldwide fame. Nevertheless, when she sent the manuscript to her publisher Victor Gollancz, she was uncertain what the reaction would be. She felt it would be considered “too gloomy” but her publisher predicted that it would be a “rollicking success”. His prediction was spot on. Since its publication in August 1938, the book has never been out of print. It led to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 Academy Award-winning film starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and Judith Anderson. Countless stage, radio and television adaptations followed over the decades and the latest film – with Lily James, Armie Hammer and Kristin Scott Thomas – was released in 2020.