Rebecca (National Book Award Winner) Introduction by Lucy Hughes-Hallett

I usually don’t consider classics to be pageturners but Rebecca was one from start to finish. The goth and dark setting with the mystery aspect had me locked in. The Story follows an insecure young woman that marries a much older widower and moves to his big countryside estate, called Manderley. At Manderley its impossible to escape the spirit of his late wife Rebecca. This Book shows how insecurity, comparison and obsession can rot a Person from the inside. When i was reading the Book, the most unsettling aspect of the Story was the sick power dynamic that was exceptionally portrayed in the marriage. This being said Rebecca was a book that was clearly ahead of its time and is very modern. Its due more than it has ever been, especially in the current climate and the digital age we live in, where constant comparing, obsession and parasocial relationships are on the agenda. Overall Rebecca proves that a classic can be thrilling and intellectually compelling.

I rarely enjoy classics, but this was a glowing exception. The atmosphere and foreshadowing is done exceptionally. It starts rather quiet and a bit off-putting, but later on the story and its twists had my in its grip. I loved the mystery, the writing style and the setting.