Written by English writer Daphne du Maurier, this 1938 novel explores an unnamed protagonist who is continuously in the shadow of her husband’s first wife, named Rebecca.
At the start of the novel, the unnamed narrator meets and marries the wealthy Maxim de Winter. This man is an unemotional widow. The narrator soon moves into the elegant estate named Manderley.
However, she soon discovers that Maxim is still dedicated to Rebecca, his widow.
The reader joins the narrator as she attempts to get to the bottom of what happened to Rebecca, creating a compelling mystery that’s hard to put down. The eternal memory of this first wife threatens to consume the narrator entirely.
This compelling Gothic novel has long been popular and was even a bestseller. There are also numerous adaptations of the book.
The book’s first line has become iconic. So has the character of Mrs. Danvers, who acts as the housekeeper of the book’s setting.
If you love reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, you will seriously love books such as Wuthering Heights, The Lost Ones, The Widow of Rose House, Mexican Gothic, and Northanger Abbey. Check this list of 5 books to read after Rebecca.
Themes In Rebecca
Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca explores a variety of interesting themes, such as:
Gender
The book highlights the limiting gender roles that men and women are confined to.
The narrator finds herself constantly watched by the people at Manderley to see whether or not she will meet the social expectations of women at the time.
As a married woman, the narrator is expected to behave in a specific manner.
Marriage
Marriage is at the very heart of Rebecca. The narrative centers around the narrator and her marriage to Maxim. Unfortunately, this romance starts to sour. The narrator’s entire identity is lost during her marriage.
Not to mention, the protagonist is incapable of escaping from the memory of Maxim’s first wife.
Imprisonment
The gothic estate of Manderley is a site of imprisonment for the narrator.
Though it originally represents her social mobility, Manderley soon begins to have a limiting effect on the narrator and makes her feel imprisoned. The book emphasizes that money and class are not always liberating.
Death
As the title of the book highlights, the focus of this narrative is on Rebecca, while the reader never finds out the name of the narrator.
This highlights the power that death has, as the narrator is metaphorically haunted by Rebecca from beyond the grave. Death empowers the memory of Rebecca.
Social Class
At the start of the book, the narrator comes from a middle-class family and works as a companion. After marrying Maxim, the narrator enters a lavish and wealthy lifestyle.
The book analyzes the tension that the narrator experiences after such a big jump in social class.
Lies
Lastly, deceit is a major theme in the book. A mystery surrounding what happened to Rebecca is established early in the narrative, as nobody seems to know how this first wife died.
Over the course of the book, the narrator uncovers the lies that have been used to hide the events surrounding Rebecca’s mysterious death.
Books Like Rebecca
Wuthering Heights By Emily Brontë
Wuthering Heights is a book that many people consider to be a classic. This famous novel by Emily Brontë explores the deep and tumultuous relationships between two families in the Yorkshire moors.
Namely, it centers around the Linton and Earnshaw families.
The protagonist is Heathcliff, a tragic antihero and tortured soul. He has a strong love for Catherine Earnshaw. Heathcliff has become the prime example of a Byronic hero.
He becomes a character that the reader cannot help but love, despite his evident flaws.
Wuthering Heights is a perfect read for people who love gothic literature. Moreover, it is a good choice if you don’t mind reading about a tragic romance.
It is a great alternative to Rebecca as it likewise explores a conflict-filled romantic relationship.
Pros
Wuthering Heights is considered a classic. It has gained this popularity thanks to its high-quality writing.
The intoxicating depiction of love, romance, and marriage is akin to Rebecca.
Maxim is a flawed and tragic character that is somewhat similar to Heathcliff.
Themes: Love, passion, marriage, social class, religion, death.
The Lost Ones by Anita Frank
Up next, Anita Frank’s The Lost Ones tells the story of the mysterious house known as Greyswick. Set in 1917, the book follows the tale of Stella Marcham, who has recently lost her fiancé.
As a result, Stella decides to stay with her sister, Madeleine, at Greyswick.
Focusing on loss and death, The Lost Ones is remarkably similar to Rebecca. In addition, it’s set in a gothic estate that’s comparable to Manderley. Frank’s writing is best for readers that are hooked by mystery.
Pros
This page-turning book centers around an engrossing mystery that readers will adore.
It has a gothic vibe that is ideal for people who love reading Rebecca.
This is a more modern approach to the gothic novel.
Cons
If you have read some similar novels, you may find the twists and turns somewhat predictable.
Themes: Death, loss, mystery, suspense.
The Widow Of Rose House By Diana Biller
Diana Biller crafts an exquisite novel in The Widow of Rose House. This historical romance is set in 1875. Following Alva Webster, the book centers around a compelling female protagonist.
After fleeing her cruel husband, Alva sets her mind on the restoration of an old mansion in Hyde Park.
Unfortunately, she discovers a haunting that could threaten her peace. Alva is forced to recruit the eccentric Professor Samuel Moore. These two characters explore the secrets of this home as romance begins to blossom.
The Widow of Rose House is the perfect book for people who love romance narratives. The focus on a haunted house makes this an appropriate novel for people who loved du Maurier’s Rebecca.
Pros
The book is overflowing with mystery.
The central romance is incredibly interesting.
It has some paranormal vibes that set it apart from other novels in the genre.
Cons
The paranormal elements are a little underwritten.
Themes: Romance, death, love, loss.
Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic is a sensational suggestion for readers who devoured Rebecca. The reason for this is that it’s set in a lonely manor house that is extremely similar to Manderley.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel is a horror with a Mexican twist.
Set in the 1950s, Mexican Gothic is the tale of Noemí Taboada, who is sent to a house in the Mexican countryside. As Noemí looks into the history of this home, she finds an alluring darkness.
If you love unique gothic stories, you will adore Mexican Gothic. This book provides a unique adaptation of the gothic genre.
Pros
Silvia Moreno-Garcia offers a unique voice in this gothic narrative.
The writing captures the beauty of the Mexican setting.
The horror elements are handled excellently.
Cons
As a slow burn, the pacing might be too slow for some.
Themes: Death, lies, deceit, mystery.
Northanger Abbey By Jane Austen
Last but not least, Northanger Abbeyby Jane Austen is a classic novel that is known throughout the world. This celebrated novel is about the young Catherine Morland.
This imaginative protagonist has a unique perspective and personality, making her a three-dimensional character. Throughout the book, Catherine learns more about the world and the society in which she lives.
What’s interesting is that the book takes a satirical approach to Gothic literature. Its exploration of love and social class makes it a good stand-in for Rebecca.
If you adore reading classics and the charming writing of Jane Austin, then you will adore Northanger Abbey. Moreover, if you appreciate satirical writing, you may enjoy this narrative.
Pros
Austen’s writing is sharp and witty.
This is a classic novel that many people consider to be a must-read narrative.
Catherine is an unorthodox yet spellbinding protagonist that readers will love.
Cons
Northanger Abbey may be a little too dated for some readers.
Themes: Love, Gender, Social Class, Communication, Youth.
Final Thoughts
Rebecca is an iconic Gothic novel that many people adore. The book explores so many fascinating themes that are still relevant to readers today.
If this mesmerizing novel was able to capture your imagination you may be struggling to find something to read afterward.
Luckily, there are lots of brilliant books that you can try once you’ve finished reading Rebecca. So why not add these book suggestions to your reading list? Who knows, they could become your new favorite books!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rebecca Similar To Jane Eyre?
Yes, Rebecca is comparable to Jane Eyre. They are both novels that explore Gothic romances.
Is Rebecca Difficult To Read?
No, Reebcca is an accessible book. Daphne du Maurier has a writing style that is easy to read.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
