I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite books. Her name is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. This book is perfect for a boudoir read. It is a classic, so many of you may already know how fabulous it is. But, for those of you who have not read it you’re sure to miss out if you don’t. Not only is it a great book, it also paints a detailed description of both the first and second Mrs. De Winter’s boudoirs and, even better, once you’re through with the book you can view them on the silver screen in the 1940 movie staring Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier.
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Here is a brief synopsis of Rebecca (courtesy Amazon.com):
Rebecca is a novel of mystery and passion, a dark psychological tale of secrets and betrayal, dead loves and an estate called Manderley that is as much a presence as the humans who inhabit it: “when the leaves rustle, they sound very much like the stealthy movement of a woman in evening dress, and when they shiver suddenly and fall, and scatter away along the ground, they might be the pitter, patter of a woman’s hurrying footsteps, and the mark in the gravel the imprint of a high-heeled satin shoe.” Manderley is filled with memories of the elegant and flamboyant Rebecca, the first Mrs. DeWinter; with the obsessive love of her housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who observes the young, timid second Mrs. DeWinter with sullen hostility; and with the oppressive silences of a secretive husband, Maxim. Rebecca may be physically dead, but she is a force to contend with, and the housekeeper’s evil matches that of her former mistress as a purveyor of the emotional horror thrust on the innocent Mrs. DeWinter. The tension builds as the new Mrs. DeWinter slowly grows and asserts herself, surviving the wicked deceptions of Mrs. Danvers and the silent deceits of her husband, to emerge triumphant in the midst of a surprise ending that leaves the reader with a sense of haunting justice.
You may want to wait until you read the book, but if not, here is a nice clip from the film. Don’t worry, it doesn’t totally give it away.
WAIT, before you press play, scroll down and pause the music (click here if you need help).
