When I was thirteen I read Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel Rebecca. Although I didn’t remember the plot, I recalled my immersion in the reading and my understanding that I could now read “adult” novels.( Before I was thirteen I had to have a note from my mother to allow me entrance to the adult section of the library. Needless to say that encouraged my leap to more difficult reading.)
I suggested to my covid bound thirteen year old granddaughter, an avid reader, that she try Rebecca for herself. For the last three days she has reported the experience she is having reading it. We sit six feet apart and she regales me with the excitement, the reading challenge, and the plot of the book. I am genuinely curious about the plot since I don’t remember it, and any young reader loves to recount the story line to a receptive ear. I expect that at our evening’s get together tonight she will have finished the novel and I can find out what happened at Manderley after years of only remembering the famous opening line, Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.
I asked her if the book was challenging to read. She told me that she can understand the words but that the plot is complicated and sometimes difficult to follow. Most delightfully for me, a retired English professor, she said “they used more verbs then.” What a wonderful commentary on the rich language in ordinary popular fiction. I am glad she rose to the reading challenge and has been swept away as I was sixty years ago by good writing.
Saved By Words 
I had a wet and windy week in a holiday cottage in Cornwall where there was a row of DDM’s novels in the bookcase. Got through Jamaica Inn, Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel that week.
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I love it. Seems just the right setting for reading her. We spent many wet and windy times on the Oregon Coast reading too, whatever books had been left behind.
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How wonderful to have such a sweet relationship with your granddaughter. I’m glad you’re able to spend time together and enlarge her world through reading.
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And she mine!
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You must have died and gone to heaven! I didn’t read the book when I was younger. I must confess my mother (the voracious book reader) wanted to watch the movie with me, one of the few book movies that is excellent. Any time I can talk about books with children is a great experience. My granddaughter is like yours, and I wait for the day we can visit and ‘talk books’.
Savor this, Elizabeth. Besides the classics (which are always the best), the two of you can have your own reading group, reading a book that is new to both of you. Okay, I’m getting excited. I can recommend some that will have both of you engrossed.
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I am eager to hear your suggestions. Yesterday she rented “Pride and Prejudice” and dissected the casting of each character compared to the book. She says that book is her favorite.
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Wow! I would first suggest “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. It immediately became mandatory reading in schools. I hope you haven’t read it, because the two of you will love it and have a lively book club suggestion. It’s a modern day story. Have you named the club for the two of you? Teenagers love that, you know. Let her pick something cool. That will make it special.
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No I haven’t read it. I love the idea of naming the group. Thanks.
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Wonderful! Keep me posted.
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I never heard of Rebecca. Pride and Prejudice (and The Little Women- part 2, for that matter) I have an issue with. The entire novel went well. But somehow the writer had to ensure every person in the story was married and their family and kids accounted for. Reading the last few pages is always an effort.
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Did you see the movie “Little Women?” It explains that the publisher demanded a happy ending for all against Alcott’s wishes.
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Seriously? I had no idea. Honestly, part 1 sounds fine, it is part two that was disappointing. The end had details about each person’s children. Even dead ones. I don’t mind happy endings as long as they aren’t preachy
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What a great sharing experience
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That is exciting that you and your granddaughter are sharing that novel. I read it long ago and don’t remember what happened, either. When we lived in England, I think we saw a house that was supposed to be the setting for the novel.
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It turns out to be quite complicated which she enjoyed. So you got to visit Cornwall? That is on my list post covid if there is such a time.
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Yes, we spent a week in Cornwall, I think. The moors were impressive — vast expanse of grass and gentle hills.
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I feel as if I walked them reading about them as much as I have. I still would like to really go there.
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It would be wonderful if you could go to England.
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Whe she has finished the book, you should try to rent or buy the film adaptation with Lawrence Olivier to watch with her. It is excellent, with Judith Anderson outstanding as Mrs Danvers.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Based on your earlier mention of that version we have agreed to do just that.
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How wonderful. I have two grandsons, one of whom is a voracious reader but his taste will never extend to du Maurier I suspect. So many pleasures in this simple sharing of a classic. And how perceptive of your granddaughter to identify this aspect of the writing style. I hope you will share with us how you each respond to the finale, Elizabeth.
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It was raining last night so I will hear tonight how it ends. She is excited to tell me.
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Oh, marvellous! And I loved your granddaughter’s comment about the language
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She made me smile, noticing the change in vocabulary from 80 years old fiction.
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😊
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It is wonderful when you can share the wonder of a great book with a child. I remember when Gregory read The Secret Garden and said it was full of mystery and delight. One of my favourite children’s books.
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He nailed it with that description didn’t he.
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Like you I remember reading and being affected by Rebecca, but can’t remember the story. I love the fact that you’re ‘reliving’ it – and I think I’m going to have to get a copy to add to my reading list!
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We are doing a good reading list swap aren’t we.
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Marrying a wealthy widower is not necessarily the best idea on earth.. Btw, I really enjoy reading all of your posts so I have nominated you for the Vincent Ehindero Award. I hope you accept this award and that you enjoy answering the questions. You can find the award here: https://debbyseo.wordpress.com/2020/07/15/vincent-ehindero-blogger-award/ Warm Regards, Debby
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Oh, I read it years ago too and I’ve clearly forgotten the story. It is nice to know your granddaughter is reading it.
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She was able to recite the whole plot. It is pretty complicated.
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✌😉🌹
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I’m thinking how lovely it is to be able to be a young person who can share her reading impressions with her grandmother! And your granddaughter’s observation that “they used more verbs then” is so good.
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I loved similar conversations with my grandmother, a graduate of your neighbor Northwestern. I feel very blessed to have an avid reader as a grandchild.
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What a delightful time with your granddaughter Elizabeth! Thank you in sharing such a precious experience with us 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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You are welcome. I can’t believe that I got a voracious reader for a grandchild!
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Cornwall is lovely & definitely worth a visit – when the tourists aren’t there! Also Cumbria. But for open spaces and a wild, gorgeous sea, and a land soaked in history, visit Northumberland. And from there it’s a short hop into Scotland – via Edinburgh.
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I would like to do that. Who knows if I will ever get out of New England?
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This is inspiring! I’ve never read this particular book, but there are so many novels I enjoyed immensely when I was younger that I also don’t quite remember the plot anymore 🙂 such a nice experience to be able to share that with your granddaughter
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I am glad you enjoyed the post.
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