Book #3 - Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier

The First Wives have talked about exploring a few classics at some point, and the time has finally arrived. We will be dipping our toes into the ocean of classic novels by reading "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier. Following are some discussion questions to bear in mind while you read...

Discussion Questions

1. Is Rebecca a ghost story? Why or why not?

2. Discuss the role of Mrs. Danvers in the novel.

3. Discuss the character of Maxim. How are his actions consistent or inconsistent with this character?

4. Is justice served at the end of the novel? Why or why not?

5. Discuss the role of Manderley in the novel--both the house itself and its grounds and beach. How does setting contribute to the book's plot? To the book's tone?

6. Discuss the elements that make Rebecca a work of gothic literature.

7. Discuss the role of Jack Favell in the story. Does he help to shed light on Rebecca's character? How does he impact the plot?

8. Analyze the heroine's marriage to Maxim. How does their relationship develop during the course of the novel?

Happy reading everyone!

The Lovely Bones - Deconstruction

Time waits for no bookclubber, and with our next meeting less than a week away its time to publish the debrief from The Lovely Bones - with or without comments from everyone. Three out of six is not too bad, but I feel sure we will do better with the next review!!

What would you score The Lovely Bones overall?

Vanessa: 4/5

Tanya: 3.5/5

Jen:4/5 - the subject matter was at times too yucky to give it 5/5 but gee it was close!

Which character would you like to hang out with and why?

Vanessa: Grandma Lynn - she's ballsy and loves red lipstick.

Tanya: Grandma Lynn 'cos I reckon she'd be good value and have a more objective perspective on it all. Oh, and Hal Heckler because he's described as being really good looking, rides a motorbike and doesn't appear to have any girlfriends (obviously in this fantasy I am young, hot and single).

Jen: I would love to hang out with Lindsey for a while because she seemed to be such a strong, independent woman. She was sporty and a bit of a go-getter so I think I'd enjoy her company.

General comments:

Vanessa: I have walked past this book at bookstores so many times... it was lovely to discover what lay beneath the cover...would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good emotive and explorative read!

Tanya: I did enjoy this book but was hungry for more. The author seemed to skim over some areas and I wanted more depth or reasoning behind certain scenes - like Susie's influence over things on Earth, "the edge of the grave" and the initial suspense around Mr Harvey that just disappeared once he left town. I really enjoyed the description of heaven and the theory behind a person's soul being able to hang around and watch over loved ones if they decided. I liked Lindsey and how she handled grief, but she seemed to come away from it all with the greater ability to move on (besides Grandma Lynn). Overall, the book was a page-turner. I found myself wanting to read more, even though I wasn't fully satisfied. I think this book will translate well into a movie and I cant wait to see it!

Jen: I would never normally pick up a book about a child who is raped and murdered, but this book is written from such a unique perspective, and its written with a delicacy that makes the gruesome scenes bearable. When Lindsey broke into Mr Harvey's house my heart was racing and I could NOT put the book down until I knew what happened - I was right there with her and bloody scared!