Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780751533132
Edition: New edition
ISBN: 0751533130
Label: Time Warner Paperbacks
Manufacturer: Time Warner Paperbacks
Number Of Pages: 624
Publication Date: May 02, 2002
Publisher: Time Warner Paperbacks
Studio: Time Warner Paperbacks

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Related Items:

• Mrs. De Winter
• Rebecca [1997]
• Daphne Du Maurier
• The Outcast
• The Forgotten Garden
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Editorial Review:

Amazon.co.uk Review:
Sally Beauman's Rebecca's Tale is an ambitious sequel to Daphne du Maurier's much-loved Rebecca, a classic tale of love and death. Beauman dares to tell the story of the enigmatic first mistress of Manderley, and not only proves herself a brave woman, but a storyteller of exceptional style and skill. Written as a "companion" rather than a sequel, the author succeeds in breathing life into the long-dead bones of the magnificent Rebecca and has furnished us with an alternative version of the events that would ultimately lead to her tragic death and the destruction of her beloved home.

The book opens on April 12, 1951, the 20th anniversary of Rebecca's death. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again", writes Colonel Julyan, an old family friend of the de Winters. As old age and ill health threaten to overtake him, 20 years of doubt about the true cause of Rebecca's death are sharply reawakened with the arrival of an anonymous parcel containing a small black notebook entitled Rebecca's Tale. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger, recently arrived in the locality, appears equally determined to find answers to the string of inconsistencies raised by Rebecca's life and death. The Colonel and his dutiful daughter Ellie are both drawn to the handsome, intelligent Terence Grey but both are wary and wonder if he really is what he appears to be.

As the plot twists and turns, the revelations are both shocking and inevitable. Favourite characters--spooky Mrs Danvers and Jack Favell, Rebecca's reckless cousin-­drift in and out. This is a big book (495 pages), yet, once begun, most will find it difficult to put down­-just as well for there are so many complexities it doesn't do to take your time. Ultimately, Rebecca's Tale offers its own version of events, yet for du Maurier fans, it is reassuring in that it raises many more. And, cleverly, Beauman has added her own, somehow more relevant sub-plot. Perhaps the "truth" about Rebecca's life is only as important as the legacy she left those whose lives she touched. What they choose to do with it, and how they choose to live their lives, is the central issue here. This novel will appeal to anyone who has ever read Rebecca and, thanks to her finely woven plot and subtle undercurrents of hope and inspiration, it will appeal just as much to those who have not. --Carey Green




Rating: - What a disappointment

I usually hate other people's sequels to classic novel (go and get your own ideas, you leech!) but I read another of Sally Beauman's books, and enjoyed it, so thought I would go against the grain and read this one.

The first quarter of the book was a struggle, it is voiced by Colonel Julyan, and what a stuffy old bore he is! Although it fits his character, I found this section pretty dull to read. The second two sections picked it up and I raced through, really enjoying it. ... Read More

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Rating: - Arrogant 'sequel' to "Rebecca"
I find this book has used 'Rebecca' as a platform to express Sally Beauman's personal opinions and it is largely unrelated to the original.

The author has her own message to convey and arrogantly ignores anything from 'Rebecca' that doesn't fit with this message. The character of Arthur Julyan is different from the original character in 'Rebecca' and Beauman has added a twist which doesn't quite sit right. Some things are ignored or rewritten like the 'relationship' between Rebecca and ... Read More

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Rating: - Great read
I have read this a couple of times now and think it is a very enjoyable read. It makes sense whether you have or havent read Rebecca. Great as a beach/holiday read.

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Rating: - Not bad
I thought that the writing was fantastic and the plot was interesting, but I agree that the second Mrs de Winter is unrealistic and why would Rebecca be writing to her child if she doesnt think she's going to die?
I felt that the ending was unsatisfactory, I had been gripped throughout the book and thought the ending was a let down. I don't want to ruin it but the rest of the book was really interesting and I could barely put it down (why I gave it 4 stars)

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Rating: - Disappointing
If you're looking for a resolution to the mystery of "Rebecca", don't read this book.

It is fairly long, for the most part well-written, and it does hold your attention right up until the end. However, at the end the characters who have been trying to decipher the enigma of Rebecca herself throw up their hands and effectively say, "You know what? I can't be bothered anymore".

And that is how I felt at the last page of this book - cheated and disappointed.

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