Audio Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

This book, published in 1938 is a classic and as an avid reader, I am ashamed to say that, up until this point, I had never read it. This novel by Daphne du Maurier has been loved by so many and I knew it would be a real treat.  Although I've had the book on my shelf for several years, I decided to listen to the audio version when the chance arose.

Publishers's Summary


Rebecca, a dark psychological tale of secrets and betrayal, is Daphne du Maurier's best-loved work and was named Best Novel of the 20th Century at the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.

After a whirlwind romance and a honeymoon in Italy, the innocent young heroine and the dashing Maxim de Winter return to his country estate, Manderley. But the unsettling memory of Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter, still lingers within. The timid bride must overcome her husband's oppressive silences and the sullen history of the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, to confront the emotional horrors of the past.

My Thoughts:


Admittedly, there are many classics that I have not read and REBECCA was always at the top of my To Read list. I chose the audio version because I knew it would go faster as I was already reading two paper books at the time.  First, let me say the narrator, Anna Massey, did an outstanding job with all of the characters in the book. Her subtle voice of Mrs. de Winter and her commanding voice of many of the other players show her versatility for this audio. Her voice is perfectly suited for this type of book and the locale of England. I really enjoyed her interpretations.


I love these Gothic-type stories centered around ancient homes and estates and the people who inhabit them and so the story did live up to my expectations. That said, I did expect a little more danger than was in the book. I loved the interaction between the sinister Mrs. Danvers and Mrs. de Winter, creepy as it sometimes was. I found it interesting that the reader is never made privy to the name of the current Mrs. de Winter. She is never called by her first name. The ending was a surprise and I was satisfied with it and left feeling that I wanted more. So, for me, that is what a good book does.

I had built this book up in my mind so much that I was afraid I would be disappointed but I am happy to say I am not. One day, I may go back and read the book because I think maybe I would have really enjoyed that a little better. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the audio but sometimes there is nothing better than reading it page by page, especially a classic like REBECCA.

REBECCA
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Published: (Audio) January 2009
Publisher: (Audio) AudioGO
Length: 14hrs 52mn
Source: Purchased from Audible.com
Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5

On My Wishlist - A Russian Classic

This week I'm only featuring one book 'On My Wishlist'. I think it warrants a space all it's own. This is a book that some believe is the 'single greatest novel ever written'. It is Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA. I can't say whether I think it is because first of all, I haven't read it and secondly, I'm totally unqualified to make that judgement, but I am dying to get myself a copy and read it for myself. Maybe this will be the year I finally tackle that goal.

There are so many printings and versions of this classic love story and that is another reason I think I have put it off along with the fact that it completely intimidates me. But I've decided on the one used in Oprah's Book Club. If it's good enough for Oprah . . . Have you read this classic Russian novel? If so, what did you think of it?

What book is topping your Wishlist today? On My Wishlist is hosted each Saturday by Book Chick City.

Booking Through Thursday: Posterity

Today's question was suggested by Barbara

Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, Bronte, or any of the classic authors? If so, who and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?

This is a tough one! I'll do my best to answer, however, I don't think I'm the best person to ask as there are many classics (Dickens, for example) that I have not read myself. But here is my opinion on this interesting question.

The first thought that comes to mind is that the world is such a different place than it used to be during the time of Dickens et al. It's kind of like comparing apples to oranges. The number of books published during Bronte's era was minuscule compared to today's world. That said, I'm sure there will be authors from this era who will be remembered with the highest regard, but I don't think that necessarily makes their book(s) a classic.

That brings another question - does a book's popularity constitute its classification as a classic? I think not. There are many books out there written by non-formally trained authors that have soared to the top of the bestseller lists solely based on book sales, not content or literal ability. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that or that they shouldn't have their accolades, but lets not confuse them with a classic author.

On the other hand, I've read books by current authors who have been formally trained and are considered to be great authors of literature, and I couldn't get through the book for one reason or another. I think the labeling of books in our era is a very difficult thing to do. I think a book's classification is relative to the time in which the book was written. By that I mean, there are labels such as a 'new classic' and to me, that's just another way of saying a book is popular. IN MY OPINION. As for the question, Are there any books I would consider to be classics from our era? I would say if there are any, there are very few. I understand people may not agree with that, so let me just say in closing that there are many current authors who have written great books that have made their mark on the world and they do deserve to be remembered, but for me, the classic authors are etched in stone.

I hope I made sense of what I was thinking in my head and answered the question clearly. This is a topic that could go on and on! What's your take on this question? I'm quite sure there are many differing opinions of this one, so be sure to visit Booking Through Thursday to find out what other readers think.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Well, I finally did it! I finally read the book that everyone raves about and is a favorite to so many! I can honestly say now that I am one of those people. My only disappointment is with myself that I waited so long to read it.

Charlotte Bronte's JANE EYRE is such a wonderfully told gothic romance. Her writing is just amazing. I love that it's not your typical love story with a beautiful maiden and handsome young man - its a story of a plain-looking orphan and her not-so-handsome master, but their love is beautiful. I instantly adored Jane and dispised her aunt and cousins, who treated her so horribly as a child. Then after being sent off to that wretched school, her closest friend, Helen Burns dies. and then a few years later her dear friend and teacher, Ms. Temple leaves the school to be married. Is she not to ever have someone love her who will not be taken from her? Then there's Mr. Rochester - who I found odd, in a likeable sort of way. The chemistry between them was apparent from the start and I loved reading the banter between them. When the truth of Mr. Rochester's wife was revealed and Jane ran away, I thought surely he would go looking for her and find her. Though he did search, she was well hidden with people who, surprisingly turned out to be her family, something Jane had always longed for.

The character I was most surprised by was St. John Rivers, even though he did save her life and opened his home to her, I felt the way he treated Jane when she refused to marry him and be his missionary wife in India, was indignant, even though I realize he though he was doing what God expected of him. He was very selfish and it was easy to see he had his own motives from the start.

I really loved this story. I read this book at the same time I was reading other books, but chose this as my bedtime reading. It was a great way to end each day. I will say that I kept a dictionary close at hand and used it frequently to look up some of those words! Whew! I've heard from so many fellow bloggers that they, like me, hadn't read JANE EYRE. To those, I can only hope to encourage to not put it off any longer. This is a beloved classic piece of literature that should be read again and again.

JANE EYRE

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Publisher: Courage Classics (Hardcover)

Published: 1991

Pages: 358

Raing: 5 out of 5 stars (It was amazing!)

Teaser Tuesdays: Jane Eyre

Each week, TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read:
• Let the book fall open to a random pageShare with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• Share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
• Please avoid spoilers!
  

This week I'm sharing two sentences from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This is my first time reading this classic novel and I'm really enjoying it.

This wa a demoniac laugh-low, suppressed, and deep-uttered, as it seemed, at the very key-hole of my chamber-door. The head of my bed was near the door, and I thought at first, the goblin-laugher stood at my bedside-or rather, crouched by my pillow; but I rose, looked round, and could see nothing; while, as I still gazed, the unnatural sound was reiterated; and I knew it came from behind the panels. ~ page 113

If you'd like to read more teasers from other bloggers, or if you'd like to participate click here.

BTT: Reading Resolutions

Happy New Year, everyone!
So … any Reading Resolutions? Say, specific books you plan to read? A plan to read more ____? Anything at all?

Name me at least ONE thing you’re looking forward to reading this year!

My response:

Yes, I do have two reading resolutions for 2009! Hopefully, I'll be better at these resolutions than the normal ones, i.e. exercise more, get organized etc. :)

I started my blog last January, however I didn't start posting regular reviews until later in February, but I still managed to read and review 30 books. (Click here if you'd like to see a list of those books.) My first resolution, or personal challenge, is that I'd like to read 50 books this year. I found myself in a bit of a slump at the end of 2008, so hopefully that won't happen again this year.

More importantly, I will be making an effort to read more classic literature in this new year. The first classic I plan to read is JANE EYRE. I know! Can you believe I haven't ever read that? I've seen the 1996 film version and now I am very much looking forward to the book. From there I'd like to read some Jane Austen. I've never focused on the classics before, other than some high school reading of Sylvia Plath's THE BELL JAR (which I'm sure I didn't appreciate as a teenager), some Steinbeck, and of course, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I'm looking forward to this personal classics challenge. If you'd like to recommend a classic that you think I shouldn't miss, please leave me a comment and tell me about it! Any and all recommendations are appreciated!