The Rebecca Notebook: And Other Memories (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
Decent read, but frustrating as well, because although the book is titled The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories, there's actually very little in it concerning her most famous novel except for the early preliminary notes that she jotted down regarding each chapter of Rebecca and a first draft of Chapter One. Unfortunately, 40 years had passed between the publication of this book and Rebecca, and du Maurier's memories of her original thoughts and creative process while penning Rebecca had been dimmed by time and memory loss. There were too many statements like: "I don't remember why I did this" or "I can't recall why I wrote it this way". Like I said, very frustrating. I had hoped to get more into the writer's mind, but it just wasn't there.Fortunately, the "other memories" section saved this book from being a total wash out. There was a section devoted to short stories du Maurier had penned throughout her career. My absolute favorite being The House of Secrets, which was really her "love letter" to Menabilly (the house she once lived in and based the house from Rebecca on: "Manderley"). For anyone who has a passion for old houses like I do, I could fully relate to du Maurier's almost obsessive desire to possess this house and learn it's secrets. Anyone who loves old houses will be able to relate to this story entirely.The final portion of the book was devoted to some of du Maurirer's personal memoirs and character studies of people from her life like her father and grandfather. I found this section to be interesting and informative but also a bit sad, as she explores widowhood, growing old and death.All in all, I'm happy I picked this up at the library, but I do think the title is a misnomer.
This is a delightful book which provides the"Du Maurier"fan with a snapshot into the Authors family life and childhhood.It tells the tale of how she became so infatuated with "Menabilly"which of course was the basis for one of the best known homes in literature,I mean of course"Manderly"in"Rebecca".Unfortunately this book purports to be "The Rebecca Notebook"In this aspect I found it to be quite disappointing as it did not give the reader any insight into her thought processes or conclusions to the direction which she ultimately took the plot.Now I`m not saying that the changes didn`timprove the story(They did),but I feel that I was misled by the title of this book...In conclusion this is a lovely light introduction into Ms du Maurier`s history and if I wasn`t already smitten,I certainly would have come away with just such a feeling of thirst for more.Ultimately it is for you to reach your own conclusion!
What do You think about The Rebecca Notebook: And Other Memories (2013)?
The Rebecca Notebook & Other Memories, Daphne Du Maurier. PB. 22/5/2015. 2/5. 180 pages. Virago Modern Classics.Enjoyed the story of where the notebook had been and returned to her decades later, then her putting this book together in 1981. The writer died in 1989. I found the notebook interesting as to the process of forming the story. The further memories contained are from okay to fabulous. Only such an amazing writer could have such insight and ability to write as in Romantic Love, This I Believe and Death and Widowhood! The stories or memories of the house at Menabilly then as the House of Secrets, and her beloved home, then on to Kilmarth and settling in are sensitive and convey such an intense sense of place and nature with a respect for history. Her love of Cornwall and nature was powerful! The poems at the end are lovely too.
—Sharon
