Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Our book club chose Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and what a fascinating pick.

To begin, the main character is not named "Rebecca." In fact, we never learn her name. But Rebecca literally haunts the book and becomes the central figure.

The writing is simply gorgeous. In fact, the inner monologue of "the second Mrs. DeWinter" is far more fascinating than the woman herself. As she describes events and people around her, it is clear that she is highly insightful, yet that doesn't really show up in her exterior life.

As the young, unsure, new wife of widower Mr. DeWinter, she finds herself in the constant shadow of his former wife. It seems clear by the end of the book that she has manufactured the specter to her own unhappiness.

It reads in a thrilling manner as the truth slowly reveals itself. The end is abrupt and unsatisfying. Yet it is a beautiful and haunting tale and I highly recommend it.

Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse,

Originally the curriculum for my Modern Literature class included Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse. Unfortunately, the class did not end up using the book. But I still had it on my shelf and, although he came highly recommended, I'd never read a Wodehouse book. So I decided to give it a try. I must say it was a very fun read, but of course outside my normal reading habit. (See: every other book in this blog) I really enjoyed it and I can see why he is acclaimed.

Apparently the book is an early entry into the relationship of Bertie, and his butler, Jeeves. Bertie is still convinced that he is the more brilliant of the two and attempts to reconcile several romances gone awry. Disregarding Jeeves advice, Bertie proceeds to make a mess of each couple, even accidentally becoming engaged himself to one of the women involved. Finally it is up to Jeeves to put right the whole mess. The convoluted denouement is clever and clearly shows the humble Jeeves as the brains in the bunch. Definitely worth a read. I'll have to read the others in the series.