Classics Bookclub: Rebecca

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.

And so Rebecca begins. I'm not sure how I, a voracious reader, ever missed reading this classic. Now that I have, I'm so pleased that it was the selection for the latest Classics Bookclub at 5 Minutes for Books.

My friend Lisa challenged us with many thoughtful discussion questions (this book is one of her favorites, after all!). I'll tackle a few.

Why do you think the heroine remains nameless? (did you notice she was never referred to by name?) Don’t you find it interesting that the novel is titled “Rebecca” yet our narrator is nameless? Why the contrast, do you think? Do you see her anonymity as indicative of some deeper meaning?

I have to say, it bothered me that we never learn the name of our heroine/narrator. I really don't like not knowing something. Still, I think the novel is aptly titled, since both the current Mrs. DeWinter and Maxim are haunted by Rebecca's memory (though for very different reasons). Our heroine is living within the confines of Rebecca's shadow, and so it suits that we are never told her name.

Rebecca has one of the more famous opening lines in literature. How do the opening lines set the tone of the novel?

From the opening line, I was hooked. Why does she want to return to Manderley? Why can't she return? I kept asking myself those questions through most of the novel. The answers weren't what I expected, which is the mark of a great story. I don't want to give away the ending, but I will say that I feel that one of the tragedies of Rebecca is that just as our heroine is in a position to claim Manderley, this place that she has grown to love, as her own...she cannot.

I would be remiss if I wrote about this book without mentioning the creepy Mrs. Danvers. Every scene with her made my skin crawl, and kept my eyes glued to the pages long after they should've been closed for the night.

Have you read Rebecca? If not, I highly recommend it. Even if you have, it's worth another look.

You can read what everyone else is saying about this classic over at 5 Minutes for Books.

Have I Really Forgotten?

I've been back from Peru for one month. When I left, I swore I'd never forget the people, the miracles, the full and complete reliance on God. I vowed to carry it with me always.

One measly month later, it's gone. And that makes me incredibly sad.

If I truly remembered, I wouldn't be so upset at walking into my bathroom and seeing just floor joists and duct work. I'd think about how others live, and count my blessings.



If I truly remembered, I wouldn't be so overwhelmed by the laundry. I'd think about the modern conveniences I have, and count my blessings all over again.




If I truly remembered, I wouldn't dread cooking dinner for my family. I'd think about the ladies in the soup kitchens who volunteer to provide meals for their neighbors, and I'd be counting my blessings one more time.








If I truly remembered, I wouldn't grouse about the appearance of my home.



Or our school systems.



Or going to Wal-Mart.



Instead, I'd be thanking the Lord for Lucy, who asked if I could bring her home with me. This beautiful woman is knit to my heart.


And Luis, who wanted everyone in the States to see the Bibles we were distributing.



And these girls, with their contagious enthusiasm and giggles.



And this precious girl, who pleaded with me to take her picture.


I'd think about the honor of becoming a sister in flight - and in Christ- with members of the Peruvian Special Forces.



I'd praise Him for the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, which I'd never seen before.



And I'd be praying that He calls me back to this place and the people who have left an indelible mark on my life.



I've come to accept that I'll never be able to articulate my trip. I've struggled with sharing, not just on the blog but also with friends and family. I've realized that mere words would cheapen His work. So, in the immortal words of Forrest Gump, That's all I have to say about that.

What's On My Nightstand: July

Here's a peek at the books that have captured my attention:

For 5 Minutes for Books:

~Rebecca. Oh, how I loved this book! Can't wait to participate in the Classics Bookclub on August 4th!

~How Sweet It Is. I'm in the middle of this one now, and really enjoying it.

~Cry in the Night because a good mystery makes me all tingly.

For fun:

~Gilead. Heard so many wonderful things about this book, and I'm looking forward to diving in.

~Anathema. I just couldn't leave this one on the library shelf.

For growing:

~A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World. I've been chewing on this one for a while, and it's been wonderful.

~Womanly Dominion: More Than A Gentle and Quiet Spirit. The latest selection for the Girl Talk Bookclub.

What about you? Reading anything good these days? Tell me about it. If you're looking for ideas on what to read next, hop over to 5 Minutes for Books...though I must warn you, your "to be read" stack may become dangerously high. At least, mine always does!