REBECCA BY DAPHNE DU MAURIER

A classic novel of mystery, crime, and romance, it is penned beautifully to my ear. Written in 1938, it was brought to the big screen in 1940, starring Joan Fontaine and Lawrence Olivier in the leading roles, and Judith Anderson, as the despicable and unforgettable literary character of Mrs. Danvers. I read this novel as a teenager and never forgot it,  rereading it from time to time, and adding to my delight, every read. Its engaging opening line, ” Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again,” was one of the inspirational opening lines that prompted me to choose “If only I hadn’t opened the letter” as the opening line in my first novel, The Heart of a Lynx.