About this Event
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." So begins one of the most iconic gothic novels of the 20th century — and our next book club read.
Rebecca follows a young, unnamed narrator who marries Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower, and moves into Manderley, his grand estate on the Cornish coast. But the house — and everyone in it — still belongs to his late wife, Rebecca. Her presence lingers in the monogrammed linens, the untouched rooms, and above all in Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper whose devotion to Rebecca borders on obsession. As the new Mrs. de Winter tries to find her place, she uncovers secrets that unravel everything she thought she knew about her marriage.
This is gothic suspense at its best — no ghosts required. Du Maurier builds dread through atmosphere, memory, and a narrator we're never quite sure we can trust. It's also a genuine mystery: the novel's second half recontextualizes everything that came before, making it the kind of book you'll want to discuss the moment you finish it.
What we'll dig into:
- A narrator with no name of her own — what does that say about identity and self-erasure?
- Class anxiety and the fear of never truly belonging
- Mrs. Danvers' obsession — villain, or just grief taken to an extreme?
- How much of the story can we actually trust, given who's telling it?
- Marriage, secrets, and what it costs to uncover the truth
At about 390 pages, this one should take about two weeks to read. Whether you're drawn to atmospheric gothic fiction, twisty psychological thrillers, or classic literature with real staying power, Rebecca delivers all three. Come with your theories — this one sparks debate.
Event venue & nearby stays
Cellar7, 610 Main Street, Houston, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.