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A review by francis_deer
Rebecca's Tale by Sally Beauman
5.0
An old favourite of mine, actually getting better with each rereading.
The story is told from four different points of views and the four narrators are not altogether reliable. Even Ellie, the most honest of them, is not above censoring "Rebecca's Tale".
I'm always fascinated by how the fours parts of the story complement each other and how seeing the tale from different angles brings different truths and lies to light. In the end, there is no clear resolution to all the questions - and I appreciate that uncertainty.
This novel does definitely not turn Rebecca into a saint.
The first point of view character deeply cares for Rebecca, so this account favours Rebecca's side. The other accounts look deeper into the shadows. We may understand Rebecca's background and her motivations, but still condemn many of her actions.
As for Maxim, the novel takes a deservedly critical look at him. (Killing your wife is not acceptable, no matter the circumstances.)
The story is told from four different points of views and the four narrators are not altogether reliable. Even Ellie, the most honest of them, is not above censoring "Rebecca's Tale".
I'm always fascinated by how the fours parts of the story complement each other and how seeing the tale from different angles brings different truths and lies to light. In the end, there is no clear resolution to all the questions - and I appreciate that uncertainty.
This novel does definitely not turn Rebecca into a saint.
The first point of view character deeply cares for Rebecca, so this account favours Rebecca's side. The other accounts look deeper into the shadows. We may understand Rebecca's background and her motivations, but still condemn many of her actions.
As for Maxim, the novel takes a deservedly critical look at him. (Killing your wife is not acceptable, no matter the circumstances.)