Indian Readers discussion

Hello everyone ! Leena , Austin , Arpit , ? Anulekha and I are going to read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier , from 15th August . The book has 397 pages and 27 chapters . Anyone who wishes to join in is most welcome .

Savita, how many chapters will you be reading every day?

Austin , since in August I am also reading Wessex Tales , and in September I am also reading Blue Castle ( Buddy Read in another group ) , regarding Rebecca , I will only be able to read about 10 pages in a day ( ? One chapter in 2 days ) . I hope that's not too slow for you and the other members? What speeds are you and our other members ( Leena , Arpit , Anulekha ) planning ?

1 chapter in 2 days means 54 days to complete the book!

Thank you for letting me know. Now I can plan accordingly.

So it will take you till the end of September to finish the book.

I'm OK with one chapter a day.

I believe the writing isn't very easy to read. this is heresy. I've not read her books still

Leena wrote: "I'm OK with one chapter a day."

Me too. That way we can read other books too!

yup. that's the plan

How's the visa process going Austin?

Unfortunately my visa was refused this Monday, Leena. Visa approval rate is only around 65%. I am going to apply 2-3 times again till it gets approved but I can now go only for the spring season starting in mid January. So I will be reading office library books for some more months.

I am surprised you have not read her book yet, Leena. I didn't expect this from a romance book enthusiast :-)

Leena wrote: "I'm OK with one chapter a day."

Leena , Austin - different reading speeds should not matter at all as long as we preceed a spoiler comment by Beware Spoilers or else use spoiler tags , and mention the chapter .

Leena wrote: "I believe the writing isn't very easy to read. this is heresy. I've not read her books still"

Actually , I've read this book before, several years ago , and , from what I remember , the writing is not difficult , just fun and engrossing . I don't know whether I'll change my mind this time .

Austin wrote: "Unfortunately my visa was refused this Monday, Leena. Visa approval rate is only around 65%. I am going to apply 2-3 times again till it gets approved but I can now go only for the spring season st..."

Go for it , Austin , these processes usually require patience and persistence . Give it your best shot !
If you go to USA , will you stop reading on Goodreads ?

Leena wrote: "I believe the writing isn't very easy to read. this is heresy. I've not read her books still"
Rebecca is her best book , and My Cousin Rachel . I didn't like Frenchman 's Creek so much .

Yes, Savita, I will persist and do things a bit differently next time at the interview.

No way I would stop using Goodreads. It's like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram for me. Not a day goes by without using Goodreads. I will concentrate more on short books, short story collections, poems, ballads and novelettes if I don't find the time while studying in the US.

Best wishes for your USA venture ☘ , Austin ! Hope you get through next time .
Nice to know that you will be continuing to use Goodreads even from the US . You are one of the few active members . I wonder what has happened to Luffy , Bookworm , Shriti , Gorab , Shoa , Em , Sherin and Anjali ? Haven't been active since quite some time .

I have finished chapter 1 - really short chapter . I found the description of Manderley exotic , enigmatic and thrilling . Do you all agree ? Actually , Manderley and Rebecca are the backbones of this novel . My paperback edition has a picture of Manderley peeping in between the trees , behind the pretty female protagonist (the one who's writing the tale ) .

Managed to read few pages yesterday before dozing off. :P The narration is fluid and unhurried, almost lyrical and beautifully portrayed the surroundings. One other reason for me to pick this book is that it is set in the country of Monaco. Hoping to catch some historical bits about the place.

I've just started Rebecca and have read the first page only. It's strange but I've always given up after this chapter. :))

Austin, I'm really sorry that your visa was rejected. It's getting tougher by the day for someone to go abroad and study. All the best, and I wish you are successful the next time around.

Leena wrote: "I've just started Rebecca and have read the first page only. It's strange but I've always given up after this chapter. :))"

after just a page? I give up on a book only after reading at least 50 pages. I have come across many books that made splendid comebacks after initially being boring.

Leena wrote: "Austin, I'm really sorry that your visa was rejected. It's getting tougher by the day for someone to go abroad and study. All the best, and I wish you are successful the next time around."

Thank you, Leena. It's usually slightly tougher for a working person to get a student visa but not impossible.

We are too in the process of obtaining a student visa. My older daughter will be travelling to Wroclaw,POland, for 6yr MBBS programme. Lets.see how thay one.pans out.

Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "I've just started Rebecca and have read the first page only. It's strange but I've always given up after this chapter. :))"

after just a page? I give up on a book only after reading ..."

Some books just dont get that mind space. I feel terrible but after a point its jusf gets postponed. There are others too. That first page makes a big difference for me.

Leena wrote: "We are too in the process of obtaining a student visa. My older daughter will be travelling to Wroclaw,POland, for 6yr MBBS programme. Lets.see how thay one.pans out."

For younger students they usually approve without much fuss. So don't worry much Leena.

Poland! Wow. What if she falls for a Polish man while studying there? Hahaha. Just kidding.

Leena wrote: "Austin wrote: "Leena wrote: "I've just started Rebecca and have read the first page only. It's strange but I've always given up after this chapter. :))"

after just a page? I give up on a book only..."

I see. It often takes me 20 to 50 pages to get into the groove. The first few pages are almost always boring for me.

Leena wrote: "I've just started Rebecca and have read the first page only. It's strange but I've always given up after this chapter. :))"

Oh , I do hope you will continue , Leena .

Arpit wrote: "Managed to read few pages yesterday before dozing off. :P The narration is fluid and unhurried, almost lyrical and beautifully portrayed the surroundings. One other reason for me to pick this book ..."

Glad you liked the beginning , Arpit ! I , also , liked the beginning . It sets the mood .
The beginning is in Monaco , but then the story shifts to Cornwall , southern England .

Leena wrote: "We are too in the process of obtaining a student visa. My older daughter will be travelling to Wroclaw,POland, for 6yr MBBS programme. Lets.see how thay one.pans out."

Wow , Poland ! All my best wishes to her ☘ !

I have finished chapter 2 - another short chapter . The story moves deftly from the present to the past - the actual beginning of the tale , a flashback . ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Mrs Van Hopper and Mrs Danvers both sound so horrible , in their own ways. I am glad Max is nice . He's the one that matters . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆
Where have you guys reached ?

I will start reading after some days, Savita. Now I am reading Toxin by Robin Cook.

Okay , Austin . Toxin will be an exciting read , Robin Cook is so thrilling .
Hope you will start Rebecca soon .

Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surgery was interesting to read about.

Yes, I agree with you that Robin Cook's books are thrilling. Last year I read his Chromosome 6. It was very thrilling as well.

I will start Rebecca as soon as I finish Toxin.

Savita wrote: "I have finished chapter 2 - another short chapter . The story moves deftly from the present to the past - the actual beginning of the tale , a flashback . ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆
..."


I have read till chapter 3. The story actually begins here. Excited to know how it moves forward from here.

Austin wrote: "Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surgery was interesting to read about.

Yes, I agree with you th..."

Yay , waiting for you to start Rebecca as well ! No idea whether Leena has decided to discontinue this novel ? Only Arpit and I are enjoying it at present .

Arpit wrote: "Savita wrote: "I have finished chapter 2 - another short chapter . The story moves deftly from the present to the past - the actual beginning of the tale , a flashback . ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers..."

Yes , with Max's entry in the third chapter, the story moves back to the start . I like Max's subdued, civilized and refined manner. He's so kind to the narrator , that's another thing I like about him .
The story has got unexpected twists and turns . Since you are liking the author 's writing style so far , I think you'll enjoy the rest of the story as well , Arpit .
I am reading chapter 4 at present . For me , this is one of the best novels I've read so far ( this is a reread for me ) .

A little late to the party!
I will be starting Rebecca today. Hope to catch up soon.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surgery was interesting to read about.

Yes, I ag..."

I will start on 25th August. That's when I think I will receive the copy of Rebecca from Bookchor. I will order tonight. Cost - Rs. 300 (235 for book + 65 for shipping)

Anulekha wrote: "A little late to the party!
I will be starting Rebecca today. Hope to catch up soon."

Welcome , Anulekha 😊 ! Glad you have joined the discussion . Looking forward to your comments.

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surgery was interesting to read abo..."

Hmm .... you don't like to read ebooks ? Ebooks are much cheaper .
Fingers crossed you will like Rebecca . Looking forward to your comments .

Well , Leena , Arpit and Anulekha - where have you all reached ?
I have finished chapter 6 and am reading chapter 7 . I enjoyed reading about the ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ the unusual courtship and the whirlwind marriage . Can visualize Mrs Van Hopper 's sour face 😀 !
The approach to Manderley , however , took me by surprise , even though this is a reread . What a never ending drive through the dark unfriendly woods . I didn't like it at all . Quite chilling and fearful actually . Then the appearance of the monstrous, blood red rhododendrons on either side.. Certainly nothing homely and welcoming ! Poor narrator, shy little thing that she is ! The only comforting thing in the whole scene is Max himself . Feel safe as long as he's around .
Mrs Danvers has just been introduced . Shudder ! What a horrible lady ! (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

I have finished the first three chapters. The first page itself hooked me in. Really liked the setting, and how the characters' qualities are brought out.

Sorry, I was caught up in weekend affairs. I am on chapter 8 now. The plot is unfolding slowly but it minutely captures the narrator's predicament. What a turn of event it has been for her. Time will only tell what awaits her in Manderley.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surgery was interest..."

I like to sample 40-50 free pages on Kindle. But a whole book, I am not sure, Savita. I can try to read the first few chapters of the book online till the book arrives. BTW, I am alarmed at your speed. I thought you would read only 10 pages a day and hence I took it slow.

Anulekha wrote: "I have finished the first three chapters. The first page itself hooked me in. Really liked the setting, and how the characters' qualities are brought out."

Glad you're liking the writing style , Anulekha .

Arpit wrote: "Sorry, I was caught up in weekend affairs. I am on chapter 8 now. The plot is unfolding slowly but it minutely captures the narrator's predicament. What a turn of event it has been for her. Time wi..."

You 've gone ahead of me , Arpit ! I am on chapter 7 . Yes , the plot is unfolding slowly . Quite a few unexpected twists and turns ahead .
I read this story a long time back , so I have forgotten many details .

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Toxin is exciting, Savita. It's about the American meat industry, food borne diseases and E. Coli bacteria. Besides that the cardio surge..."

Not everyone is comfortable reading ebooks , Austin . It took me also some time to get adjusted to reading them . I suppose one must read whatever one is comfortable with ultimately . Take your time to start . No hurry . 😊
The first few chapters are quite short , that's why I could cover them fast . I am also reading Wessex Tales simultaneously , but have been giving preference to Rebecca lately . Therefore my speed appears a bit fast .