by Daphne du Maurier
Published 2001
A shy, unnamed young woman working as a paid companion meets the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter during a holiday in Monte Carlo, accepts his impulsive proposal, and returns with him to Manderley, his vast estate on the Cornish coast. There she discovers that the house, the staff, and her new husband are still haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to linger in every room. The austere housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, preserves Rebecca's possessions with disquieting devotion, and the second Mrs. de Winter finds herself increasingly isolated, unable to measure up to a predecessor everyone describes in tones of awed fascination. When a shipwreck uncovers a long-buried secret, the polished surface of Manderley begins to crack. Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel is a masterwork of Gothic suspense and psychological unease, blending romance, mystery, and a persistent sense of menace that has influenced generations of thriller writers. Its famous opening line and slow-burning dread have kept the story continuously in print for nearly a century.
These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?
Top voices for narrating this book
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“LOUISE's "calm" and "young, British, female" traits align with the Narrator's gentle and intimate qualities.”
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Whispery
“Clara's "whispery" quality perfectly conveys the Narrator's intimate, gentle, and mysterious nature.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
The enigmatic and often brooding owner of Manderley, carrying a heavy secret. His voice should convey sophistication, authority, and underlying torment.
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“James's "Deep, Raspy and Grim" voice perfectly captures Maxim's authoritative, dramatic, and underlying tormented nature.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Professional
“Steve Corporate's "Deep British Authoritative" tone suits Maxim's sophistication and commanding presence.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Jayce's "Bassy, Raspy and Rough" delivery could convey Maxim's underlying torment and dark side.”
Also recommended for: Jack Favell
The austere, fanatically devoted housekeeper of Manderley. Her voice should be cold, precise, and menacing, reflecting her unwavering loyalty to the first Mrs. de Winter.
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Intense
“Clarice's "intense" and "suspenseful" tone is ideal for Mrs. Danvers's cold, precise, and menacing devotion.”
Though deceased, Rebecca's powerful, charismatic presence dominates the narrative. Her voice, as remembered and imagined, should be captivating, confident, and seductive.
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Alice's "Well spoken" and "confident" traits perfectly embody Rebecca's charismatic, confident, and classy presence.”
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Cute
“Aiva's "Confident" and "Inviting" qualities capture Rebecca's captivating and seductive nature.”
British · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“LOUISE's "Confident" and "Warm, Bright" aspects could suggest Rebecca's charming and captivating quality.”
The loyal and steady estate manager of Manderley, who offers quiet support and kindness to the new Mrs. de Winter.
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Gentle
“Rowan's "Gentle, Soft-Spoken & Warm" characteristics are an excellent match for Frank's kind and steady support.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Bob Velvet's "Smooth, Deep and Relaxed" voice fits Frank's calm and supportive demeanor.”
Maxim's outspoken and well-meaning sister. Her voice should be robust and friendly, contrasting with the somber atmosphere of Manderley.
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Rachel's "Friendly, Energetic & Authentic" description perfectly suits Beatrice's outspoken, robust, and warm personality.”
Rebecca's manipulative and opportunistic cousin, a somewhat sleazy character who reappears seeking to exploit past secrets.
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Jayce's "Bassy, Raspy and Rough" voice strongly conveys Jack Favell's manipulative, sly, and untrustworthy character.”
Also recommended for: Maxim de Winter
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Raspy
“Grizzled Man's "Grizzled and raspy" tone suggests a seedy, untrustworthy quality fitting Favell's role.”