You Should Be Reading: Rebecca

Written by Daphne du Maurier and published in 1938, Rebecca is a classic English novel that follows the narration of an unnamed protagonist who, whilst working as the companion to a rich American woman vacationing in Monte Carlo, meets a wealthy widowed Englishman named Maxim de Winter. When he suddenly proposes her hand in marriage, she agrees to accompany him to his mansion, the beautiful West Country estate Manderley, but soon finds that the memory of his first wife, Rebecca, still maintains a grip on her husband and the servants, especially on the housekeeper Mrs Danvers. Haunted by her memory, a mystery that lives on even after Rebecca’s death begins to unravel.

Set to be released next month, the film adaptation is directed by Ben Wheatley and will star Armie Hammer as Maxim de Winter, Lily James as Mrs de Winter, and Kristin Scott Thomas as Mrs Danvers.

Film Review: Darkest Hour

Directed by Joe Wright and based on true events, Darkest Hour is set in May 1940 when the fate of Western Europe hangs on Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman). With the German Army now just across the Channel, the newly-appointed Prime Minister must decide between negotiating a peace treaty with Hitler, or stand firm and fight on, knowing that his decision could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire. With the King, the public and his own political party all questioning his wisdom, the hard-drinking Churchill has to survive his own darkest hour and rally the country behind him.