Vera is a deeply disturbing and harrowing look on a mentally abusive relationship. Reading this book made me feel sick to my stomach, because it is that kind of domestic horror that could happen to everyone if you happen to meet the wrong person. The way that von Arnim slowly unravels the disturbing depths of her main character is nothing short but brilliant. It´s not an easy read or an enjoyable one, but it is a truly great book.
As for being the inspiration for Daphne DuMaurier´s Rebecca: I can see some similarities, first and foremost the first wife of the main character, who has died mysteriously. But the actual stories are totally different and I have to admit, that Elizabeth von Arnim´s Vera really got to me because of its realism.
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