Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books 
 This summer we are graced with a movie version of My Cousin Rachel, which delights me no end. The question is, what version of the story will we see? It would be completely possible to make multiple different versions of this story, all faithful to the original book, and yet all very different, because this is a story about how the stories we tell ourselves and the characters we create take over our heads and leave us unable to really know each other. 
 All the characters in the novel are unreliable narrators because all of them are operating out of their own preconceptions. Philip picks different versions of Rachel to obsess over and sticks to them fanatically until he suddenly changes his mind. Rachel has plenty to say about herself, but neither the reader nor Philip ever knows whether she's telling the truth. The people who advise Philip (most notably his godfather and Louise) have their own preconceptions. 
 Because Rachel is a mysterious character, the reader must decide how to feel about her. One thing is indisputable and that is her talent at survival. Whether Rachel has a natural charm and warmth that helps her through life, or whether she's a manipulative actress, she endures despite having led a life of considerable abuse, loss, and isolation. 
 My personal theory is that she's both innocent and guilty (in ways I can't explain without spoilers), but any number of theories could be true. The ending approaches as methodically and inevitably as a Greek tragedy. We know from the outset of the book that it won't be a happy one. However, in my head, all Du Maurier's wicked (or ambiguous) women, from Rachel to Rebecca, are laying waste to the men of Paris, breaking hearts and drinking too much and rolling around in money. 
 This book has long passages in which not much happens, but the very mundanity of life is important to the story. The pace goes from fast to slow to fast again but in ways that make sense for the story. This book earns an A for its beautiful use of language, its contrast between gothic and pastoral scenes and moods, (much takes place outdoors, and Rachel loves gardening), and its exploration of character and self-delusion. Love her or hate her, Rachel is an unforgettable person. 
 - Carrie S.