The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel by Diane Setterfield
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Book Reviews of The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel
Book Review: Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fascinating and rich Gothic mystery about a young Englishwoman who is hired to write the biography of a famous, dying author. The author has always kept her past a secret from her millions of fans, and the biographer is about to find out why. The young woman moves into the old author's home in the remote English countryside, and spends the ensuing weeks compiling details of the author's bizarre and disturbing early years. As the dying author tells that one final tale, her biographer finds herself working through some of her own demons. Interestingly, the biographer's demons at times bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the ones she is writing about for her employer.
THE THIRTEENTH TALE is a modern-day story, but it is written in an old-fashioned, Gothic style that takes its time to reveal its many secrets. It includes all the elements of a classic Gothic novel: a crumbling haunted house, English moors, dense fog, and a young heroine who finds herself in a potentially dangerous situation. It is gripping, at times frightening, and always interesting. I was kept guessing about how the story would eventually be resolved, and was pleased by how skillfully the author pulled all of the pieces together.
My biggest complaint about THE THIRTEENTH TALE is that the main character felt somewhat one-dimensional. It is possible, however, that the characterization might have been intentional. The main character has been damaged by her own past, so maybe this was demonstrated by making her seem less-than-complete. In any case, that is a minor complaint for the book because many of the other characters are so well drawn.
This is an excellent book for readers who like a good, unusual mystery. There was even a happy ending for those characters who were capable of enjoying happy endings. Be warned, though, that this novel is written for adults. Its dreaded "adult themes" include (vague, not graphic) references to incest, sex, and children born out of wedlock, as well as (explicit) mental illness. But if you're willing to overlook those issues, this is a great story and a fascinating mystery for older readers.
Reviewed by: K. Osborn Sullivan
Book Review: I was serching for something special.....and I found it
Summary: 5 Stars
It's been a long time since I read a novel where I felt the like the author really got me.
"Got you?" You ask. "The author can't get you. They never even met you."
But you see, this author has more than met me. She is me in some ways. The reader who is more likely to have a book as a best friend than a person-and is ok with that. Not a loner, not a geek, but someone who appreciates the written word, who loves stories, who is constantly reading searching for something special.
I'm happy to report I have found another special book. It's not something I expected to find so appealing. A little novel that's more about storytelling than anything else, lacking the historical detail I love to absorb-and it's in first person. But it's hard to resist a story that is told by one of your own kind- a story seeker, a story teller-and it's impossible to resist "The Thirteenth Tale."
Imagine an old woman-the most famous, prolific author in the UK about whom almost nothing is known-who one day sends a letter to a young woman working in her family bookshop. She's not famous, she's never written a novel, doesn't even read contemporary novels. But based on a short biographical piece on two brothers she published the old woman wants her to write her biography before she dies.
And this time, the old woman, renowned for her fantastic, unbelievable (and unverifiable) life stories, is going to tell the truth.
Like I said, this novel is literally irresistible. It is chopped full of secrets on top of secrets, stories that twist and turn and lead you to unexpected places. I never, in a million years could have guessed at the ending for the book. It is a shocker then looking back, fits in perfectly with the story. And the writing is unbelievable. Funny, touching, stuffed with real meaning and heart wrenching sense that will make you laugh, cry, dance around the room.
It's a special book all right. I recommend it very highly. And I can't wait for more from this author.
Diane Setterfield as a fellow book lover I salute you and your wonderful achievement.
Five stars.
Book Review: a great story ABOUT storytelling
Summary: 5 Stars
It's hard to categorize this book. Is it a mystery? Yes, in a way it's a mystery. The Thirteenth Tale is ALSO a ghost story. But not a ghost story about ghouls and goblins and specters. It's a story about ghosts of the past, loss, regrets and tales left unfinished.
Margaret Lea, a lover of books and somewhat of a writer herself is asked to write the true life story of one of England's most beloved and reclusive writers, Vida Winter. People adore her books but know little about the author and what they do know are just stories manufactured by Ms. Winter. Why does she weave fiction instead of telling facts of her own life to her loving fans? Why, she's a story teller naturally!
The thirteenth tale refers to a story by Ms. Winter that was never published. One of her most beloved books was supposed to contain thirteen short stories and was named as such, but when published, the book only contained TWELVE stories. This book reads like the thirteenth and previously unpublished story of Vida Winter herself and a host of other characters in the book.
It's difficult to narrow down what I enjoyed so much about this book. The characters are all mysterious in their own way, each with their own story to tell. Each page answers questions asked previously as well as bringing up more questions that beg to be answered. The reader's taken through a detailed account of Vida's life from a young girl to her current state as England's most appreciated (and ailing) author.
During the course of Ms. Winter's dictation of her life's events to Margaret, we learn more of Margaret's past and we also see how she gets completely consumed by Vida's mysterious past, family and home.
The most impressive thing about this book is how tightly it is plotted and how satisfyingly it wraps up. No character is abandoned by the end of the book. We learn what happens to each and every one of them.
As I said, this is a great book ABOUT stories, both reading them and inventing them. It's easy to get lost in this one as Setterfield weaves a great tale that is easy to get engrossed in.
Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
Diane Setterfield's novel is based on the story Vida Winter, a well-renowned author in England. Her dark and tormented past led her to finally divulge her story to Margaret Lea, a quiet, passionate librarian. Even though both women seem to be complete opposites, the readers discover that they both suffer from separation from family and the death of a twin which gives them more in common than they expected.
The Thirteenth Tale is a story about a dysfunctional family, where the birth of a girl named Isabelle led to incestuous feelings from a brother, and the birth of two twin girls; Adeline and Emmeline. However, the readers find out that there are more secrets in the house than just the strange twins. There is a presence of a ghost that drives away the mistress, Hester, and the strange transformation of the radical Adeline into a smart, sensible mistress of the mansion. During Winter's recollection, the readers discover her true identity and the mystery of the twin is resolved.
As for Margaret, she has her own set of troubles to deal with. Her mother's coldness towards her existence and her father's indifference was something she had to endure all her life. The readers discover a hidden passion within Margaret, despite her bland introduction, and as the story progresses, she begins to take charge of her situation and actively solves the mystery behind Winter's life. During her work, she encounters a man named Aurelius, who is connected to the family and towards the end of the novel, they both find a family in each other.
The book was an enjoyable read, and even though the content matter seemed too dramatic at first, Setterfield's use of subtlety left the readers wondering in the end. A plot based on an average family is marvelously unraveled as secrets begin to pour out and I believe the readers will find something to relate to in this book, especially those who are twins or are close to their siblings.
Book Review: Irresistible! Hooked me from page one!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have only read one other book that has grabbed me so completely after just reading a few sentences. The Thirteenth Tale was gorgeously-written, rich with vivid detail and suspense. I think this book will appeal to a wide audience. Those that love books, history, literature, and mystery novels. The Thirteenth Tale has it all.
I'll sum up the plot a little without giving away any spoilers. So if you haven't read it yet, feel free to keep reading. The story begins when Margaret Lea, a biographer receives a letter from one of England's most renown authors, the elusive Vida Winters. Mrs Winters has given nineteen different versions of her life. Margaret, who only writes biographies on long forgotten historical figures has qualms about writing a biography on a living person. However, Margaret agrees to meet Mrs Winters at her home.
The woman that Margaret meets, however, is as elusive as her writing. The author admits that every detail of her life that she has given to biographers has been a lie to protect her past. "Do you believe in ghosts?" Vida asks. Margaret decides she can proceed no further. As she is walking away from the author and her offer, Vida Winters touches on a subject that is so personal and secret to Margaret that she freezes. She stays and Vida Winters begins telling Margaret the tragic story of two unfortunate twins, Emmeline and Adeline.
Upon reading this book, I had a few preconceived notions. As I started reading, I thought I knew the direction the story was taking. At times I thought I had figured out all the mysteries. I was wrong every time. This book is original in every way.
The Thirteenth Tale will be one of those books I will read and reread through the years. I envy those that will soon read it for the first time. I read this novel in one day. Take your time with it and enjoy it. Savor every sentence because books like this don't come around every day