Monday, June 6, 2011

Book review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

My summary:
Hobby biographer Margaret Lea works in her fathers bookshop, they specializes in antique books, and lives in a flat above the store. One day she receives a letter from one of Britain's most beloved authors, Vida Winter. Vida wants Margaret to write the true story of her life before it comes to an end. Margaret doesn't know wheter to accept the request or not and since she haven't read any of Miss Winters novels and since she's not really a biographer. Why on earth does Vida Winter want Margaret to write her biography?

My thoughts:
The Thirteenth Tale is almost a ghost story, you'll understand what I mean if you read the book ;),  and it has that eerie Gotich feel to it. Diane Setterfield has created a deliciously complex story, it's hard to believe that this actually is her debut novel. This is the book you would want to sit down with in a comfortable chair in front of a fireplace with the wood crackling and burning in the background. The novel was a bit slow every now and then but overall it was a superb reading experience.


The two main characters has one special thing in common that makes a bond between them, and that thing is a sister. I can't really say much more because I'm afraid that will spoil this wonderful mystery. 


This is a novel for the adult readers but I do think that this book would be appropriate for older young adults, especially for those who enjoy a good mystery.

The cover:
How can a lover of books resist it?

My rating of this book:
4 stars out of 5

Want to know more?

Add The Thirteenth Tale to your Goodreads wishlist.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Published: 2006

Pages(hardcover): 406

Publisher: Atria

ISBN: 0743298020 (ISBN13: 9780743298025)

Full disclosure: Borrowed the audiobook from my local library. 

This book can be purchased from a number of local retailers and on-line book stores such as Amazon or The Book Depository (I'm not an affiliate of either). The latter store does by the way have free shipping to about 100 countries.  

9 comments:

  1. I hate to think how long I have had this book and not read it! I love ghost stories, so I can't wait to read it.

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  2. I really should give this one another go. I started it but never got far

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  3. This is a wonderful book. one of my all time faves! I really wish there was more to read from this author.

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  4. I loved this book. I thought it was great how it tied in the classics with this current literature. I also loved that the ending leaves you a little unsure of who is actually who.

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  5. This book was awesome. I read it last summer I think, and really enjoyed it. And the end..wow..love it. Definitely one of my faves!

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  6. I loved this one! I hope her next book is out soon. I might have to give this one a read again. :0)

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  7. This book was on a lot of lips a while ago and I always meant to followup on reading it. Thank you for bringing it back to my attention. I have heard lots of good things about it and I enjoyed your review.

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  8. I loved this book and all it's musings on stories - both the written and the oral sorts. I didn't get the twist at the end - I can't believe I couldn't work it out :-) I wish she'd write another book!

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts =)