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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN num: 9780743298032
ISBN number: 0743298039
Label: Washington Square Press
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 432
Printing Date: October 09, 2007
Publishing house: Washington Square Press
Release Date: October 09, 2007
Sale Popularity Level: 603
Studio: Washington Square Press
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Product Description:
Sometimes, when you open the door to thepast, what you confront is your destiny.
Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchantingstories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate livesfor herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about herextraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret forso long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her ownpainful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret ismesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness -- featuring the beautifuland willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess,a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves.
Amazon.com Review:
Settle down to enjoy a rousing good ghost story with Diane Setterfield's debut novel, The Thirteenth Tale. Setterfield has rejuvenated the genre with this closely plotted, clever foray into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths. She never cheats by pulling a rabbit out of a hat; this atmospheric story hangs together perfectly.
There are two heroines here: Vida Winter, a famous author, whose life story is coming to an end, and Margaret Lea, a young, unworldly, bookish girl who is a bookseller in her father's shop. Vida has been confounding her biographers and fans for years by giving everybody a different version of her life, each time swearing it's the truth. Because of a biography that Margaret has written about brothers, Vida chooses Margaret to tell her story, all of it, for the very first time. At their initial meeting, the conversation begins:
'You have given nineteen different versions of your life story to journalists in the last two years alone.'
She [Vida] shrugged. 'It's my profession. I'm a storyteller.'
'I am a biographer, I work with facts.'
The game is afoot and Margaret must spend some time sorting out whether or not Vida is actually ready to tell the whole truth. There is more here of Margaret discovering than of Vida cooperating wholeheartedly, but that is part of Vida's plan. The transformative power of truth informs the lives of both women by story's end, and The Thirteenth Tale is finally and convincingly told. --Valerie Ryan
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Rated by buyers 
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I must admit that this book is not my typical reading material but I was intrigued by all the fuss and good reviews. Although it started off a little slow, patience proved to be a virtue as the story soon found its stride. The story is tightly plotted with wonderfully drawn characters. The ending was quite satisfying - I find that I am often disappointed in "mysteries" when the ending comes out of nowhere or is too simply concluded.
Rated by buyers -
This is a very entertaining book. It may start out a bit slow but picks up quickly. I ususally read to put myself to sleep, but this one kept me up past my bedtime!
Rated by buyers 
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Diane Setterfield demonstrates her deep talent for creating a setting and a world that you find yourself lost in. As a huge fan of Jane Austen's Jane Eyre, this tale was not a retelling of her story; it was instead a new tale woven with different threads but carrying the same tragic theme. Ms. Setterfield's work is a detailed and facinating story that seems to lead us down several paths, only to expertly and surprisingly tie all of the details together at the end. Read this on a dark and stormy night and you will not be dissapointed!
Rated by buyers -
I am happy I got around to reading this atmospheric homage to the great Gothic novels of the past. Although the author seems inspired by Du Maurier and the Bronte sisters, this novel is too well-crafted to be derivative. The writer has a unique and singular talent which is a real pleasure to read. The story moved at a swift pace for me personally, and I found myself purposely trying to slow down, so every twist would reveal itself in good time. Ghosts, a mysterious mansion on the moors, creepy twins, what's not to like? Rollicking good fun.
Rated by buyers -
I'd give this a 4.5 star rating. This book was a real treat. The plot, the characters, and the writing itself were all very enjoyable. My only criticism is that there was very often drama created when the situation didn't warrant it. I know this is common in this genre, but it was a little overdone. All in all though, I would highly recommend the book.
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