All morning I struggled with the sensation of stray wisps of one world seeping through the cracks of another. Do you know the feeling when you start reading a new book before the membrane of the last one has had time to close behind you? You leave the previous book with ideas and themes — characters even — caught in the fibers of your clothes, and when you open the new book, they are still with you.
(from The Thirteenth Tale, pages 289-290)
The Thirteenth Tale is a novel after a book lover’s heart. It’s a hard book to describe because there are so many twists and turns, and I don’t want to give anything away. The primary narrator is Margaret Lea, an amateur biographer who works in her father’s antique book shop. Voracious readers like myself won’t have any trouble connecting with her because she talks a lot about her passion for books and all the classics she’s loved over the years. Margaret prefers to read classic novels, so when England’s most famous contemporary author requests her as a biographer, she doesn’t know what to expect.
Vida Winter is an eccentric author whose most famous book, Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation, actually featured only 12 tales, making the world curious about her and the missing tale; the lone copy sold before the mistake was caught and “thirteen” was removed from the title is in the possession of Margaret’s father. Margaret isn’t familiar with Miss Winter’s work, but she knows that Miss Winter is a consummate storyteller, as any journalist who inquires about her past is told a fanciful story that is obviously not the truth.
Margaret agrees to hear the story of the elderly and ill writer, but naturally, she is skeptical about Miss Winter’s ability and willingness to tell the truth and first asks for three details that can be verified. The narrative then shifts between Vida’s story of the unbelievably odd Angelfield family and Margaret’s research, which takes her to the ruins of the home where Vida says her personal story ended and her life as Vida Winter, author, began.
Although the book started a little slow — I was anxious to “meet” Vida Winter — Diane Setterfield’s beautiful prose hooked me from the first page. There were times when I felt there were too many details cluttering the narrative, such as the few paragraphs devoted to Margaret sharpening her pencils before sitting down to transcribe the stories she’d heard from Vida that day. Yet, Setterfield has a way with words, making me feel the emotions and see the images of which she writes and bringing the eccentric and deeply troubled characters to life. Aside from all the talk about books and reading, I wasn’t that interested in Margaret’s personal story and the family secret that has haunted her since childhood. I just didn’t buy the depth of emotion she felt. I almost wish that Vida’s story was the only story told, but I understand the purpose Margaret served in tying up some of the loose ends in Vida’s tale.
The Thirteenth Tale is somewhat of a gothic novel, with the creepy characters, a house that seems unwilling to let go of its inhabitants, and even some ghosts. Jane Eyre is mentioned frequently, and even though I missed many of the parallels between this novel and Charlotte Brontë’s while I was reading, in hindsight they aren’t too hard to pick out. I also didn’t figure out all of the twists beforehand, and wanting to solve the mystery of who Vida Winter was before she became a famous writer made me not want to put the book down. A passion for stories and whether the truth is best made known are central to The Thirteenth Tale, and readers will find that they won’t easily forget the unique, well drawn, and complex characters created by Setterfield.
Disclosure: The Thirteenth Tale is from my personal library.
© 2012 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Anna: One of my all-time favorite books–and you’re right–it’s hard to describe without spoilers. But, you did a great job–I hope you inspire others to read this great novel! Cheers! BCC
LikeLike
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
I enjoyed this novel for the most part, but the reveals at the end were not that telling for me, at least in terms of the Thirteenth tale etc.
LikeLike
I hear you. I think I enjoyed the writing the most, though parts of the story were quite unique.
LikeLike
I listened to this on audio years ago, and was completely sucked in to the mystery and gothic feel. When I look back, I think it was the storytelling that was the attraction, not so much the details of it all (but creepy twins! ack!)
LikeLike
That whole family was creepy!
LikeLike
Still tossed up about this one – I’ve read good things and not so good things. You wrote a wonderful review. It has made me more curious about the book than any other review I’ve read. Glad you enjoyed it, Anna.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kaye. Even though I didn’t completely LOVE it, I did enjoy the writing and think it’s definitely worth giving a try.
LikeLike
I read this book several years ago and it’s definitely one that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
LikeLike
Yes, there is a haunting feel to it for sure.
LikeLike
I read this novel quite a long time ago and enjoyed it. Though it’s no longer fresh in my mind, I do remember how parts of it made me feel creepy!
LikeLike
There is a lot of creepy in this one!
LikeLike
[…] Comments « Review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield […]
LikeLike
Great review, and handling of no spoilers, not an easy job with this book. I read it a while ago but loved it. I was so wrapped up in the story that the end reveals didn’t really make or break the novel for me.
LikeLike
Thanks, Alex! I think the writing really made the whole book for me.
LikeLike
A good friend of mine loves this book but I’ve been reluctant to read it for some reason. It sounds like I should give it a chance.
LikeLike
It’s definitely worth giving a chance.
LikeLike
I read this several years ago and loved it. It was a perfect novel for Carl’s R.I.P. Challenge.
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/r-eaders-i-mbibing-p-eril-vii
LikeLike
One of these years, I’ll have to give that challenge a try!
LikeLike
Oh silly me – I was reading this thinking “imagine reading two reviews about this book that’s been out for a few years in the same day.” And then I remembered that it was Serena’s review! Sounds like you two agreed about this one’s shortcomings but maybe you liked it better?
LikeLike
Yes, I do think I enjoyed it more than she did. And we didn’t actually set out to post on the same day…just the way it worked out. LOL
LikeLike
I really enjoyed this book, too.
LikeLike
Yay!
LikeLike
Hi there, the October edition of Books You Loved is live. Here is the link Books You Loved October Edition Please do pop by and link in a post about a book you loved. Maybe this one? Cheers
PS I am a follower of your blog. I know you have linked in before, too – which is great. Would you consider following Carole’s Chatter back – or are you already?
LikeLike
Thanks, Carole! I follow your blog through Google Reader.
LikeLike
This is one of my all-time favorite books! I was completely drawn into the story and thoroughly enjoyed the Gothic feel of it. one day I will surely pick it up and read it again. I’m glad you appreciated it as well!
LikeLike
I can see why it’s one of your favorites!
LikeLike