The Thirteenth Tale
By Diane SetterfieldPublished: Atria Books, 2006
Pages: 416
Genre: Contemporary
Amazon, Goodreads
Tell me the truth.
Margaret Leah is an average, unknown young woman who helps her father run a bookstore. One day, she receives a letter from Vida Winter, a famous writer whose past is shielded in secrecy. Miss Winter is dying and requests the Margaret stay with her at her home to write her biography. As Miss Winter reveals shocking details about her childhood, Margaret is tormented by discovering the ending of the story and finds out she and Miss Winter have more common than she ever realized.
The Thirteenth Tale is a trip. There's a certain prose to Setterfield's writing that makes the novel enjoyable to read and also gives it a creepy feeling as well.
Margaret proves to be a relatable narrator whose own demons come back to haunt her while she is recording Vida Winter's true past. Miss Winter herself has interesting characteristics - such as always telling a false tale instead of the truth when asked about her past. Adeline and her rage is also very clear in my mind - her barely contained rage and violent behaviors remind me of a psychopath.
Setterfield is skilled at uncovering each plot twist at the perfect time. The author had me guessing at every juncture. There's no way I could have guessed that plot twist and Setterfield skillfully shows how Miss Winter had hinted at this twist all along. I'm surprised The Thirteenth Tale is Setterfield's first novel; I thought it'd be the work of a seasoned author. I'm also surprised that the book has been adapted into a movie, which I'm planning on watching. I look forward to reading more from Setterfield.
I recommend The Thirteenth Tale for those that like gothic mystery novels similar to Rebecca.
RATING (out of five puppies):
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