Review: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield ~ Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Summary
Famous author Vida Winter invites biographer, Margaret Lea, to document the life story she has never told anyone else before. The story unfurls sentence by sentence and word by word to reveal the dark secrets of a very bizarre family. Through the narration of this incredible story we also get a glimpse into Margaret's own life story.

Commentary
Beautiful, that's what this story is. I admit to not reading much mainstream fiction, but this one is beautifully crafted, the pacing is pitch perfect, and the characters are each distinct, interesting, and believable.

Vida is delightfully eccentric despite her crotchetiness. Margaret starts out as this very organized classical fiction reader, who develops impulses throughout this book, and following her journey as she takes down the biography of Vida was engaging.

There are a few points in the book where I got a little lost as to what was happening. But for the most part, the story swept me along, and I didn't resist. Even though this isn't a fantasy novel - it is at its core, a mystery, not a thriller mind you, but there was a certain mystical quality to it that I believe will make this appeal to fantasy readers.

Star Rating: 4.0/5.0

For an explanation of the Star Rating go here.

This is one of the books I've read and reviewed for the fantasy mini-challenge. Progress 10/13 books.

Check out prices for The Thirteenth Tale at Amazon

13 comments: Jump to Comment Form

Kelly January 15, 2011 at 9:01 AM: This is one of my all time fav books!
Sniffly Kitty January 15, 2011 at 9:45 AM: @Kristy you do!
DevouredShannon January 15, 2011 at 10:15 AM: I read this book a while ago, but I remember that I loved it. I love how you said that it is a mystery but has a mystical quality. I agree with that and I also agree that fans of fantasy would probably enjoy this book. Great review!
Sniffly Kitty January 15, 2011 at 3:19 PM: @Shannon thanks!
Miss Remmers January 15, 2011 at 3:19 PM: This book looks really great! I think my students would really love it! Great review!
Sniffly Kitty January 15, 2011 at 3:23 PM: @Miss Remmers oooh I hope they do!
Playing Librarian January 15, 2011 at 5:08 PM: Great review. I have put a hold on this book for so long. It's about time I should read it =)
Ashley @ Bookaholics Anonymous January 15, 2011 at 9:44 PM: I think this is one of the first books I put on my list to read when I became more interested in reading, and it was on my list to buy (from some book club I'm in) but I never did. it stills sounds intriguing. Thanks for the review.
Danielle Zappavigna January 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM: I loved this book, I loved the gothic mystery element to it, I have such a soft spot for that type of thing!
Small Review January 16, 2011 at 7:45 AM: Ah I'm so happy you enjoyed this one. I love this book! I do agree with you about fantasy readers enjoying this one.
Bailey January 16, 2011 at 3:34 PM: I read this book in 2010 and rated it 4/5 as well! I agree that this could appeal to fantasy fans in search of something a little different. Personally, I loved the Gothic feel to it. Great review!
Kristina January 17, 2011 at 5:43 AM: Thanks for the review. This book looks like a great read I'll have to check it out.
Jessi E. January 17, 2011 at 6:46 AM: This is one book I've always wanted to pick up.