The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel

Diane Setterfield

Sep 2006 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

Instant #1 New York Times bestseller

“Readers will feel the magnetic pull of this paean to words, books and the magical power of story.”—People

“Eerie and fascinating.”—USA TODAY

Sometimes, when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.

Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness—featuring the beautiful and 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.

Ratings and reviews

A captivating story nestled within a much slower, duller one. Often I was trudging through Margaret's tale, eagerly waiting for the Mrs Winter's to continue. But, once I got half way through, I couldn't put it down. This book answers most of the questions at the end, which is satisfying. I liked reading the electronic version, so I could go back and reread select passages.

The Thirteenth Tale is a Gothic mystery, full of dark atmosphere and family shadows. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this one, but I've had it on my shelf for a while now and decided it was time to pick it up. The pace is very slow for this one, and I'm sure that will put off a lot of readers. For me, it was perfect for the style of writing and for the underlying story. This was not meant to be fast, or even medium-paced. The mystery surrounding the author, Vida Winter, and her story of beginnings, middles and endings was done very well. I did not expect the conclusion that came at the end. Overall, a very dark and enjoyable read and one I recommend. Find me on Instagram: @bookn.all.night

I'm amazed that this book is being compared to Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. This novel has the trappings of a gothic novel, but the characters are two dimensional and the plot feels contrived rather than one which draws you into another reality. I felt no empathy or any kind of affinity to any of the characters, they really do not come to life for me.

About the author

Diane Setterfield is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Tale, and a former academic, specializing in twentieth-century French literature, particularly the works of Andre Gide. She lives in Oxford, England.