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The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel

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.


DESCRIPTION:

Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780743298032
ISBN: 0743298039
Label: Washington Square Press
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 432
Publication Date: 2007-10-09
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Release Date: 2007-10-09
Studio: Washington Square Press


ACCESSORIES:

• The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel
• The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel
• The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel


SIMILAR ITEMS:

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle)
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CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customer Rating:
Summary: A bit slow, but ultimately satisfying
Comment: It took me a few months to get through this book. It was slow in spots, and though the story was interesting, perhaps it didn't suck me in as much as I'd expected (or hoped) it would. I'm glad I stuck with it, though. Without giving too much away, there are some pretty huge twists in the last few pages that make the slow journey of getting to that point worthwhile. I found the ending to be satisfying (and, more importantly, plausible in the context of all that had come before).

If you like fast-paced action, this is not the book for you. But if you can appreciate a story that unfolds slowly, then you just might enjoy The Thirteenth Tale.

Customer Rating:
Summary: My only complaint is that it ended
Comment: I rarely find a book that saddens me to end. I will smile at the end of a good book, pleased at having read something so enjoyable, but Ms Setterfield's tale is in another league.

As I moved through the book, totally immersed, I began to see my progression towards the end and was overtaken with panic. I would place the book down for a day, refusing to begin another chapter which would hasten by journey to the last page. I was pulled into the pages by the love of writing that was so brilliantly shown.

I closed the book on the last word, changed as a reader, moved as a twin. Ms Setterfield raised my expectations as a reader, making it all the harder for her contemporaries.

I wait impatiently for her next.


Customer Rating:
Summary: Best Story
Comment: This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. Beyond interesting, keeps you turning the pages.

Customer Rating:
Summary: I loved the quaint writing style
Comment: This book is a definite page turner with a timeless style of writing. When I started, I couldn't put it down until I was done - this meant I was reading in class, in meetings, and while I was on the phone. The only place I didn't read it was in that bathroom because that's gross. True, it's not very believable but neither is Jane Eyre or the Secret Garden.

I can't identify with any of the characters in the book - not the shy biographer Margaret with a secret of her own, nor the reclusive famous writer Vida Winter - but the author was skillful enough to transport me to an entirely different world.


Customer Rating:
Summary: great summer read
Comment: I loved this book. It was really easy to read, quick paced, but had a quirky story line. Very mod-gothic feeling.

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