The Thirteenth Tale
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| Length: | 16 hours | ||||||||||
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Overview
When Margaret Lea opened the door to the past, what she confronted was her destiny.
"All children mythologize their birth." . . . So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter's beloved collection of stories, long famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale. The enigmatic Winter has always kept her violent and tragic past a secret. Now old and ailing, she summons a biographer to tell the truth about her extraordinary life: Margaret Lea, a young woman for whom the secret of her own birth remains an ever-present pain.
Disinterring the life she meant to bury for good, Vida mesmerizes Margaret with the power of her storytelling. Hers is a tale of gothic strangeness, featuring the Angelfield family -- including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, and the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline -- a ghost, a governess, and a devastating fire. Struck by a curious parallel between their stories, Margaret demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them.
"The Thirteenth Tale" is a return to that rich vein of storytelling that our parents loved and we loved as children. Diane Setterfield will keep you guessing, make you wonder, move you to tears and laughter, and in the end, deposit you breathless yet satisfied back upon the shore of your everyday life.
"All children mythologize their birth." . . . So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter's beloved collection of stories, long famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale. The enigmatic Winter has always kept her violent and tragic past a secret. Now old and ailing, she summons a biographer to tell the truth about her extraordinary life: Margaret Lea, a young woman for whom the secret of her own birth remains an ever-present pain.
Disinterring the life she meant to bury for good, Vida mesmerizes Margaret with the power of her storytelling. Hers is a tale of gothic strangeness, featuring the Angelfield family -- including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, and the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline -- a ghost, a governess, and a devastating fire. Struck by a curious parallel between their stories, Margaret demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them.
"The Thirteenth Tale" is a return to that rich vein of storytelling that our parents loved and we loved as children. Diane Setterfield will keep you guessing, make you wonder, move you to tears and laughter, and in the end, deposit you breathless yet satisfied back upon the shore of your everyday life.
Reviews (16)
Outstanding Tale
Written by Mandi Scott Chestler from Lake Oswego, OR on July 8th, 2009
- Book Rating: 5/5
This tale is a real treat: excellent prose style, masterful character development, and a page-turning plot that will keep you listening long into the night. The narrators are perfectly cast for the haunting story. Can't wait for the author's next book!
Excellent!
Written by Kat from Reno, NV on June 18th, 2009
- Book Rating: 5/5
This book is exquisite. Every word was carefully chosen to further the story and every word is beautiful! I highly recommend this book. Well written and has a mystery element to it as well.
Read the Book
Written by Anonymous on April 28th, 2009
- Book Rating: 4/5
I enjoyed listening to this book, but it is one of the few that I prefer to read than listen to.
Thirteenth Take
Written by Anonymous from Portland, OR on March 24th, 2009
- Book Rating: 5/5
I loved the story. Thought the writing was superb and the reading was a delight. Found myself not getting out of the car after work to listen to more and finding excuses to run errands so I could list some more. Highly recommended.
Excellent Readers!
Written by LisMur from Seattle, WA on November 15th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
This is a good mystery with an unexpected twist, but the best part of the book was the readers. They are fantastic. I'm sure I will listen to it again just because of the readers.
The Thirteenth Tale
Written by Pauline on October 27th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
The first three disks bored me to death. I was at the point of tossing it, when the story began to move. The plot is provocative. Sherlock Holmes wouldn't have figured this out. Cleverly surprising. You'll think about it long after you've read it.
A Must Read
Written by Linda from Dallas, TX on September 17th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
This is a must read book. It does (as noted by others) begin a little slowly, but after several chapters you are completely caught up in the story. The parellel stories and mysteries of both women will hold your attention throughout the 14 CDs. Many times I sat in my car and didn't want to go into the office or into my home at night after my morning & evening commutes so that I could listen longer. Great read!
Good, not great
Written by Jane on September 15th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
It takes a little time to get into, but it is worth it as the story picks up and makes the listener want for more. There are a few spots that get a little confusing toward the end, but otherwise, an entertaining read. I'd recommend it.
The Thirteenth Tale:
Written by Martha from Roswell, GA on April 29th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
This book was amazing. I listened to it 3 weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it! Great narration, you almost lose yourself in the story. If you like the classics...you'll love this one.
The Thirteenth Tale
Written by Anonymous from Redding, CA on January 10th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
This was intriguing and intense sometimes. Listen to it all it has great meaning. Readers were excellent