The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Review by Ambrosia from Making the Moments Count
Written in a similar style as Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters, I am a forever fan of Diane Setterfield. Vida Winters, a well-known writer, has masked herself with a cloak of secrecy. Keeping her identity and past well hidden, her secrets would die with her, if she wished. However, toward the end of her life she decides to divulge her past to Margaret Lea, a biographer.
Margaret Lea enters the troubled history of Vida Winters. As the truth of her life unfolds, Margaret discovers the truth in her own troubled past.
Diane Setterfield is a phenomenal writer. Her characters are vivacious and realistic. Her training as an English professor is evident in her eloquent writing. I began and finished this book within a couple of days. I must admit, I was most disappointed that I did not have more Setterfield books to devour.
The Thirteenth tale revitalized my interest in reading and kindled that passion that had long since died away.
**Edited to add: The disturbing aspects of Thirteenth Tale include incestuous innuendos between a brother and sister, as well as hints toward a psychologically inappropriate twin relationship. To clarify, there is no descriptions, just hints. These work together to make the book rather uncomfortable for those who are sensitive.**
