The Thirteenth Tale
I finished The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield at 11:30 p.m. last night. I couldn’t stop reading - even though I was very tired. Aside from the Austen and Dickens, this is the best book I’ve read this year.
Sometimes a book’s plot will grab you and keep you turning the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next. And sometimes a book is so well-written, with descriptions that put you inside the world of the book, that you read it more slowly, savoring every word. This book did both. I wanted to race through to find out what happened next, but I kept slowing myself down so as not to miss the beautiful words and phrases.
The Thirteenth Tale in some ways reminded me of the old gothic novels of Victoria Holt that I used to read off my mom’s bookshelves. It also reminded me of Rebecca. It’s a ghost story, a love story, and a mystery - all wrapped up in one perfect package. You have to read this book.
Sounds like somehing I’d like, and I take your opinion more seriously since you seem to be reading similar things. Thanks for the tip.
November 21st, 2006 at 6:22 pmThanks for the book recommendation. I was a fan of Victoria Holt (under her various pen names) and Daphne Du Maurier back in the day. I also love Austen and Dickens.
November 21st, 2006 at 6:26 pmI loved it, too! And I enjoyed Victoria Holt in my youth, too, though I haven’t gone back and read one in a while. Thanks for the review.
November 21st, 2006 at 11:15 pmHmm… Coming from Mommy Brain, this is a compliment indeed! I’ll have to read this one! *Smile*
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22nd, 2006 at 5:28 amI happied you twice didn’t I? *LOL*
November 22nd, 2006 at 5:29 amThis book is on my Christmas list, and because of your recommendation, I can’t wait to get it!
November 22nd, 2006 at 7:07 amI keep hearing about this one. I think I’m going to have to track it down.
Thanks for the review…and Happy Thanksgiving!
November 22nd, 2006 at 8:47 amMichelle - I’ve noticed that, too, that we have similar reading tastes.
Steph - I think I must’ve read everything Holt wrote when I was in high school. Loved her.
Jen - I’m going to have to track some of hers down again for old time’s sake.
Mrs. Moo - That’s okay - can’t have too many “happy’s”!
Martinzoo - I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Tonia - yes, definitely read this one. And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
November 22nd, 2006 at 9:20 amI have this on my Amazon wishlist and on my reading list for next year. A friend recommended it and reading the Amazon (and your) review makes me eager to dive in. Thanks!
November 25th, 2006 at 5:02 pmCarrie B. - you’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
November 25th, 2006 at 9:32 pm[…] 9. MotherReader (Charlie and Lola)10. MFS (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead)11. Jennifer, Snapshot (I’m Still Scared)12. Jen Robinson (Sold)13. Carrie K. (The Thirteenth Tale)14. Semicolon (the curious incident of the dog in the night-time)15. Kevin (From the Dust Returned)16. TadMack (Loving Will Shakespeare) […]
December 2nd, 2006 at 6:20 pm