The Thirteenth Tale

The Thirteenth Tale is part suspense, mystery, murder, arson, love, and belonging. Solitary and isolated author Vida Winter was famous for her storytelling, most well-known, her collection of twelve enchanting tales. She has spent her whole life creating facades for herself, none of which come close to her truth. Now she is old and dying, and she calls upon a young biographer named Margaret Lea, who is troubled by her own painful history. Vida slowly begins telling Margeret everything- of the spontaneous Isabelle and rage-filled Charlie, of the reckless twins Adeline and Emmeline, an orphan Aurelius, a ghost who haunts Vida and her memories, a beautiful blossoming garden, and a devastating fire. Margaret finds herself mesmerized by her story, attached to it in a deeper way than she can imagine. Together, they confront the ghosts that haunt them, and face the truth about themselves.

Diane Setterfield created a world that drew me in. I felt as though I were a part of Margaret's story, intertwined with all the characters, knowing every twist and turn the tale would take. I found myself attached to the characters, willing them to take certain actions because I wanted everything to turn out okay.

She crafted the words together in such a way, and joined together sub-plots so well that it had me thirsting for more. I loved the way the book was so unpredictable, I stopped trying to figure out what was going to happen next, and instead, I just let the words consume me. Everything was so real, so perfect, and I fell immediately in love with it. I know I won't find another book like it for a long time.

5 stars. Hands down.