The Thirteenth Tale is, without a doubt, the most unusual and interesting book I read in 2011. Diane Setterfield’s engrossing tale revolves around Margaret Lea, a biographer who owns an antique book shop with her father in London. One day she receives a letter from Vida Winter, one of the country’s most prolific (think Jodi Picoult in terms of volume!) and celebrated authors. The elusive, aging Ms. Winter wishes to secure Margaret as her biographer, promising to finally reveal the truth about her ambiguous ancestry. What exactly is Vida hiding, and why? Margaret, longing for details about her own past, is intrigued by the offer and accepts, traveling to Vida’s countryside estate to begin the assignment.
As Vida’s mesmerizing story unfolds, Margaret learns of the strange, aristocratic Angelfield family, whose lineage is filled with tragedy and dark secrets. Yes, this story has it all — murder, deception, destruction and twin sisters Emmeline and Adeline who border on creepy. The captivating, gothic tale of the Angelfields feels almost familiar (think hints of Jane Eyre), yet is truly unlike any novel I’ve read in recent years.
Setterfield has created a smart debut novel full of twists and turns. Margaret and Vida are both complex and surprisingly simple characters whose intertwined quest for truth provides the healing journey for which both have yearned. If you’re looking for a read that will keep you guessing right up until the end, this one is definitely for you!
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