The Thirteenth Tale

 Setterfield, Diane. The Thirteenth Tale.  Washington Square Press (2007). ISBN 9780743298032

Plot Summary

                Margaret Lea lives with her father above their bookshop.  She loves everything about reading and books.  She loves biographies and has even written a few herself.  An elusive and ailing writer, Vida Winter, who never talks to any reporters, writes to Margaret and asks her to come write her biography before she dies.  Margaret has never heard of Vida Winter so she readers her book Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation.  The book ends up only having twelve tales and Margaret decides to go find out more about Vida.

                As Margaret listens to stories from Vida’s life, she is forced to confront her own past.  The events at Angelfield, Vida’s childhood home, are startling and disturbing with an ending that defies expectations.   The story of her life becomes the final, thirteenth tale. 

Critical Evaluation

                The Thirteenth Tale is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.  This is an adult book but one that teenagers can benefit from.  Setterfield’s writing is so enthralling that, while the book is not terribly fast passed, readers enjoy every moment of it.  The secrets about Vida’s life are quite shocking.  The ending is one that not many, if any, will see coming.  The format of the writing is also interesting.  There are scenes of Margaret in the present and her interactions with Vida and then there are the flashbacks.  Margaret is not allowed to ask any questions, just sit, listen and record making this a very cohesive tale without many interruptions. 

                The way Vida chooses to tell her story is logical – the events line up and she usually begins where she left off, or soon thereafter at the beginning of the next important milestone in her life.  While YA novels are wonderful, a lot of times they strive to be entertaining and are a little less substantial.  This book is one that can appeal to everyone, adults and teens alike, and it written extremely well.

Reader’s Annotation

Terrible secrets lurk just underneath the surface of Vida Winter’s life and with the help of biographer Margaret Lea, light is creeping into those mysterious places.

Author’s Information

                Diane has taught at various universities in England and France where she published various academic works on her specialty, French literature.  The Thirteenth Tale is her debut novel.  A more in depth biography can be found here: http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm/author_number/1376/diane-setterfield

Genre

Adult Crossover

Book Talking Ideas

This is the story about coming to terms with events in one’s past.  The book features twins that couldn’t be more different along with a setting that will take the reader’s breath away.  This is half a historical fiction novel and half in the present.  This format makes for very intriguing writing.

Reading Level/Interest

16/16

Challenge Issues

This book features themes such as self-discovery, death, loss and other serious topics.  They are handled in a very well manner, however, so challenges will most likely be scarce. 

Why Include This Title?

This book may one day be considered a classic.  The writing is beautiful, as I’ve said, and the story is one that readers will remember and associate with great storytelling.  It is another adult book that is suitable for teens to read.