Book Review For "The Thirteenth Tale"

Written by: Diane SetterfieldWashington Square Press406 pages$15.005 StarsDiane Setterfield weaves a gothic tale that is eerie, fascinating, and utterly compelling. World famous author, Vida Winter seeks out an amateur biographer, Margaret Lea to finally tell her true life story to the world. Vida has never told the truth about her life to anyone, but now that she's facing death's call, it's Margaret she selects to tell her last story - her thirteenth tale. Initially, Margaret is apprehensive, but Vida spins a tantalizing web of incitements that Margaret can't deny.Margaret goes to Vida's estate in early winter to start her project. Vida is close to eighty years old - a strong determined woman whose name is really Adeline March. She tells Margaret all good stories have a beginning, middle and an end. She starts her last tale recounting the sordid history of the Angelfield family. While rich, they live eccentrically. George's wife dies in childbirth leaving him a son, Charles,
and an infant daughter, Isabelle. As Isabelle grows up, Charles develops unhealthy behavior patterns towards his sister. As a teenager, Isabelle runs off with a suitor, but returns within months - her suitor dead and she, the proud mother of twin girls, Emmeline and Adeline.George, having passed away years ago, has left a wealthy estate to his heirs, but as the servants hint at, Charlie and Isabelle have a touch of 'madness.' After Isabelle is committed to an asylum, the local doctor hires a governess to teach the girls. The governess, Hester, discovers the girls have a touch of 'madness' as well, but feels that Emmeline, with the proper encouragement can be productive in society. Hester feels there is little hope for Adeline who is rough, high-strung, and practically turns into a vegetable when Hester and the doctor separate the twins to see what will happen.While Margaret listens to Vida tell her twilight story, she's struggling to cope with her own demons. Margaret herse
lf was a twin and unfortunately she lost her sister shortly after childbirth. Compounding Margaret's struggles, she meets a man, Aurelius, at the old, decaying Angelfield manor who has an unusual connection to the estate. As December marches on, Margaret discovers there are numerous dark twists and unexpected turns to Vida's story. The end of the thirteenth tale will stun the reader just as it did Margaret.Setterfield's story is one that will hold the reader's rapt attention throughout. The writing is crisp with dark overtones. Reminiscent of V.C. Andrew's original Dollanger series, the surprises that await the reader will keep them on the edge of their seat.

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