Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Thirteenth Tale -- A Book Review

Page-turning novels are killer on my family because I literally disappear into my reading until I turn the last page. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is one of those books that caused me to vanish for a few days as I read late into the night and during naptimes. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as it is written in beautiful language and is replete with interesting characters. Setterfield deals with difficult themes like mental illness, incest, love, abandonment and loss with great delicacy. She should be commended for creating a book that includes such topics without offending the reader. I especially like how she includes the consequences of the aforementioned deviant behaviors and the ripples that it causes not only in the family, but in society.

I must say that I was amazed at the twists and turns that caught me completely off guard. The ending was not at all what I had mentally projected and I love how Setterfield built in certain expectations and then simultaneously brought them crashing down. If you are looking for an interesting novel that won't haunt you later, I would suggest picking this one up.

Happy Reading!

xoxo
Bethany

5 comments:

Unknown said...

This is one of my faves! I think I've read it five times now.

Beverley Baird said...

I just finished this book a coupleof weeks ago and loved it! So many twists and turns. Have already lent it out!

Unknown said...

I bought this book a while ago and then forgot about it until I read your post. Thanks for the reminder that I have a good book waiting to be read!

Rachel said...

I am intrigued! Will check it out for sure! :)

R
XOOX

Mallie said...

I do the same thing! I can read for days on end... Glad I am not the only one who sometimes prefers fictional realities for actual ones. I'm going to have to check this out... I mentally project endings too often.

xo-
Mallie