Weekend Reading: The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield

While I am still waiting for Ghost Story, Book 13 of the Dresden Files, to come out (this Tuesday!) I am hitting my shelves this weekend to see what book I want to reread. I chose the Thirteenth Tale because I have only read it once and it was completely amazing. It was one of those book that as soon as I finished it I wanted to read it again. I didn't because I also had the conflicting emotion of wanting to share it with everyone I ever met. It has been loaned out for over a year now, but I finally have it back, so game on.

Diane Setterfield weaves an intriguing story about a biographer with a passion for books named Margaret Lea who works in her father's antiquarian bookshop. One day she receives a letter from one of England's most loved and mysterious authors, Vida Winter. Ms. Winter is gravely ill and wants Margaret to write her life story. Margaret begins to read Ms. Winter's book Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation while trying to decide whether or not to take the job. She is spellbound by the stories in the book, but discovers there are only twelve stories. Naturally, Margaret agrees to meet with Ms. Winter. Thus begins the story that is nearly impossible to put down.

I read this book while on vacation in a single day. Meaning I drove my family crazy by refusing to leave the hotel room while I finished the book. It was just too good to not know everything that happened. Jane Eyre is heavily referenced throughout the story, which may be part part of my love for the book because it is one of my favorite books. All in all it is a wonderful mystery that takes place in the past and the present that will keep you guessing until the very end. There is no other word to describe reading this than riveted. I am excited to see how it holds up for a second reading.

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