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The Thirteenth Tale – Book Review
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
So now I understand why book bloggers and LibraryThingers have just gone on and on about this book. The narrator, Margaret Lea, is a literary-minded young woman biographer who has been enlisted to write the life of the famous story teller Vida Winter. Ms. Winter has previously lied to every biographer she has had, but she promises Margaret she will not do so this time. Between Ms. Winter’s stories and some of her own detective work, Margaret finally gets to the heart of Ms. Winter’s true tale.
This is a book after a book-lover’s heart. Having grown up in a used bookshop, Margaret venerates books, speaking of them with both passion and compassion. Vida Winter too is enamored with the printed word, having, among other things, a number of different copies of Jane Eyre. Don’t think that all “The Thirteenth Tale” has going for it is a love letter to books, though, the story completely drew me in; I could not wait to see how the tale would unravel.
I listened to the audio version of this book and that was a wonderful experience for me. Although I think it is harder for me to initially get into an audiobook (the printed words say ’story!’ more to me than does a voice on my Ipod), this one was quite well done, the readers were absolutely phenomenal.
This is a definite recommendation for just about anyone. The story is fantastic and the audio will make a commute or a long trip simply fly by.
Buy this audiobook from Amazon.
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OK, for Pete’s sake, I give in!!!! I’m going to see if the library has it in audio, and order it. I, too, have heard bloggers talking about this book, especially at the end of last year, with regards to their favorite reads. You were the last straw, and I’m convinced that my life will not be complete without reading it!
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“This is a book after a book-lover’s heart. ” Couldn’t agree more! I really, really enjoyed it.
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It took me a long time to get around to reading this book, because I thought maybe it was over-hyped. But I was wrong. I loved it!
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I really enjoyed the book. I really felt as if I was there, checking out a creepy house…writing for an eccentric old lady. Very descriptive without being overly done.
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A friend of mine lent me this book. She had checked it out of the library and loved it so much she had to buy a copy. I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
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I really enjoyed reading this book as well. It unfolded at just the right pace and there was definitely a lot to savor for booklovers.
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I read this book a few years back and will probably re-read at some point (although I will not be listening to the audio book version – it just doesn’t cut it for me)!
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I too LOVED the audio version of this book -
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I really loved this book. The Sister reminded me of it to some extent, too. Both are very good novels. I listed to The Sister on audio, so I can see where that would enhance the experience, even if it’s harder to get into at first. For me with audio books, it takes longer to figure out that my mind has wondered off. Also, they tend to put me to sleep. With a book, I don’t keep reading when my mind wanders or when I fall asleep. They need to have some kind of attention meter and stop when it gets below a certain point. LOL!
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Add me to the I Loved This Book group!
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i’ve heard how good this was, but could never get into adult books. i guess i’ll give it a chance after your review:)
-amy
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This book was fantastic. I’m glad you liked it too! I definitely agree that it’s a book for book lovers, and since I am one, it sucked me in.
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Well, crap…..here’s another book I’m gonna have to read.
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I read this a few years ago and just loved it. It’s a keeper book for me so it’s on my shelf. I’ll have to reread it one of these days.
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I knit a whole blanket to the audio version of this book, so I guess I was pretty sucked in, yeah.
Glad you liked it!
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I have seen much to do about this book…I”ll have to read it or listen to it at some point.
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This was one of my favorite reads last year, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Great description.
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Loved it! Here’s my review – http://stacybuckeye.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/the-thirteenth-tale-by-diane-setterfield/
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I’m glad you liked this one! I absolutely loved this book.
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I’ve been trying to get this book forever from the library but the hold list is out of the world…maybe I’ll have to break down and buy it!
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Isn’t it a great story? I heard a rumor that they were going to make it into a movie but I think it was shelved.
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Sara Reply:
December 31st, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I for one know that I’m going to continuously watch for news of a movie, because I would absolutely die for the chance to audition for the twins/young Vida!
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I loved this in print – I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it in audio.
luanne’s last blog post..Little Pink House – Jeff Benedict
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I feel the same way about audio books, though my hubby and I will listen to them on long drives. I like the feel of the book in my hands. Anyway, this sounds like an interesting book. Another one for the wish list!
Anna’s last blog post..Interview With Dave Clarke, Author of KEEPING HANNAH WAITING
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Really nice review! I’ve been wanting to read this one for the longest time. In fact, I thought I was the only book lover on this planet who hasn’t read it. I hope to read it this year though, as my MIL gave it to me for Christmas.
Teddy’s last blog post..This Week’s Giveaways Galore
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I think this was the first book I ever reviewed on my blog. My neighbor recommended it so I had read it before I even knew all the bloggers were all over it. I liked it but I don’t think I LOVED it like everybody else.
Natasha @ Maw Books’s last blog post..February Search Terms – The Crazy Stuff That Brought People to My Blog
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I read this book last year and liked it a lot. It was a lot of fun, great page turner.
Sadako’s last blog post..The Voice on the Radio
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I enjoyed reading this one, but it did have a few annoying things about it. I can imagine it being great on audio though.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)’s last blog post..Announcing: The Comment of the Week Competition!
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I should see how many of my upcoming book club books you have reviewed! I didn’t nominate this one, but thought it sounded like a great read. I’m even more interested now, and I’m looking forward to the audiobook.
Laura’s last blog post..Review: Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
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