The Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A richly tailored tale filled with mystery, feral midland traditions and gothic prevarsities. Its a tale of love and vengence, murder and intrigue, cruelty and conventions.
Vida Winter is the most popular author of her day. She is also a recluse, hiding herself at her Yorkshire estate. When interviewed by journalists on her life, she invariably recites outlandish life histories, altering them at whim. Now old and ailing, she finally wants to share the truth of her extrodinary life.
Margaret Lea has a fascination for the biographies of the long-dead. A curiosity that has led her to write them herself. Working in her father's antiquarian bookshop, she receives a letter from Vida with the invitation to write her biography. There, she learns of the Agelfield family and their dark secrets. The cruel-hearted Charlie and his insestuous obsession with his vivatious sister, Isabelle. It is also the story of her unruly and feral twin daughters.
At times squirmish and uncomfortable, The Thirteenth Tale is a dazzling literary masterpiece. The twist at the end is particularly gratifying.
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