Saturday, December 09, 2006

A book that I loved!

I finished The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield about a half hour ago and here is my review.

The Thirteenth Tale was one of the most amazing books I have ever read this year. The main character Vida Winter decides she wants to tell her real life story and sends off a letter to Margaret Lea. Margaret Lea responds and shows up to hear what Vida Winter has to say. There were a lot of lies surrounding her as well as hidden secrets known only to her. Margaret isn’t sure what to think but writes everything down doing her best not to ask questions. It is full of gothic themes and family illness. But the one thing that rings true is what people will do for love. It may not be pure love, but what each person deems what love is. Margaret struggles with things in her own life and everything comes to the surface for her. Can she write down what Vida has to say or will it be too much for her to handle?

Diane Setterfield is an amazing author! The writing was fabulous and it kept me turning pages to find out what every secret was as it was revealed. I enjoyed her writing style even though at times it was a little confusing at the beginning that was talking at times. But pushing through that was completely worth it.

Vida Winter is a character full of secrets but feels the need to reveal them. She is a woman who has lived a life full of joys and sorrows. She has been able to heal but there is still pain when talking about her past. I really was able to embrace what she was feeling and look at what I even felt. Both Margaret and Vida had tough situations to deal with but in the end I think both of them did wonderfully with them.

I would highly recommend this book because the tale is weaved so well. It has gotten mixed reviews by a lot of people but I found it incredible. To hear the story unfold page after page was one that I found very difficult to put down. The history and the times that were lived in though never mentioned were ones I found compelling. All of the stories in this book are wonderful and would recommend reading the whole book. The ending is one that I enjoyed the most as I hope many of you that read it did and the ones you will read it will agree. I know not everyone agrees but this book has been one that has affected me heart and soul.

Up next a little lighter fare, I am going to read She's Got Issues by Stephanie Lessing. Off to finish dinner. :)