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Adaptogenia by Wayne Wightman personal collection
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell library book
The Cat Barked? by Lydia Monks library book
Cat Skidoo by Bethany Roberts and RW Alley personal collection
City Above the Sea by Stephen Alan Saft review copy
City Lullaby by Marilyn Singer library book
Corona Centurion™ by Terry Bisson personal collection
Economancer by Carolyn Ives Gilman personal collection
A Field Guide to Monsters by Johan Olander library book
Grey Seas Under by Farley Mowat bookcrossing
Grimm's Grimmest by Tracy Arah Dockray bookcrossing
Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup personal collection
Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them by Rolfe Cobleigh bookcrossing
Harriet's Recital by Nancy Carlton personal collection
I Feel Skitty by Tracey West personal collection
Kin by Holly Black review copy
The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh bookcrossing
Mama, Don't Go by Rebecca Wells library book
No, Never! by Sally O. Lee review copy
Oh, the Things I Know! by Al Franken bookcrossing
Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper library book
Paradiso Lost by Albert E. Cowdrey personal collection
Project Anastrophe by George Karnikis review copy
The Publishing Game: Publish a Book in 30 Days by Fern Reiss bookcrossing
The Shipwreck of a Nation by H Peter Nennhaus review copy
Skim by Mariko Tamaki review copy
Sooner or Later or Never Never by Gary Jennings personal collection
Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss bookcrossing
The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield bookcrossing
The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee bookcrossing
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon library book
Yoko Writes Her Name by Rebecca Wells library book



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The Thirteenth Tale: 08/28/09

"'Once upon a time there were twins—'" (p. 48) begins Vida Winter's thirteenth tale. It's also the story of her life but it's up to Margaret Lea, a young biographer obsessed with twins to sort out the truth behind her tale.

The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield is about family secrets and the ways which those secrets make and break people. The book has many different layers of story telling, from the protagonists own dark secrets to her employer's secrets which are slowly revealed in flashback and dialogue.

Margaret Lea who works in her father's bookshop reluctantly goes to Yorkshire on the request of the reclusive bestselling author Vida Winter. From there the novel unfolds to a reveal the dark history of the Angelfield family, and especially the almost feral twin girls Adeline and Emmeline.

Although the theme of the magical powers of twins comes close to being overwrought, I found The Thirteenth Tale a compelling page turner. The Angelfield family history is steeped in Gothic horror motifs. The book was so good that I ended up staying up all night (something I never do) to finish it.

Similar books I recommend:

<Comments (10)


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Comment #1: Friday, August, 28, 2009 at 14:54:43

MissTree

I loved The Thirteenth Tale. You described it almost perfectly. I remember being up all night reading this one, too!

I'm so glad, too, that you listed The Secret of Lost Things as a similar read. I had the same feeling, although I wouldn't say it's very gothic. I'm not sure what the similarity was. Perhaps just in the writing style or tone.

The Haunting of Hill House didn't seem very similar to me. I'm not sure why. I thought it was an excellent read, though.

Will definitely have to read the others you recommend soon!



Comment #2: Monday, August 31, 2009 at 18:34:45

Pussreboots

Secret of Lost Things deals with two American authors, one who wrote Gothic romances. I though the Hawthorne influence bled into the way the bookstore was described. I put The Haunting of Hill House on the list for its atmospheric feel. All the books I listed have very strong emotional ties to structures: homes, manors and bookstores.



Comment #3: Friday, August, 28, 2009 at 16:04:40

Jeane

I couldn't put it down, either. I hadn't been so engrossed in a book in a long time. I especially enjoyed that the main character was also a book-lover!



Comment #4: Monday, August 31, 2009 at 18:38:15

Pussreboots

Margaret's love of books was certainly a hook for me too.



Comment #5: Saturday, August, 29, 2009 at 13:09:34

Joana

That sounds like a tantalizing read. Will definitely have to add to my wishlist.



Comment #6: Monday, August 31, 2009 at 18:40:54

Pussreboots

It's a book best read at night, under the covers with a flashlight.



Comment #7: Tuesday, September, 1, 2009 at 19:34:33

Isabel

What a wonderful cover!

Thanks for being part of 9 for '09 Challenge.



Comment #8: Monday, September 7, 2009 at 20:37:44

Pussreboots

Thank you for hosting it. This book is my last for your challenge. I'm finished!



Comment #9: Wednesday, September, 9, 2009 at 05:27:12

Rhinoa

I still haven't read this. Maybe this year for the RIP challenge I will finally get around to it.



Comment #10: Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 19:49:32

Pussreboots

It would be perfect for the RIP challenge.



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