The Thirteenth Tale

A Novel

De: Diane Setterfield

Narrado por: Bianca Amato, Jill Tanner

All children mythologize their birth... So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter's beloved collection of stories, long famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale. The enigmatic Winter has always kept her violent and tragic past a secret. Now old and ailing, she summons a biographer to tell the truth about her extraordinary life: Margaret Lea, a young woman for whom the secret of her own birth remains an ever-present pain.

Disinterring the life she meant to bury for good, Vida mesmerizes Margaret with the power of her storytelling. Hers is a tale of gothic strangeness, featuring the Angelfield family, including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, and a devastating fire. Struck by a curious parallel between their stories, Margaret demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them.

The Thirteenth Tale is a return to that rich vein of storytelling that our parents loved and we loved as children. Diane Setterfield will keep you guessing, make you wonder, move you to tears and laughter, and in the end, deposit you breathless yet satisfied back upon the shore of your everyday life.

©2006 Diane Setterfield (P)2007 Simon & Schuster Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

• Audie Award Finalist, Literary Fiction, 2007

"Bianca Amato is stunning as Margaret....[her] respect for the power of story and the written word is heard in every utterance. Jill Tanner accomplishes a tour de force as the enigmatic and mysterious Vida. In conversation her voice has the hesitancy and fragility of an elderly woman, but her voice takes on the strength and power of a master storyteller as she weaves her spellbinding life story." (AudioFile)
"Readers will be mesmerized by this story-within-a-story tinged with the eeriness of Rebecca and the willfulness of Jane Eyre. The author skillfully keeps the plot moving by unfurling a new twist in each chapter and leaves no strand untucked at the surprising and satisfying conclusion. A wholly original work told in the vein of all the best gothic classics. Lovers of books about book lovers will be enthralled." (Booklist)

The Thirteenth Tale

Nicely written story that draws you in slowly and holds you to the end. I listened every chance I had until it was done. Interesting characters, with several I grew to care about. Some twists and surprises by the end. Both readers were excellent. Glad I chose this one.

Beautifully narrated

Another book that is probably superior to listen to than to read. The main character, Vida Winter, is far more interesting than the narrator, Margaret Lea. The plot is engaging but the book drags a little in the re-reading of diaries and the re-telling of preparation of many cups of sweetened hot beverages that are apparently addictive to survive Yorkshire winters.

Wonderful

Right from the beginning, this book is enthralling. It grabbed my attention immediately and didn't let go. I love the use of two narrators for the story. They both did an amazing job. Highly recommended.

Elegant listen

Highly enjoyable listen, the two readers were terrific and we're true to the voice of the book, which I had previously read. While the various twists and turns were not as suspenseful in the audio book, at least to me, I looked forward to picking up where I had left off each time. Certainly recommend for a tale well told and with class and style

Captivating

I don't remember why I chose this book, but after I did, I found out the local book club had read and enjoyed it. Once I finally started listening, I wasn't so sure it was for me. It is a very melancholy story. I wasn't in the mood for melancholy. But I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. The melancholy eased up a bit, and my curiosity overran my need for cheery. Soon I was completely hooked. The narrators did a fabulous job. It is a unique kind of mystery. Quite intriguing and captivating.

Really well done story!

What did you love best about The Thirteenth Tale?

I oved the characters and the performers made the story come to life even more!

What did you like best about this story?

The story was very interesting, and I found myself wanting to listen more to find out what was going to happen next. I was rarely bored listening to this story. One or two slow spots, but overall just gripping!

Any additional comments?

I almost wanted to read it again... it was that good !

absolutely fantastic from start to finish. the story, the plot, the development, all coaxed out by excellent reading performance

Loved this book!

This book is well written and I from beginning to end love the mystery and intrigue of this book!

Captivating

This book is my favorite novel and I first read when it was published. I have enjoyed listening to this book and discovering more aspect of each women’s life.

Rich and atmospheric

I loved this book. So beautifully written. Vivid characters and an absorbing mystery. I did not want it to end. Brilliant performances by the narrators.