The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller
“Readers will feel the magnetic pull of this paean to words, books and the magical power of story.”—People
“Eerie and fascinating.”—USA TODAY
Sometimes, when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.
Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness—featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves.
“Readers will feel the magnetic pull of this paean to words, books and the magical power of story.”—People
“Eerie and fascinating.”—USA TODAY
Sometimes, when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.
Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness—featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves.
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Readers say *The Thirteenth Tale* is a richly atmospheric, Gothic-inspired novel with a mysterious, melancholy tone and immersive settings. Many prais...
It took me a while to finish this book because it is so melancholy and there were times that I didn't want to dwell there. There are many mysterious twists and turns but the conclusion is satisfyingly complete. An excellent read.
Interesting tale, if a bit long-winded. Not at all what I was expecting, but the twist at the end managed to genuinely surprise me. The story would really appeal to those who are twins or who have complex relationships with their siblings.
Eerie, spooky, haunting....and a delicious read that was too good to savor.
A story within a story that pulls you right in and clutches you with the right balance of intrigue, mystery and noteworthy prose. I have not read a gothic-inspired mystery in ages and this one is enticing me to plunge into another - so pleased that I bought this book - :)
I have twin daughter's was pregnant with triplets. This book was such a good one, the story was so real and the feelings so raw. I am going to buy each of my twins this book for their birthdays.
A great summer page turner if not the greatest literary work in history. Fun and suspenseful with many unexpected turns. You'll be up late at night reading "The Thirteenth Tale."
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