William W. (wdwilson3) reviewed The Thirteenth Tale (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This isnt the type of book I normally read (or, in this case, listen to) but I was genuinely impressed with Diane Setterfields first novel. Ive seen references to it as gothic fiction, but it really is missing both of the typical gothic elements, horror and romance, at least in the traditional sense of the genre. Rather, its an atmospheric mystery, in the sense that the truth about a famous novelists past is gradually revealed. Its a complex telling, as the novelist dictates her biography to our protagonist. Each revelation seems to raise more questions and more suspicions. There are some gruesome aspects to the story, but the overall feeling Setterfield arouses is curiosity what happened, who is who and what is the novelists true identity?
Setterfields language is refined, elegant, and evocative. In that sense, The Thirteenth Tale does invite comparison with Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. While I was a little let down by some of the eventual revelations (too anticlimactic in my view) and on coincidental encounters, those flaws did not diminish my enjoyment much. I listened to the unabridged CD version of this book in my car, and I confess to taking the long way home a few times so that I could hear more of the story. The CD employs two women as readers, and both of them (Bianca Amato and Jill Tanner) are superb, articulate and expressive.
Setterfields language is refined, elegant, and evocative. In that sense, The Thirteenth Tale does invite comparison with Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. While I was a little let down by some of the eventual revelations (too anticlimactic in my view) and on coincidental encounters, those flaws did not diminish my enjoyment much. I listened to the unabridged CD version of this book in my car, and I confess to taking the long way home a few times so that I could hear more of the story. The CD employs two women as readers, and both of them (Bianca Amato and Jill Tanner) are superb, articulate and expressive.
Christine G. (Cricket) reviewed The Thirteenth Tale (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 69 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This story kept me guessing until the end. It was mysterious with a sense of gloom and doom. I really enjoyed this story. The two voiced used for the audio were very clear and easy to listen to. They read the story at a good pace...until the end. I felt at the end, as the story was getting more dramatic, the reader was getting more dramatic and slower. At the point, in the book where if I were actually reading it myself, I would have probably been rushing through the end trying to get to the bottom of the story, but the reader was really slow and dragging it out. It added more drama, but it was getting frustrating. What I liked most about the story was there was a sense of horror in the story. I knew something really off was going on, but then did find myself a little confused and dissatisfied in the end. Over all it was a good story though.
Heather J. (ReadingAddict) reviewed The Thirteenth Tale (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Oh how I loved this book! The story within a story, the deep love of reading, the strange characters there is good and evil and everything in between. Ive seen this referred to as a Gothic novel and Id have to agree. It just has that *feel* about it, what with a dilapidated old mansion, numerous recluses, and mysterious happenings.
You can read my entire review here.
You can read my entire review here.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this story. It was so rich in building the suspense a piece at a time. Towards the end, I had a few moments where I had guessed what was about to be revealed and I found myself holding my breath, waiting to hear if I had it right. Truly, Diane Setterfield laid the grounds for the mystery of Winters life, but then coupling it with Margarets own tragic beginning made for excellent reading.
While many of the characters in this story are long dead, as they are part of Winters past, the author wrote them so believably real and their existence is still reflected in how they shaped and molded Ms. Winter as a young lady. From her own emotionally absent parents to the gardener and the house mistress, and even a short-term governess. All these people had a piece in the tragedy of Winters life, some good and some bad and some a mix. I appreciated that in the end, Winter wasnt free of her burden of guilt and bad choices past.
While many of the characters in this story are long dead, as they are part of Winters past, the author wrote them so believably real and their existence is still reflected in how they shaped and molded Ms. Winter as a young lady. From her own emotionally absent parents to the gardener and the house mistress, and even a short-term governess. All these people had a piece in the tragedy of Winters life, some good and some bad and some a mix. I appreciated that in the end, Winter wasnt free of her burden of guilt and bad choices past.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent! Spooky creepy gothic novel written old style. Enjoyed it on audiobook!
