Pages

Thursday, September 24, 2009

RIP Review 2: The Thirteenth Tale




"...Was my mind playing tricks on me? It seemed that I could hear a tune. Well, hardly a tune. Just five lost notes...

...But now I really heard it. A single note first, it's companions drowned in the rain that rapped at the window. It was nothing, I told myself, and prepared to go back to sleep. But then, in a lull in the rain-storm, three notes raised themselves above the water...

La la la la la."


I cannot get enough of this book. I cannot say enough about it to express how beautifully the story is told. I love it. I have read and lost myself in this story about 5 times in the last year. I keep waiting for Ms. Diane Setterfield to write another novel so I can devour it.

In The Thirteenth Tale are the haunting stories of twins, misfit ghosts, and gentle giants. All told in expert tones and beautifully woven together.

You'll never see the ending coming. I can promise you that much. Even when reading it over, I still get a thrill out of the ending.

Probably my favorite part of this book is that it's a book lover's book. Nothing is better than a great book that lends praise to other books as though they are sacred items in those book lover's temples like Libraries and bookshops.

USA Today says The Thirteenth Tale is "Eerie and Fascinating." But it is so much more! It's bitter sweet, haunting, sad, creepy, and will keep you up long into the early hours of the morning longing for more.

5 comments:

Daphne said...

Ooh! Reading this right now. I read your review haltingly because I don't want to know anything about the ending! I'm only on Chapter 3. I love it INTENSELY so far.

Theresa said...

he he he, I would never post spoilers!! 'Cause I would be p*ssed if anyone else did. LOL

Anonymous said...

I loved this book too. I thought the blend of gothic, mystery and books was just perfect and intensely atmospheric. Great review.

Anonymous said...

Saw your link at the R.I.P IV review site. This is the second review I've come across that just rates this book so highly. Definitely high on my wishlist now.

Theresa said...

chasingbawa- Thanks! It is an awesome story!

josbookshelf- You should definitely read it!