What readers think of The Thirteenth Tale, plus links to write your own review.

This is the first time I read the book by Diane. I know it from Cosmo references and buy that 3 days later. I'm not directly read that. But the next week after arrive in Norway to visit my husband. And finally, never loose even one word. This book makes me so curious. I declare the thirteenth tale is one of the greatest books I ever read.

I loved this book from start to finish. Great story, well written, entertaining. My favorite book ever. Can't wait for the next one.

I found this book to be so full of cliches that I actually laughed out loud. Talk about unoriginal: everything from the characterization of the heroine, the setting, to the way in which it referenced works like Jane Eyre, etc. I found the main character to be uninteresting and the plot was predictable. And all the nonsense about twins being like one soul really got on my nerves after a while.

I saw numerous reviews on blogs raving about this book. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of picking this book up at the library right after reading Rebecca. Not that it was a bad book, quite the contrary, but it paled in comparison. It was an ambitious novel with a number of interconnected subplots. I was totally wrapped up in the events for the first two thirds of the book. Then it was as if Ms. Setterfield couldn’t figure out how to end it. I found the wrap-up disjointed from the story preceding it. She tied up a lot of loose ends quickly with a “they all lived happily ever after” ending, some of which rang true but to me the primary explanation was stretching it. I felt like she was saying “oh, dear, this story is going on too long. I have end it. So I’ll do this.” I look forward to Ms. Setterfield’s next offering, though, since this was an excellent start for a first novel.

I started this book several times - laying it down for a faster paced read while traveling or participating in my book club - but I had the opportunity to pick it up again in these long winter days, relax with a cup of tea and begin to enjoy the complexities of the story. The characters are well developed, and in the 2nd section, the story begins to come alive. The writing is very reminiscent of classic English authors, and so it has the feel of the novels it often mentions with such fondness - but with a distinct modern voice that does not hide the dark inferences of the secrets of aristocracy as deeply or heavily veiled as her earlier mentors. Thankfully for the investment of time and emotion required, the ending of the story is one of the most satisfying reading experiences I have had in a long time. Stick with it....it will be worth it in the end.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way it was written and found myself struck many times by lines or images the author "created." I put it down a few times simply because I didn't want it to end. Very, very good.

Words fail to describe how much I enjoyed reading a tale so well written and engrossing. Suffice to say that I was extremely disappointed to learn that this is Ms. Setterfield's debut novel as I immediately wanted to relish more of her works. I look forward to the time when I can open another of her books and sink into it.

This is such a wonderful book! It is pure bliss for the bibliophile and such joy for those who love great writing. The story is message and the words are the medium. I read a great deal of fiction and have been haunted and thrilled by this book. It does make one realize that great writing and story-telling are alive and well in this new century.