On the bookshelf
It gladdens one's heart when a first-time writer produces a thoroughly engaging piece of work. I had a hard time putting down Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, a mesmerizing story with all the gothic allure of a nineteenth-century novel, with none of the plodding and not a single unbelievable plot twist. Everything fit together in the end like an intricate puzzle. Rare is it these days for me to shelve a book with such a feeling of satisfied loss, for as much as I shall miss the characters I know that they are at peace and have no need to enter my life again, save during moments of introspection. This is a perfect book for those who love books, ghost stories in particular —The Turn of the Screw leapt to mind numerous times — and a well-turned phrase.
P.S. The website for the book is the coolest. Be sure to check it out: http://www.thethirteenthtale.com.
Labels: Book review, Eva
posted by Eva at 3:44 pm
4 Comments:
Oooh-- I have this in my tbr pile... somewhere in the lower strata, about 5 miles below the summit. Must excavate it and read! Thanks Eva! xx
Uh oh, I've done it again. Sshh...I've added to my toppling TBR shelves. When Gray finds out I'll send him over so he can see why I was so easily led.
I've missed you all, I will endeavour to get back before Christmas - that is if You Know Who ever lets me out again... ;-)
Love to you all,
Sue :-)
xx
Welcome back, Sue! We've missed you.
Always a pleasure to influence your TBR piles, towering, subterranean or otherwise.
Do you know, I read this story months ago...and sadly, all I can remember is she had a stellar talent for description. I didn't realize she was a first-time writer. That makes her success even sweeter, I think!
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