The Thirteenth Tale
20 journalers for this copy...
For some reason the ISBN of my UK paperback is not in the database, so let's pretend this is a hardcover.
My review-sort-of-thing is here.
My review-sort-of-thing is here.
Got the book at a meet, looking forward to reading it.
Wonderful book! Extremely well written homage to the old gothic classics, such as Jane Eyre and The Turn of the Screw (and possibly bit of a loving spoof?)
A truly enjoyable read.
A truly enjoyable read.
It was waiting for me as I returned home from holidays.
Thanks, Purina, for your RABCK swap; I am looking forward to reading it.
The translated version has just been launched in Spain; you know me, I don't read translations! :)
Once again, thanks a lot! I hope you will enjoy "American Short Stories", as well!
Thanks, Purina, for your RABCK swap; I am looking forward to reading it.
The translated version has just been launched in Spain; you know me, I don't read translations! :)
Once again, thanks a lot! I hope you will enjoy "American Short Stories", as well!
Now, this is an exciting, well written, and unforgettable novel!
And the first work by this author, as well. What a promising career, if she manages to keep up the standards!
I don't want to spoil it for you: if you love your books (and otherwise you wouldn't be here), you will love this one.
Watch out for the quandary; If there was a conveyor belt, with a human being's hand on the lever... That will keep you thinking!
Thanks to my fellow bookcrossers' generosity, I have an extra copy; so I am turning this one into a bookray.
And the first work by this author, as well. What a promising career, if she manages to keep up the standards!
I don't want to spoil it for you: if you love your books (and otherwise you wouldn't be here), you will love this one.
Watch out for the quandary; If there was a conveyor belt, with a human being's hand on the lever... That will keep you thinking!
Thanks to my fellow bookcrossers' generosity, I have an extra copy; so I am turning this one into a bookray.
A very, very successful bookray, I hope!This is the order so far:
1) Bilbi (France)
2) Chich (France)
3) Sarousse (France
4) Pennydainty (U.K.)
5) Yorkshire-lass (U.K.)
6) Ana-b (Holland)
7) bestfriends (Belgium)
8) Ababaigalit (Israel)
9) Fairy-whispers (Australia)
10)Lauraloo29 (Canada)
11)Boomda181 (Canada)
12)Elytra (Canada)
13)mjm (U.S.A.)
14)Phylwil (U.S.A.)(asked to be skipped)
15)Fig1178 (U.S.A.)(asked to be skipped)
16)krin511 (U.S.A.)
17)Nakupenda (Greece)
18)Elviraro (Romania)
19)Penelopewanders (Switzerland))
20)BlackDevil (Finland) (Bookray completed successfully!)
The usual rules apply; please contact me with any query.
Enjoy this bookray!
And off it's gone!
Sent today by mail to Bilbi, who will kick off this bookray.
If all goes well, this extraordinary novel will be travelling to France,U.K., Holland, Israel, South Africa, Canada, U.S.A., Switzerland, Norway and Finland.
Impressive, isn't it? I am really excited about this.
Thanks for joining, and please keep moving it along!
Sent today by mail to Bilbi, who will kick off this bookray.
If all goes well, this extraordinary novel will be travelling to France,U.K., Holland, Israel, South Africa, Canada, U.S.A., Switzerland, Norway and Finland.
Impressive, isn't it? I am really excited about this.
Thanks for joining, and please keep moving it along!
Received today ! I will start reading the book today.
Thanks for sharing !
I see that this book was registered by vi0let. Let's say that I should have sent her a book ages ago but I haven't read it yet... There seems to be so many books arriving in my mail box /o\
Anyway this book will have a pretty nice journey \o/
Thanks for sharing !
I see that this book was registered by vi0let. Let's say that I should have sent her a book ages ago but I haven't read it yet... There seems to be so many books arriving in my mail box /o\
Anyway this book will have a pretty nice journey \o/
A book that starts with a bookstore can easily win my heart and with such an exciting story I can't help wishing for more and more readers for this bookray !
I can't explain what it's all about : just read and give it a nine or ten out of ten !
Thanks for sharing this great, great book \o/
Hope you don't get this JE more than once, there's a "oops" going on ;-)
I can't explain what it's all about : just read and give it a nine or ten out of ten !
Thanks for sharing this great, great book \o/
Hope you don't get this JE more than once, there's a "oops" going on ;-)
Journal Entry 10 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Monday, October 8, 2007
Book received today, thanks so much for passing it on Bilbi (I love the postcard & magazine cut out too!) and thanks Bookworm-lady for starting this ray:)
Journal Entry 11 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Wednesday, October 17, 2007
I must admit I was really sceptical before I started reading this book: too many good reviews, too many comparisons to the works of Daphne du Maurier, the Brontë sisters... I've been disappointed so many times in the past few years by books that were highly praised, over-hyped and over-rated that I had low expectations for this one. Hence my surprise when The Thirteenth Tale turned out to be an excellent read!! I've always been a fan of Gothic/Victorian-style romantic mysteries and this book has all the required elements of the genre: bleak houses, strange families, secrets buried deep in the past... What's more, how can I resist a book that starts in a bookstore and centres around a writer and her books:) I enjoyed the plot very much although one section of the book is not as well-paced as the rest (part of the second half). Still, this is a wonderful tale, very well-written and definitely one of my best reads of the year.
Thanks so much for sharing this book with us bookworm-lady!
I already have Sarousse's address and will send her the book tomorrow.
Thanks so much for sharing this book with us bookworm-lady!
I already have Sarousse's address and will send her the book tomorrow.
Journal Entry 12 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Thursday, October 18, 2007
Just received this morning. I try to be fast !
01.11.07 : I love it ! It's to difficult to review this book without disclose it secret. Thanks Bookworm-lady for this ray ! The Thirteenth Tale continues the travel in UK.
01.11.07 : I love it ! It's to difficult to review this book without disclose it secret. Thanks Bookworm-lady for this ray ! The Thirteenth Tale continues the travel in UK.
book arrrived safely - liked your packaging and thanks for the sweets sarousse. Should finish it fairly quickly as I have been listening to the story on cd in the car.
I enjoyed this story - good one to read on a winters day in front of the fire. It has quiet a gothic feel to it and the story line keeps you wanting to read more. The characters are well thought out, it would be interesting to see what twins thought of the story. Thanks for sharing this - will get it off in the post before the Christmas rush. Happy travels little book
Journal Entry 16 by 
yorkshire-lass
from Maidstone, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, December 8, 2007
yorkshire-lass from Maidstone, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, December 8, 2007
The book arrived safely today,thanks pennydanty. I probably won't get this read and off again this side of Christmas,but I promise to set it on it's journey early in the new year.
Journal Entry 17 by yorkshire-lass from Maidstone, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, December 29, 2007
yorkshire-lass from Maidstone, Kent United Kingdom on Saturday, December 29, 2007
A beautifully written book,the descriptive passages were wonderful. I am so glad that I joined this ring and I hope everyone else on it enjoys it as much as I have,thanks for sharing.
It's now on its way to ana-b,hope you enjoy it.
It's now on its way to ana-b,hope you enjoy it.
Received the book this morning.Thank you yorkshire-lass.And I really like the postcard from your home-town.
What a wonderful story. I really liked this book. It reminds me of Daphne du Maurier. The plot is clever and not too complicated. Sometimes a little "overdone".
Released 16 yrs ago (3/26/2008 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Off tto the next reader. Hope you enjoy this book.
Off tto the next reader. Hope you enjoy this book.
Journal Entry 21 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Friday, March 28, 2008
Arrived safe and sound today. Thanks ana-b!
I just started reading a 800+ pages novel, but I guess I'd better put that one on hold for a while and start reading this one. Having read all those enthusiastic reviews, I don't mind to do just that.
I just started reading a 800+ pages novel, but I guess I'd better put that one on hold for a while and start reading this one. Having read all those enthusiastic reviews, I don't mind to do just that.
Journal Entry 22 by bestfriends from - Ergens in de provincie, Gelderland Netherlands on Monday, March 31, 2008
"Anyone picking up this novel will not be able to put it down. Pick it up." (quote from the reviews inside the book)
Well, it's true. I started it on Friday night, was drawn in immediately and finished reading on Sunday afternoon, because....I just could not put it down.
Need I say more?
Thanks for sharing.
April 4: Sent to Ababaigalit in Israel
Well the book is safe and sound with me in Israel. It arrived on the 8th of April but for my bad luck the post office send me only yesterday the second notice that the book is in the post office. So today I went and got it. Well I am going to read it with another bookring that I have. I will try to do it as fast as I can so the ray will continue tyo move.
Thanks bookworm-lady for allowing me to yake part at this ray and thank you bestfriends for sending me the book with the preety post card that I use as a bookmark.
11.07.08:
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Hello people and thank you for waiting for this book. Sorry it took so long to read and to keep it from the next members, the truth it took me to read this so long because of work, university, family situation and I wasn't feeling toread for a period.
About the book: Only a highly skilled author can write a compelling tale about a reclusive family whose world is small and not overly exciting. Yet Diane Setterfield does exactly this in The Thirteenth Tale. Yes, it has suspense, off-stage violence, and even a ghost it also has gorgeous writing, fascinating characters, and a great plot. It was fascinating to my psychologist's mind, and enthralling. It is part Gothic; part fantasy fiction, part suspense novel. I loved the protagonist's love affair with books. I found myself relating to Margaret with respect to her love of books. Even now, I can find myself staying up until 3am on a work night reading a book. What's a little sleep compared to a great book? I tend to see a lot of story lines coming.This story was nice because I couldn't even begin to imagine where things were going. And I loved that!
Thanks bookworm-lady for allowing me to yake part at this ray and thank you bestfriends for sending me the book with the preety post card that I use as a bookmark.
11.07.08:
---------
Hello people and thank you for waiting for this book. Sorry it took so long to read and to keep it from the next members, the truth it took me to read this so long because of work, university, family situation and I wasn't feeling toread for a period.
About the book: Only a highly skilled author can write a compelling tale about a reclusive family whose world is small and not overly exciting. Yet Diane Setterfield does exactly this in The Thirteenth Tale. Yes, it has suspense, off-stage violence, and even a ghost it also has gorgeous writing, fascinating characters, and a great plot. It was fascinating to my psychologist's mind, and enthralling. It is part Gothic; part fantasy fiction, part suspense novel. I loved the protagonist's love affair with books. I found myself relating to Margaret with respect to her love of books. Even now, I can find myself staying up until 3am on a work night reading a book. What's a little sleep compared to a great book? I tend to see a lot of story lines coming.This story was nice because I couldn't even begin to imagine where things were going. And I loved that!
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Enjoy the book
Enjoy the book
Journal Entry 25 by seldombites from Mount Barker, South Australia Australia on Wednesday, July 30, 2008
G'day,
Just checking in to let you know I am safe and sound. I am having a nice visit with fairy-whispers before continuing on my travels. I hope you’re having as much fun as I am!
With Great Affection,
Your Book :-)
Journal Entry 26 by seldombites from Mount Barker, South Australia Australia on Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Thirteenth Tale is an amazing journey into one woman's hidden past. Filled with beautiful language and wonderfully descriptive passages, this is an extraordinary first work by an incredibly gifted author.
Book lovers will relate well to the narrator Margaret Lea, and will enjoy the timeless gothic atmosphere and the enchanting prose as Vida's life slowly unfolds. The Thirteenth Tale is a remarkable story that will be enjoyed by all.
I loved the language in this novel so much, I am including two of my favourite quotes:
"What succour, what consolation is there in truth, compared to a story? What good is truth, at midnight, in the dark, when the wind is roaring like a bear in the chimney? When lightning strikes shadows on the bedroom wall and the rain taps at the window with it's long fingernails? No. When fear and cold make a statue of you in your bed, don't expect hard-boned and fleshless truth to come running to your aid. What you need are the plump comforts of a story. The soothing, rocking safety of a lie." Vida Winter in The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
"There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic." The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Book lovers will relate well to the narrator Margaret Lea, and will enjoy the timeless gothic atmosphere and the enchanting prose as Vida's life slowly unfolds. The Thirteenth Tale is a remarkable story that will be enjoyed by all.
I loved the language in this novel so much, I am including two of my favourite quotes:
"What succour, what consolation is there in truth, compared to a story? What good is truth, at midnight, in the dark, when the wind is roaring like a bear in the chimney? When lightning strikes shadows on the bedroom wall and the rain taps at the window with it's long fingernails? No. When fear and cold make a statue of you in your bed, don't expect hard-boned and fleshless truth to come running to your aid. What you need are the plump comforts of a story. The soothing, rocking safety of a lie." Vida Winter in The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
"There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic." The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Ultimate Challenge 2008 - No Theme
Sent via sea mail
I’m missing you but I’m still having fun, so I’m off to visit Lauraloo29. See you soon!
Ultimate Challenge 2008 - No Theme
Sent via sea mail
I’m missing you but I’m still having fun, so I’m off to visit Lauraloo29. See you soon!
Arrived safe and sound today. I have a few rings. Not to worry. I'll keep them moving. Thank you.
I'm having a hard time getting into this book. I would like to try longer, but I have 3 other rings sitting here. Not to worry. This book will be on its way this week. Thank you for the chance to read it.
Arrived here yesterday, I will read it next. Thanks for sending it along lauraloo29. Will journal more shortly.
Thanks Bookwork-lady for the opportunity to read this book. The stories in The Thirteenth Tale were compelling and intriguing, I found myself rushing to read Vida's next installment of her life's story. My DH is an Identical twin and I found the twin story lines very interesting.
I have contacted Elytra once, but will try again. The book will be traveling again soon....
I have contacted Elytra once, but will try again. The book will be traveling again soon....
Journal Entry 32 by boomda181 at Book Relay, A Book Relay -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/14/2009 UTC) at Book Relay, A Book Relay -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to Elytra
On its way to Elytra
Arrived in the midst of a number of houseguests, but I read and enjoyed it anyway! I like books about stories. This one seemed well done, and I'm ready to pass it on to the nest recipient.
Received in the mail on Friday. Thanks!
--12/27: Still trying to find who to pass it on to next! Off to email krin...next. Sorry for the hold up everyone.
--1/25: Popped this in the mail to Nakupenda. Sorry for all the hold ups here, but I'm glad to get it off to next in line! :)
--12/27: Still trying to find who to pass it on to next! Off to email krin...next. Sorry for the hold up everyone.
--1/25: Popped this in the mail to Nakupenda. Sorry for all the hold ups here, but I'm glad to get it off to next in line! :)
Arrived yesterday!! Let's see.... ;-)
*thanks everybody!
*thanks everybody!
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I sent the book today to Elviraro!
I liked it very much, in fact i LOVED it!! It's going to be my No.1 choice for book-gifts for booklovers :)
I sent the book today to Elviraro!
I liked it very much, in fact i LOVED it!! It's going to be my No.1 choice for book-gifts for booklovers :)
Many thanks for this bookring, and especially to nakupenda: your lovely, candid postcards have given me an extra incentive to enjoy the book. Maybe I'll take it out with me, too - haven't done that in a long time.
I really liked the beggining of this book. I envied the main character's life. Yeah, dead twins, neurotic mother and all. Her father and bookstore were well worth enduring those minor disturbances. However, Mrs Winter's story was both preposterous and corny, and I rather lost my interest from then on. There were some really beautiful and poignant passages in this book, but overall I was dissapointed in it. The author's ad nauseam mention of Victorian classics only highlights the fact that hers is a modern novel, where style prevails over substance.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent on to penelopewanders
Sent on to penelopewanders
Journal Entry 40 by 
penelopewanders
from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, April 30, 2010
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, April 30, 2010
This arrived here safely along with a few other rings. I've been looking forward to this one for a while - it seems to have had a nice long journey. Now it's in the Alps and may have to rest a bit while I get through the rings that have crowded in ahead of it. Thanks so much for sending and making this available!
Journal Entry 41 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, May 21, 2010
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, May 21, 2010
Although I didn't get caught up in this immediately I did enjoy it. It reminded me of a number of other books, but especially The Shadow of the Wind, The Century of Lights (I think that's the title in English...)and other novels where the household is in an uproar. The tale of twins was moving... nonetheless the whole thing kept me at one remove, and so I didn't plunge into it as I sometimes do. Still,a very good read.
I PMed for the next address a few days ago but am still waiting. As these are holiday weekends, perhaps I'll hear in a few days.
I PMed for the next address a few days ago but am still waiting. As these are holiday weekends, perhaps I'll hear in a few days.
Journal Entry 42 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Sunday, May 30, 2010
penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Sunday, May 30, 2010
So far no response from BlackDevil, although I've sent two PMs. I know I've been having trouble with the new website, maybe I'll assume that's the slowdown too... anyway, for the time being the book is still here, awaiting either instructions or an address.
Journal Entry 43 by penelopewanders at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 3, 2010
penelopewanders at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 3, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (6/3/2010 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
(Took me ages to find this on my shelf without the search function!) This is now travelling to Finland. Enjoy! Thanks for making this one available, it's had a long journey so far!
Mailman just left this in our mailbox a moment ago. :) Thanks!! I'll get to this right away! :))
