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July/August Group Read: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
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Becky wrote: "OK - I deleted Rachel's original post #101 because it was majorly spoilerish and not edited for the spoiler warning yet, but I didn't want it to be gone either (because I really hate deleting peopl..."Sorry!!! I didn't know what Spoilers were! So, if you're giving info in the book that others may not have read the comment is a Spoiler?
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Not-a-Spoiler: "I enjoyed this book."Spoiler: "This book rocked at the end where everyone died except for Ben, the little brother that revealed to everyone that he was, in fact, the Queen of Spain."
Chris wrote: Spoiler: "This book rocked at the end where everyone died except for Ben, the little brother that revealed to everyone that he was, in fact, the Queen of Spain"Sounds like a good book.
Chris wrote: "Not-a-Spoiler: "I enjoyed this book."Spoiler: "This book rocked at the end where everyone died except for Ben, the little brother that revealed to everyone that he was, in fact, the Queen of Sp..."
you should pitch that to somebody, sounds like a winner! ♥
*********SPOILER*************I thought Margaret needed psychological help about the twin thing - but I can understand that it was such an obsession especially as they were conjoined twins. I think Vida's story allowed Margaret's story to grow to the proportion it did.
I don't know which Vida pulled out. I was leaning toward Emmaline - my theory was that Vida after the fire convince Emmaline that the baby was gone and Emmaline was so damaged by her life with all the horrible things that she just fell apart. Remember Vida said she was in love with Emmaline.
Having said all that and reading all the other thoughts I am now rethinking about who Vida saved....
I found the book fascinating!
****Spoiler****To Lisa: I think that we find out that the twins were probably Isabella's and her brother's children. Even though it could have been her husbands, the babies had the striking red hair just like Charlie. Since Vida was Charlie's child as well, she was able to pass as a twin since they looked so alike.
I know, I'm really behind on this.....but I *just* picked up "The Thirteenth Tale/Diane Setterfield" today at the local Goodwill store for under $3. I'll get to it eventually. Just too many good books to read! And I have trouble focusing on more than one book at a time. So, I may not actually read along, but I will take all books on the "to read" list and do my part in voting as well. I just won't read the spoiler posts. :)
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So excited! I just joined the group and found that I have already read the first book in the discussion! It is one of my favorites and I have recommended it to others. After a slow start, I found that I couldn't put this one down. Medical mysteries are also an interest of mine and the twin and psychological aspects of this one had me fascinated. Loved the time period as well. Goood book!
Chris wrote: "Not-a-Spoiler: "I enjoyed this book."Spoiler: "This book rocked at the end where everyone died except for Ben, the little brother that revealed to everyone that he was, in fact, the Queen of Sp..."
Ha Ha! That definitely clears it up :)! So here we go....
*******************SPOILER***********************
Because now I have read the book in its entirety.... I also thought the twin thing with Margaret was too much, especially when she goes into the garden at night to introduce Aurelius to his "mother" and feels the presence of her own twin. What was that all about? And then at the end when her twin "visits" her??? At the same time, the empathy and profound understanding that Margaret can have with regard to the Angelfield twins is essential, I think, so that she can act as interlocutor for the reader. But I feel that the almost supernatural sets in - a little beyond what is required for a gothic novel (is it perhaps a mockery of the gothic genre??).
On another note, I felt as though the intertextuality was far to in my face - no need to keep repeating names of titles and authors that clearly have parallels with the novel being read... the Brontes, Jane Austen (I think), Sherlock Holmes... Again, overstating the style makes it more of a mockery.
All that said, I agree with Lisa (new to the group Lisa) that it was a slow start but I then couldn't put the book down.
Okay, I have to add that I love the idea of the house as a character (I think this also happens in The House of the Seven Gables).
***spoiler...ish****Does anyone know if Setterfield did research on twin psychology?
hi Iam new to this group and very excited. I finished reading the Thirteenth Tale about 8 weeks ago. I was not as thrilled with this one. It did keep my attention but it was not quite what I had hoped for. I finished only because my husband said you can not start your new book until you finish. That new book was The historian by Elizabeth Kostova. That was amazing one of the best books I have ever read.
Angelita Starr wrote: "hi Iam new to this group and very excited. I finished reading the Thirteenth Tale about 8 weeks ago. I was not as thrilled with this one. It did keep my attention but it was not quite what I had h..."Looks like I am catching up with you on several posts here, Angelita! I also enjoyed reading The Historian so very much.
Kathy
K.P. wrote: "Angelita Starr wrote: "hi Iam new to this group and very excited. I finished reading the Thirteenth Tale about 8 weeks ago. I was not as thrilled with this one. It did keep my attention but it was..."yes you are quick Im still learning where you all are.
Did I post before? Sorry, if so. I loved this book. Vida was one storyteller! Read it twice and not planning to let it out of my house.
A new favourite of mine, I loved the way Setterfield wrote about reading and books. The family history mystery was fantastic, and I thought the writing very well done.
Historical Fictionistas
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The Shadow of the Wind (other topics)
Brethren (other topics)
The Canterbury Papers (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Northrop Frye (other topics)Matilde Asensi (other topics)
*************Spoiler Alert**************
I loved the twist at the end, and really didn't see it coming!
I just read through the comments here today, so let me see if I can remember main points...
I could not figure out what time the main story with Margaret took place at all, which struck me as unusual very early on. Usually books give you some reference to their time more with clothing styles or historical events etc.
For no good reason, I felt like most of Vida's story took place at the turn of the century, which is earlier than most people said. I think it is the long skirts and governesses and big houses that conjured up that time period for me... but I have no justification for it besides those things.
I don't think we are supposed to know for sure whether it was Adeline or Emmeline that got saved from the fire. Whichever twin it was clearly had gotten injured in the fire, and that seemed to be Vida's way of explaining the difference in them. Also, a previous person was correct in saying that after a certain point, she never just used Emmeline's name. Margaret instead said things like "to mourn the woman referred to throughout the service as Emmeline."
I did want to ask/clarify... I thought the twins were from Isabelle and Robert(?) not from her brother and her. I know they were incestuous... but I thought she ditched her brother (at least temporarily) for the guy. So the twins issues came from the crazy no real parent household, not due to their crazy genetics, right?
I agree that Margaret's twin thing was extra to me as well, but it didn't bother me too much... its just something that could have been left out, and I think I would have liked the book better.
Still a five star for me though!