Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale is praised for its compelling narrative, Gothic ambiance, and intricate storytelling. Readers applaud Setterfield's writing style and character depth. However, some critique its pacing and predictability. While adored by fans of literary fiction, it may not engage those seeking fast-paced action.

A reader who would enjoy The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is likely an aficionado of gothic literature and intricate storytelling. Similar to fans of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, this reader appreciates atmospheric settings, complex characters, and dark family secrets. The novel also appeals to those who enjoy literary mysteries akin to The Shadow of the Wind.

In The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, amateur biographer Margaret Lea is invited by the reclusive author Vida Winter to record her life story. Margaret travels to Yorkshire, where Vida recounts her enigmatic past involving the mysterious Angelfield estate, twin sisters, hidden family secrets, and tragedy. As Margaret delves deeper, she uncovers truths that reshape her own understanding of family and identity. This book includes descriptions of murder, suicide, and sexual assault.

- Diane Setterfield's debut novel, The Thirteenth Tale, became an unexpected bestseller, reaching the top of the New York Times Bestseller list shortly after its release in 2006. 
- The novel has been translated into nearly 40 languages, allowing readers worldwide to enjoy its gothic and mysterious atmosphere. 
- The Thirteenth Tale was adapted into a television film by the BBC in 2013, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Colman.

**Margaret Lea**  
An intellectual and solitary amateur biographer who works at her father's bookshop specializing in antique texts. She has a deep love for 19th-century gothic literature.

**Vida Winter**  
A celebrated English author known for the book "Thirteen Tales," which intriguingly contains only twelve stories. She is known for concocting different stories about her personal history during interviews.

**Aurelius Love**  
A gentle and caring man with a childlike quality, whom Margaret meets at Angelfield. He is a local caterer raised by Mrs. Love and is curious about his origins. 

**Hester Barrow**  
The governess at Angelfield brought in to oversee the twins, known for her intelligence and passion. She implements educational methods to help improve the children's behaviors.

**John-the-Dig (John Digence)**  
The gardener at Angelfield, characterized by his love for the estate's topiary garden. He holds a deep connection with the estate and its occupants, especially Vida.

Diane Setterfield

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Beginnings”

Part 1, Chapters 1-7

The Thirteenth Tale Part 1, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-15

The Thirteenth Tale Part 1, Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Middles”

Part 2, Chapters 16-22

The Thirteenth Tale Part 2, Chapters 16-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-29

The Thirteenth Tale Part 2, Chapters 23-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 30-36

The Thirteenth Tale Part 2, Chapters 30-36 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 37-44

The Thirteenth Tale Part 2, Chapters 37-44 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Endings”

Part 3, Chapters 45-48

The Thirteenth Tale Part 3, Chapters 45-48 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Beginnings”

Part 4, Chapters 49-52

The Thirteenth Tale Part 4, Chapters 49-52 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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The Thirteenth Tale

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