Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I've had The Thirteenth Tale on my list to read for years now. I bought it ages ago. I've even picked it up numerous times and just couldn't get into it. Having finally read it, I'm glad that I did. It wasn't a quick read for me. I would pick it up and not really be tempted enough to pick it back up but I was curious how it would play out I thought I knew what was coming and I was wrong. It did seem to drag on forever, though, and the main character was the least interesting part of the book. She seemed to be there just to record the story but really could have been a fly on the wall.

Margaret Lea is a young biographer, more by way of hobby than by way of a profession. She is surprised, therefore, when Miss Vida Winter (a world-renowned author) sends her a letter requesting that she write her biography. Miss Winter's life has always been one of speculation. She has told many journalists different and clearly fabricated histories of her life but she finally wishes to tell the truth. Margaret wonders why she would choose to tell it to her. As the story of Emmeline and Adeline (the Angelfield twins) unravels, it becomes clear why Margaret is exactly the right person to document Miss Winter's secrets.

If you like a bit of mystery and a well-written story about siblings and secrets, I'd recommend this one. I also enjoyed the many references to classic novels and the love the characters have for literature, especially Jane Eyre (one of my favorites).

If you're looking for a fast-paced, sit on the edge of your seat type of mystery, look elsewhere. This isn't that kind of book.