Book Snails Book Group discussion

Winning by 2 votes, our Book of the Month for December 2017 is...

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

A few places you can buy a copy: https://www.goodreads.com/book/40440/...

or borrow it free from your library or Overdrive.com: https://www.overdrive.com/creators/50...



Genre: Historical fiction       Page Count: 400+

When Margaret Lea opened the door to the past, what she confronted was her destiny....

First published in 2006, this was author Diane Setterfield's first published book -- and it was a success, hitting #1 on the NY Times Bestseller list after just 1 week.

The Library Journal review said, "It's a gothic novel, and it doesn't pretend to be anything fancier. But this one grabs the reader with its damp, icy fingers and doesn't let go until the last shocking secret has been revealed."

Goodreads gives it a 3.95 average rating from members, or a 92% "liked it" score.

Let us know what you think of it, should you choose to read it (or have already finished it). No BIG spoilers please, or hide 'em with spoiler tags. Tip: Click (some html is ok) above your comment window for help with tags.

Nice! I ordered it at the library. If I get to finish it, and the book I just started now, I’ve reached my challenge! Uhh... not shure I make it though, it’s going to be a busy time. But anyway, I’m on 23 books now and I never read that much in a year ever! So I’m happy anyway :-)
A big hooray for all my fellow snails that inspired me to read this year!

I read it two years ago, in December, too, so I might just have to reread this one! It's one of my favorites :)

I’ve been so out of it, totally forgot to vote, lol! I have the book already but next month will be busy and I’ve got a few challenge books I still need to finish so not sure if I’ll join. If time permits, will definitely try though! :-)

I read it for the second time recently. I am curious to see what others think of it. I do like the beginning, and I love gothic novels. I will save any further opinions until later on!

I am almost halfway, and loving it so far! Anyone else reading it right now? Or has already finished it?

Pien wrote: "I am almost halfway, and loving it so far! Anyone else reading it right now? Or has already finished it?"

Hi Pien, glad you are enjoying it...

I've got an e-copy, but haven't started it yet.

Seeing as how it's a book with more books on the cover, it has to be good, right? It's a law. Or should be.

Pien wrote: "I am almost halfway, and loving it so far! Anyone else reading it right now? Or has already finished it?"

So glad you're liking it, Pien! I read it two years ago, and it's still so fresh in my memory, that I remember every single thing that happened! It's one of my favorite books ever!

StarMan wrote: "Pien wrote: "I am almost halfway, and loving it so far! Anyone else reading it right now? Or has already finished it?"

Hi Pien, glad you are enjoying it...

I've got an e-copy, but haven't started..."

It is good, StarMan! At least I think it is. Highly, HIGHLY, recommend :)

Just finished this book, and I’m amazed. What a wonderful story, and how complete. I’m in love. Read this!! :-D

Pien wrote: "Just finished this book, and I’m amazed. What a wonderful story, and how complete. I’m in love. Read this!! :-D"

So glad you loved it Pien! I did too! That's why I didn't reread it this year with the group. I was SO invested in the story that I still remember every single thing that happened!

I also agree with your point about it being complete. I actually think I wrote that in my review. There are one or two questions that aren't explicitly answered, but the author gives her readers enough clues for them to piece it together themselves.

It was one of the most accomplished blends of wrapping up a story, yet leaving enough space for questions, I've ever read. We weren't spoon fed clues and answers, and we do have to work the story out as a reader, but at the same time, we also arrive to a completely satisfying ending, even if that one lingering question is still...lingering :) I can't think of many books that do that!