“The Thirteenth Tale” is Diane Setterfield’s debut novel, first published in the United Kingdom in 2006. The manuscript was highly sought after, resulting in a lucrative publishing deal of 800 thousand pounds for the British edition and one million dollars for the American one. The novel has since been translated into several tens of languages and has garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning the nickname of the new “Jane Eyre.”
The novel quickly rose to fame, topping the New York Times bestseller list in October 2006 and becoming a bestseller in Russia a year later. The British Broadcasting Corporation even initiated a screen adaptation of the novel. However, not all critics were pleased with Setterfield’s work. Lev Danilkin spoke ill of the novel, calling it “graphomania,” and stating that only “hungry bookworms” could enjoy such “trash and infinite cliché.”
Despite this, many other critics praised Setterfield’s work. George Lubarsky compared the novel to the “long English novels,” stating that while it starts slowly and may seem overloaded with details, it quickly gains momentum as the logic of the story unfolds, connecting the signs and revealing hidden meanings. Harry Gailitt even compared the novel to modern works such as Dan Brown’s “Da Vinci Code.”
Overall, “The Thirteenth Tale” remains a beloved and highly regarded work of literature, praised for its intricate plot, attention to detail, and captivating characters. The novel's continued popularity and numerous translations are a testament to Setterfield's skill as a storyteller, and its place in modern literature is secure.
