The Thirteenth Tale Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part One, Beginnings: The Letter, Margaret's Story, and Thirteen Tales Summary

Part One, Beginnings: The Letter, Margaret's Story, and Thirteen Tales Summary

The Thirteenth Tale is a novel in the tradition of the Bronte sisters by new writer Diane Setterfield. The main character, Margaret Lea, is invited to write the life story of bestselling author, Vida Winter, who has spent her entire career making up her past. Margaret is hesitant, convinced that the master storyteller will lie to her just like she lied to all the others. However, lured by Miss Winter's Victorian style of writing, Margaret takes the contract and quickly realizes that by learning Miss Winter's secret she will be forced to confront a secret of her own. The Thirteenth Tale is a story that has all the elements of classic English literature and all the mystery of a modern day blockbuster.

Margaret Lea returns home to her father's antique bookstore and finds a letter waiting for her. This is a big occasion because Margaret does not get many letters....
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