Books Quote by Diane Setterfield
““What makes it noteworthy is that a striking coincidence has made it a cleverer trick than they could have known. For the book is a rather silly story about a governess and two haunted children. I am afraid that in it Mr. James exposes the extent of his ignorance. He knows little about children and nothing at all about governesses””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, 2006
A seemingly simple gothic novel hides clever twists that reveal the author's limited understanding of children and governesses.
In simple terms: A silly story with hidden cleverness and author ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden depths and author limitations.
Themes
literature
gothic
authorial intent
character analysis
Mood
curious
critical
analytical
Type
literary
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- book club discussion
- literary criticism
- teaching gothic literature
- writing analysis
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
author bias
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does author knowledge affect story credibility?
- What can readers learn from recognizing author blind spots?
A Different Perspective
The novel may rely on clichés that undermine its originality.
