Diane Setterfield's Once Upon a River enchants with lyrical prose and an atmospheric setting on the Thames. Readers appreciate its richly developed characters and intricate storytelling, though some find its pacing slow and meandering. Despite moments that feel overly drawn out, the novel's magical realism and compelling narrative depth are widely praised.

Fans of richly woven, atmospheric stories like The Thirteenth Tale and The Night Circus will revel in the enchanting mystery of Setterfield's Once Upon a River. This novel suits readers who enjoy multilayered narratives, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural, set against the immersive backdrop of 19th-century England.

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield follows the mysterious appearance of a seemingly dead child who comes back to life after being brought to the Swan inn. As news of the girl's miraculous revival spreads through the community, three different parties claim her as their own, each with a compelling story woven into the narrative tapestry. Themes of grief, identity, and the power of storytelling unfold as the truth about the child emerges. The novel includes instances of child abuse, child death, kidnapping, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Contemplative / Fantastical / Emotional

Diane Setterfield

Adult

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Once Upon a River

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