Super Short Summary

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.