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496
Novel • Fiction
Thames River • 19th Century
2018
Adult
18+ years
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
112,128 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
112,128 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rita Sunday
The pragmatic local nurse with a background in medical training, who is instrumental in investigating the truth behind The Child's mysterious revival through her scientific perspective.
Henry Daunt
A photographer and storyteller who brings The Child to the Swan, facilitating the unfolding mystery while fostering a relationship with Rita.
Helena Vaughan
A young woman grappling with the ongoing trauma of her daughter Amelia's kidnapping, who sees The Child as a potential source of closure.
Anthony Vaughan
Helena's husband, who privately doubts The Child's identity as Amelia while supporting Helena through their shared grief and hope.
Robert Armstrong
A compassionate farmer of mixed race who, with his wife Bess, claims The Child as family, hoping to provide her with a stable upbringing.
Bess Armstrong
Robert's supportive wife with physical disabilities, whose belief in her Seeing eye contrasts with Rita's skepticism as she navigates her family's claims to The Child.
Lily White
A housekeeper haunted by past trauma who perceives The Child as a chance for redemption, while enduring Victor Nash's abuse.
Robin Armstrong
A charming antagonist driven by manipulation and deception, entangled in criminal activities and familial rejection.
Victor Nash
The main antagonist known for his malicious actions and criminal ventures, exerting control over others through intimidation and manipulation.
496
Novel • Fiction
Thames River • 19th Century
2018
Adult
18+ years
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