logo

60 pages 2 hours read

Once Upon a River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Diane Setterfield

Once Upon a River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Thames River • 19th Century

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Fantastical

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

112,128 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Once Upon a River?

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.

4.1

112,128 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

The Child

A mysteriously resurrected girl discovered by Henry Daunt, whose vague appearance and nonverbal nature fuel varied claims and interpretations about her identity and origins.

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.

A photographer and storyteller who brings The Child to the Swan, facilitating the unfolding mystery while fostering a relationship with Rita.

A young woman grappling with the ongoing trauma of her daughter Amelia's kidnapping, who sees The Child as a potential source of closure.

Helena's husband, who privately doubts The Child's identity as Amelia while supporting Helena through their shared grief and hope.

A compassionate farmer of mixed race who, with his wife Bess, claims The Child as family, hoping to provide her with a stable upbringing.

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.

A housekeeper haunted by past trauma who perceives The Child as a chance for redemption, while enduring Victor Nash's abuse.

A charming antagonist driven by manipulation and deception, entangled in criminal activities and familial rejection.

The main antagonist known for his malicious actions and criminal ventures, exerting control over others through intimidation and manipulation.

Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Thames River • 19th Century

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.