I went for a change of pace with this book I selected to review. I have to mix it up every now and then and I love when I get surprised with something I’ve chosen.
This fiction novel is unlike anything I’ve read in quite a while. It is definitely one that you will invest time in, however, it is one that’s not likely to be forgotten. Here are my thoughts on this upcoming release due out in December.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
December 4, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-0743298070
ABOUT
On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed.
Those who dwell on the river bank apply all their ingenuity to solving the puzzle of the girl who died and lived again, yet as the days pass the mystery only deepens. The child herself is mute and unable to answer the essential questions: Who is she? Where did she come from? And to whom does she belong? But answers proliferate nonetheless.
Three families are keen to claim her. A wealthy young mother knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter, missing for two years. A farming family reeling from the discovery of their son’s secret liaison, stand ready to welcome their granddaughter. The parson’s housekeeper, humble and isolated, sees in the child the image of her younger sister. But the return of a lost child is not without complications and no matter how heartbreaking the past losses, no matter how precious the child herself, this girl cannot be everyone’s. Each family has mysteries of its own, and many secrets must be revealed before the girl’s identity can be known.
Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Trying to gather my thoughts for this review is difficult. This author has such a gift with writing and storytelling that many times I just found myself lost in her gift of prose.
The author is telling a story within a story where you get glimpses of folklore, combined with mystery, history, and even a touch of romance. Her imagination and ability to weave this remarkable story together is really quite amazing. In fact, reading my notes I made as I read, I used the word “amazing” three separate times!
A child. A mysterious child is what brings the small village together and yet can easily tear it apart in a blink of an eye. Interesting characters that have richly detailed lives are laid out for us page by page. The author writes in such a way that you are also experiencing the story instead of just reading it. Much like the River…
If you are ready to take a step back in time to when life was simple to fully experience this highly addictive novel, make sure to set aside time so that you don’t miss one single word. I promise you Once Upon a River will stay with you long after you close the cover.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.
