Book Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Once Upon a River was an impulse buy at the bookstore one day. I spotted it sitting on the shelf and immediately wanted it. Not only is the cover gorgeous, the story inside is a winding, whimsical tale set on the Thames River in the late 1800s. The story centers around the river itself and features a mystery of a girl found dead who mysteriously comes back to life. The ambiance of this book is so beautiful that you will want to sink right into the story yourself.

the story

Diane Setterfield is a very talented writer and her descriptions of the Thames and the towns situated on its banks make you feel as if you are a character yourself witnessing all of these events unfolding. Once Upon a River is a slow-burn that unwinds gently and takes its time to explore each character and detail. I loved this method of storytelling, as it made the magical and sometimes sad atmosphere take center stage. This is not a novel that jumps erratically through each plot point. Rather, it allows you to immerse yourself in the world and to savor the fairy tale.

magical realism

The story takes place in an in-between world that resembles our own but is touched by magic. The characters are superstitious and spread their own folklore, like the specter named Quietly who is said to traverse the river saving those in danger or taking them to the "other side of the river" when is is their time. These little tales are woven through the larger plot, giving the book an enchanting and often eerie atmosphere. The border between worlds and the lines between reality and whimsy are not clear. Does a certain character really see into the soul of a person or are they just adept at reading people? It's never explicitly stated either way and grants the novel that touch of magic that transforms it from an interesting mystery to a spellbinding story of love, death, dreams, and identity. 

the characters 

The cast of characters is a large one, but you learn to appreciate and care for each one of them in turn. The main setting is a pub called The Swan at Radcot where the specialty is telling stories and the famous resurrection occurs at the start of the book. The pub is owned by Margot and her family, who become a central force for the rest of the characters to gather around. My personal favorite characters are Rita, the local nurse called to attend to the injured man and deceased child, and Armstrong, who may or may not be linked to the child. But all of the characters are lovely and distinct. You will care for them all by the end of the novel.

final thoughts

Once Upon a River emphasizes the power of storytelling and it certainly contains a tale that will leave an impression on your heart and mind. It enfolds you in its depths to deeply experience the meandering story that will draw you in and make you fall in love with every word. This is not a book for everyone, but for those like me who adore fairy tales and hints of magic, you need to pick this one up.  

Publication Date: December 4th, 2018
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Pages: 464
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: A dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a little child.

Hours later the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life.

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

Or can it be explained by science?

Do you like magical realism stories?