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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
CW: multiple implied r*pes and sexual assaults, kidnapping, child deaths
Going to check this off as "ghost story" in my reading challenge. Very much loved the character Robert Armstrong, so wonderful (and he reminds me a little bit of Hagrid.)
Going to check this off as "ghost story" in my reading challenge. Very much loved the character Robert Armstrong, so wonderful (and he reminds me a little bit of Hagrid.)
if you don’t like meandering descriptions of things, don’t read this
There is no one better to write a novel about storytellers than master storyteller, Setterfield herself. Her books are always beautifully woven and teetering on the edge of macabre. “Once Upon A River” is the story of a mysterious little girl who washes up one night and inflames old wounds in the town of Radcot. Two families claim the child; but, no one is prepared for the secrets her arrival unleashes.
* Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to review. All opinions stated are my own.
* Many thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to review. All opinions stated are my own.
This was eerie, and a little slow to start, but it drew me in once the story got a little momentum. A bit meandering, but with no tangents, much like a river.
This book was fantastic. A perfect example of magical realism done right. It has everything: wonderful writing, interesting characters, a mysterious plot to keep you hooked, and a completely magical atmosphere.
I loved this book from start to finish. I tried to take it slow because I really didn't want it to end. Th whole book was filled with subtle descriptions that seemed to make everything more vivid and there was a perfect balance between letting you picture and imagine things your way while also telling you enough that the events and images sit firmly in your mind. I loved every character in this story. I mean, of course I hated some of the people, but I loved reading about all of them. There was so much depth to both the characters and the story - no part of the book ever felt like it was dragging because we were always learning something new.
It's only February and already I know I've found one of my favourite books of the year. Time to go find myself some more Diane Setterfield to read...
I loved this book from start to finish. I tried to take it slow because I really didn't want it to end. Th whole book was filled with subtle descriptions that seemed to make everything more vivid and there was a perfect balance between letting you picture and imagine things your way while also telling you enough that the events and images sit firmly in your mind. I loved every character in this story. I mean, of course I hated some of the people, but I loved reading about all of them. There was so much depth to both the characters and the story - no part of the book ever felt like it was dragging because we were always learning something new.
It's only February and already I know I've found one of my favourite books of the year. Time to go find myself some more Diane Setterfield to read...
Absolutely enchanting! The finest piece of story telling I’ve read in years.
An absolute pleasure from first sentence to last. This novel captures all the elements that make a work of fiction sing to me: a River, a journey, an awakening. Diane Setterfield has created a world of singular characters each of whom has a story to tell, and tell it they do.
A village inn set on the banks of a river brings together a community, be they the inhabitants of the fine manor house, local farmers, traders, craftsmen, river folks passing through, a photographer, a nurse, the inn’s proprietor, his manager wife and their grown children who serve the guests. This inn attracts folks who have stories to tell and those who enjoy a good yarn. One rainy night Into the inn comes a man drenched in river water and beaten within an inch of his life holding what appears to be a lifeless doll. Thus begins a tale that slowly and deliciously unravels mystery after mystery.
I highly recommend Once Upon a River to anyone who loves a good old-fashioned story which applies all the qualities of a child’s fairytale with adult themed stories that highlight life’s struggles and joys. Juliet Stevenson gives a magnificent performance as the narrator in the audible edition.
A village inn set on the banks of a river brings together a community, be they the inhabitants of the fine manor house, local farmers, traders, craftsmen, river folks passing through, a photographer, a nurse, the inn’s proprietor, his manager wife and their grown children who serve the guests. This inn attracts folks who have stories to tell and those who enjoy a good yarn. One rainy night Into the inn comes a man drenched in river water and beaten within an inch of his life holding what appears to be a lifeless doll. Thus begins a tale that slowly and deliciously unravels mystery after mystery.
I highly recommend Once Upon a River to anyone who loves a good old-fashioned story which applies all the qualities of a child’s fairytale with adult themed stories that highlight life’s struggles and joys. Juliet Stevenson gives a magnificent performance as the narrator in the audible edition.
I don't even know how to categorize this book. It has elements of a fairytale, of fantasy, of historical fiction, mystery, crime-solving, romance, family drama. It was so much more than I ever envisioned going in. I don't even feel like the synopsis does it justice. Yes, it describes the main driving plot, but it doesn't tell you that Setterfield is a master storyteller. It doesn't mention how you will get so engulf in this novel that you won't be able to put it down. It was just amazing.
I generally love everything revolving the tradition of storytelling. I believe the oral tradition of passing down and along stories has always been such a major part of being human and this novel revolves so much about the power of a story and of storytelling, and how believing in stories can bring it to life for a whole town of people.
Stories are powerful. That's something every bookworm can tell you and will swear by. And this novel will make you believe in that power.
Just pick this book up already and dive into it head first.
I generally love everything revolving the tradition of storytelling. I believe the oral tradition of passing down and along stories has always been such a major part of being human and this novel revolves so much about the power of a story and of storytelling, and how believing in stories can bring it to life for a whole town of people.
Stories are powerful. That's something every bookworm can tell you and will swear by. And this novel will make you believe in that power.
Just pick this book up already and dive into it head first.
Sounded from the description like it would be right up my street but I got over a quarter of the way through and realised I just... do not care. I didn't find it engaging. I was reading for the sake of reading/being a completionist but it was a slog for me. It's trying to do too many things and the threads got tangled for me.
Absolutely captivating and beautifully written. A story that stays with you...