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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
"It was solstice night, the longest night of the year... It is a time of magic. And as the borders between night and day stretch to their thinnest, so too do the borders between worlds."
"Once Upon a River" is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and magical realism, and the writing is lyrical, rife with river imagery. I loved this book so much!
"There will - always be - the river."
"Once Upon a River" is a beautiful blend of historical fiction and magical realism, and the writing is lyrical, rife with river imagery. I loved this book so much!
"There will - always be - the river."
What a wonderful tale entwining storytelling, folklore, and mystery together expertly. This was a much more fluid (pardon the pun) story than the Thirteenth Tale, and gorgeously written.
Although I finished Once Upon A River almost a month ago, I find it haunting me. I have gone back to review parts of the text several times, something I rarely do with books after I finish them. I find this book challenges me at every turn on so many levels: the understanding of time and history, the interpretation of events, the importance of community, the dependence on storytelling, the perception of right and wrong, the place of religion and belief in God, all are part of this book. The story is told in a dreamy, undulating way, in the manner of moving water, with characters that are memorable, odd, and heroic. An absolutely stunning, moving, absorbing read.
This book felt a little choppy and was a little too long. Could have used more editing
A story of stories. What a fun and lovely written interweaving of tales.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't have a lot to say about this book. For one, I liked this SO much better than the other Diane Setterfield book I've read (the Thirteenth Tale) so I was obligated to give it a higher rating. It was nothing exceedingly amazing, but I enjoyed the progression of the tale, the weaving of stories, and the outcome. While at times I found it a little wandering, overall it came together, and that was the most I was hoping for while reading it.
O poveste din epoca victoriană despre cursul apei și cursul vieții, despre iubire, obstacole, despre căutarea adevărului în reflexii ale râului, în poveștile spuse la han, în cărțile de medicină, în camera obscură și în propria conștiință.
"Iar acum, dragă cititorule, povestea s-a sfârșit. E vremea să mai traversezi o dată podul și să te întorci în lumea de unde ai venit. Râul ăsta, care e și nu e Tamisa, trebuie să își continue curgerea fără tine. Ai bântuit locurile astea destul, și, la urma urmelor, vei fi având și tu, fără îndoială, râurile tale care abia te așteaptă!"
- pg. 451
"Iar acum, dragă cititorule, povestea s-a sfârșit. E vremea să mai traversezi o dată podul și să te întorci în lumea de unde ai venit. Râul ăsta, care e și nu e Tamisa, trebuie să își continue curgerea fără tine. Ai bântuit locurile astea destul, și, la urma urmelor, vei fi având și tu, fără îndoială, râurile tale care abia te așteaptă!"
- pg. 451
slow-paced
How Dreamy is this Fantasy, Once Upon a River? Diane Setterfield is a brilliant writer. The intertwining of story, the life experiences that cross over into other realms. The confusion that one little baby can create. Is so well told that you just can't put this book down.
If you love fantasy like Inkheart; Lord of the Rings; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe I can see you falling in love with this book.
If you love fantasy like Inkheart; Lord of the Rings; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe I can see you falling in love with this book.