I didn’t realize this until half way through, but this is the second book I’ve read by Diane Setterfield. The first book I’ve read of hers is called Bellman & Black, which I read back in 2014 but didn’t write a review for (according to my 2014 list). Anyway, I don’t remember much about that book, other than it was a bit dark and historical fiction, and Once Upon a River is similar in both senses, it takes place a long time ago and includes some mythical elements. This book falls on the side of ‘dark’ as well because it doesn’t shy away from children’s death, abuse, illness and poverty. However, it is a beautiful story, and it highlights the importance of oral storytelling from the past.
We begin on a cold night during the winter solstice in December, sometime in the early 1900s (?) when a man stumbles into the local pub with a torn up face and dead-looking girl in his arms. The young girl is at first mistaken for a doll, but then ‘comes back to life’ surprising everyone, especially the local nurse/midwife who didn’t feel a pulse when first brought to the patient’s side. As the man carrying her regains his own health, he struggles to remember what happened that evening, thus beginning a legend that is oft-talked about and replayed over and over again at the pub. Storytelling is at the heart of this book-everyone loves listening to and telling a good story, especially back when there weren’t many forms of entertainment on the banks of the Thames river. Thus, the supernatural events of that evening serve as fodder for the drinkers to talk about for months on end after that. But stories aren’t just important for passing the time in this book-stories are also what get people through difficult times, because often it’s the stories they tell themselves to hide what’s truly happening.
What makes a great story is of course a mystery, and the great conundrum is who is the girl, and who does she belong to? She’s thought to be about 4 years old, and three different people are laying claim to her, convinced she is the young girl they had either lost years ago, or just a few weeks ago. Clearly someone is lying, but who?
There is a large cast of characters but each is drawn in such a way that is believable, and easy to keep straight in one’s mind (not an easy task to accomplish both, many authors struggle to do this). Our sympathies are torn between the numerous good characters in this novel, and in some cases, the good characters that turn out to be not-so-good. The reveal of who is a ‘baddie’ isn’t much of a surprise, but it’s satisfying enough, and necessary in a complicated plot such as this.
This is one of those books that you’re really engaged with while reading it, but as soon as it’s done, you struggle to remember why you liked it so much. At the time I enjoyed it, but when I think back to it, I must confess I found it a bit long. I don’t think all the subplots were necessary, but they were done well regardless. Moreover the ghost story that runs as a thread throughout is fascinating and gave the novel an atmospheric touch that still resonates with me, so perhaps I’m just rushing something that needn’t be rushed. With that in mind, I’ll recommend this book to readers who are looking to settle in with a long and in-depth novel, but if you’re wanting to jump in and out of a story, this definitely isn’t for you.
I’m saving this book to read on the plane for an upcoming trip, but this review makes me want to dive into it already! If you haven’t read The Thirteenth Tale yet, I highly recommend it. It’s one of my favorite books!
The sad thing is, I can’t remember if I’ve read the Thirteenth Tale or not! Too many books LOL
I soooo know that feeling. There’s also a BBC movie version, if you want to dip your toes to see if its familiar.
Very much agree with you. I loved it while I read it and appreciated very much the story-telling aspect and the mystery but afterward it was like yeah, that could have used some editing. It would make a great television series though!
Ok I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I do like atmospheric, slightly paranormal reads, and I enjoyed her first book. But “long” gives me pause too. Right now my attention span stinks. I might go ahead and put it on the TBR list. I can always take it off later, LOL! I enjoyed your review.
🙂 Thanks Laila
I’ve only read Bellman and Black too, and though I loved her writing I felt she forgot to put in an interesting plot which may be why you can’t remember much about it! However, I’ve seen so many positive reviews of this one that I’m tempted to give her another chance. Though that word “long” is a bit of a concern… 😉 I bet Smokey could tell a fantastic story or two if you would only make the effort to learn cat…
Yes, ‘long’ is a very good way of describing it, especially now that I’ve been a few months since i read it-I have more perspective on how long it truly was LOL
What is it about this book that everyone is reading it right now? Did it win an award? The title keeps throwing me off; I read a book called Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell that I LOVED, so when I hear someone read Once Upon a River, I think they read the same book as me.
I actually think that title has been used by many authors! I don’t think it has won an award no, but she’s a pretty well-known author so people are keen, especially us book blogger people
It looks like Smokey is taking a taste of this one!
that very well could be the case
I’m reading this at the moment – it’s not my usual reading material because I don’t get drawn much to mythical/non realist elements but I’m certainly impressed with the story telling quality at the beginning
yes! It’s all about the ‘storytelling’ in this one, it’s the length that tends to put people off…
I hope that doesn’t prove an issue for me but I do have the advantage of two long flights coming up which would help
that will definitely help! Being trapped in a plane makes it almost impossible to DNF something haha
The Thirteenth Tale I absolutely loved. I remember thinking it was a little like Fingersmith but even more bookish. However, after she continued to publish, I lost track of her and never felt the pull to go back. It looks like it’s earned a wee kiss from Smokey though.
Yes Smokey liked this one, but clearly I had mixed feelings! This is one of those ‘I didn’t love it, but I KNOW other people will”