Once Upon a River

A new book by Diane Setterfield. I loved The Thirteenth Tale and this has a similar haunting and other-worldly quality.

Amazon UK link

Amazon US link

Book description -

On 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 and in steps an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a child.

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

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

And who does the little girl belong to?

My review - 

This is the story of a number of families who lived by the river Thames in the 19^th century. It centres upon the fate of a child rescued from the river, apparently drowned, who seems to come back to life. Various people think they know who she is but nobody can prove it, and the child herself has lost the power of speech. This story is fascinating, atmospheric, and has the feel of myth or legend about it. The characters and their lives are skilfully interwoven. I found it almost impossible to put down and I heartily recommend it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

Author info -

DianeSetterfield’s bestselling novel, The Thirteenth Tale was published in 38 countries, sold more than three million copies, and was made into a television drama scripted by Christopher Hampton, starring Olivia Colmanand Vanessa Redgrave. Her second novel was Bellman & Black, and her new novel is Once Upon a River. Born in rural Berkshire, she now lives near Oxford, by the Thames.

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Just a thought - When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes. 

― Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus