Setterfield's writing is evocative, with rich descriptions that bring the setting to life and a narrative that weaves together multiple storylines. The novel's pacing is deliberate, with a focus on character development and the exploration of themes such as family, loss, and the supernatural. Once Upon a River is a lyrical and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century England. The story begins with the mysterious appearance of a drowned girl who, after being pronounced dead, revives during the course of a riverboat gathering. The novel unfolds with a blend of mystery and historical fiction, as the characters attempt to uncover the truth about the girl's identity and circumstances.

While Once Upon a River is praised for its atmospheric quality and intricate storytelling, some readers may find its slow pace and multiple plot threads a bit challenging. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted story that will appeal to those who enjoy detailed historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

A soaking wet stranger staggers through the door with what appears to be a drowned child in his arms. From this moment a troubling & complex tales begins to unfold. Redolent with myth, folk lore & atmospheric tension, yet sweet in its portrayal of love & kindness, this book is a marvel of erudition & understated impact

The child that came out of the river, the child that was dead then alive. Stories told in legends and lives changed forever. Who is this girl and what secrets will she make a local village reveal.

Exquisitely written a true page turner.

I loved The thirteenth tale, couldn’t put it down so even though I liked this one I was a bit disappointed with it. It’s very slow going .. it has so many elements that i love.. magic, folklore, stories, mysteries, love… but it lacked a punch to actually keep it interesting.. i hate using this word but i got bored and had to push myself to keep going. It is also not a stand alone just to warn you!
Thank you Net Galley for a copy to review.

A gorgeous and atmospheric read that's hard to pin down to one genre (in a good way). This tale of an Inn on the Thames and the people and stories that surround it had me gripped. I loved the folk tale storytelling style and the side stories. I won't say anything about the plot as it's hard not to do spoilers but the way the stories and myths interlink is wonderfully done.
I also - completely accidentally - read most of this in December and a lot of the action is set around the midwinter solstice or longest night, which was a bonus for a wintery read.

It was a ‘nice’ book but a little bit slow and flat in places. Quite muddled and confusing but eventually the tales do become clearer but only just. All in all, a little underwhelming.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

This mysteriously gothic tale won't disappoint Setterfield fans. A little slow going to get into but enjoyable nonetheless. Thanks NetGalley!

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a captivating and enchanting novel set in the 19th century English countryside. The story centers around the mysterious appearance of a drowned child in the river, and the subsequent search for the child's identity. Setterfield's atmospheric writing brings the Thames and the characters' world to life, while the intertwining stories of the various families and their secrets keep the reader engaged until the very end. The characters are richly drawn and the themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling will stay with the reader long after finishing the book. Once Upon a River is a beautiful and masterful work of storytelling.

I will start off by saying that this type of book is not aimed at me, but wow I am so glad I read/listened to this gorgeous book. It’s a book to be savoured and to take your time with. You owe it all your attention and in return, it will give you a tale so heartwarming, folkelory, heartbreaking, and one that will not want to let go of you.

I went in blind and I gave it everything it demanded. The story just kept giving. I had no idea that the story of a girl and man turning up one night at a pub, would link to the stories of the town folk. I actually didn’t expect anything to link. I had no idea what was going to happen and therefore I was in complete awe. I was enraptured and despite being an audiobook of over 16 hours, I didn’t want it to end.

Each character in this book adds to the story, and you become protective of each and every one of them. Well apart from one.

I loved Rita! And Daunt! Their friendship was a beacon in the book and it was like a safety beacon that held the town and you, the reader, together.

I was blown away by the beauty of the writing. I just loved it.

I don’t want to tell you anything about this book because I don’t want this tale to be spoiled. There is something magical about this book and it should stay that way for each and every reader.

Tales of the river Thames. Magic & Folklore. A girl is found in the river, but who is she?

A story of sadness, trickery, tomfoolery and hope.

This was a labour of love, I had to work so hard to get through the first half, I do feel a little rewarded with the rest but I had to really persist and that's why I've marked it down to three stars.

I've never read anything by this author before, but I would again. Despite it being an effort, I did enjoy it. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read for an honest review.

I very nearly gave up on this tale early on as it is very slow to get going. But I'm so glad I stuck with it as it is quite delightful. It slowly reveals its layers and gets richer and deeper as it goes on, rewarding the patience reader with well drawn characters and an enthralling plot. The magical realism is so deftly done that it seems simultaneously barely there and yet also hugely significant. I love the ending as it offers satisfying resolutions and a lingering mystery as well. A lovely book, so well written and highly recommended.

A stunning playful, deep, entrancing inhabitation of the power of ‘Tell Me A Story’

With this third book Diane Setterfield has equalled the immersive, addictive enchantment of her first extraordinary novel.

This is both a continuing riff on the power and form of narrative, and the deep hunger humans have in the patterns of story, and the pleasure in their crafting, an assured setting out of any number of recurring story tropes, and the creation of a whole raft of wonderful characters who become friends the reader roots for.

Set near to one of the possible sources of the River Thames – there are 3 reputed sources, just like there may be more than one disputed originations of a story – this takes place in early Victorian England. Radcot, where this is set, is made a village which values storytelling above all else, and the Swan Inn, at Radcot, was where you went if you valued a well told tale.

One night, an injured stranger, clearly drenched from the river, stumbles into The Swan, bearing a dead child in his arms. And so begins a tale of missing children, loving parents, cruel parents, marriages made in heaven or the other place, and a little bit (possibly) of magic.

This is a book which reinforces everything about why those of us who love reading, devour a book like this with intense pleasure.

Setterfield is something of a magician…………………..

I absolutely adore THE THIRTEENTH TALE so was excited to read the author's latest offering. It was a haunting tale with the beautiful writing style I've come to love. It sweeps the reader along on an unforgettable journey and I loved every moment.

I really enjoyed this book. A large cast of characters which was a little confusing but all well written. I loved the magical elements. Definitely worth a read.

A cleverly woven story that combines magic, mystery and science with a bit of fairy dust. The folks that live on the river and frequent The Swan thought they had seen most things, until one night a young deceased girl is bought into the pub in the arms of an injured man. Imagine the confusion and stories that will be told when it is discovered that the girl is no longer dead, but has come back to life.
For some, it is river magic, for others they long to find out the science behind her revival, but one thing is for sure, it will be told in stories far and wide and none that were there that night will ever forget.
More pressing though, is who is she and where did she come from? There are those willing to claim her, but will we ever find out the truth of who she is and how did she get to be in the river that night?

An atmospheric, magical and mysterious tale that takes the reader on a journey along part of the river Thames in Oxfordshire, and introduces us to a intriguing cast of characters, presenting us with the mystery of a girl who appeared to have died, but then comes back to life. There are very well developed characters, tender moments, and an array of emotions portrayed. An epic tale to become immersed in.

I really enjoyed this book

A bit of a spooky story regarding the dead little girl’s character keeps you wondering if she is really dead or not

Highly recommended

The book is well written and the story well told. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen next the author took you in another direction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only reason I gave it four stars is because there are a lot of characters and sometimes I had to go back to figure out who and how the character was related. Other than that this book has it all; mystery, romance, historical fiction, violence, a tiny bit of sex, fantasy, great characters, and great stories. Highly recommend this book.

an interesting melding of strands here, different stories weave together to produce a page turner mystery tale, well worth a read,