Once Upon a River

Summary

The book «Once Upon a River» is set in Victorian England, along the banks of the River Thames. One winter evening, a wounded man bursts into a local inn carrying a dead girl in his arms. However, the girl miraculously comes back to life shortly after. This event marks the beginning of a series of mysterious and mystical occurrences. Intrigues start to swirl around the girl as several families claim her as their own, each convinced she is their missing daughter. The story intertwines with myths and legends, with the river symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. The book explores themes of loss, hope, and the power of stories to change people's destinies.

Main Ideas

• The power of stories and myths: the book explores how stories and myths shape our perception of reality and influence people's lives.
• The mystery and magic of the River Thames: the river serves as a symbol and source of mystical events, connecting the characters' fates.
• Identity and belonging: a central theme of the book is the search for one's place in the world and understanding one's true essence.
• Family and love: an exploration of various forms of familial bonds and love, both blood-related and found.
• Life and death: the book touches on questions of life, death, and rebirth, exploring the boundaries between them.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Margot Black – the owner of the 'Swan' inn on the Thames, who becomes a central figure in the story when the dead girl is brought to her inn and then comes back to life. She shows care and determination in trying to find out who the girl is and what happened to her.
• John Dailey – a photographer who is present at the inn when the girl is brought in. He plays a crucial role in investigating her origins and fate.
• Rita Sanders – a nurse who is also at the inn and helps the girl. She shows professionalism and compassion in trying to understand what happened to the girl.
• Lily White – a mysterious woman living on the outskirts of the village, who has her own secrets and connection to the girl. Her story gradually unfolds, adding depth and intrigue.
• Victoria Armstrong – a wealthy woman who lost her daughter and hopes that the found girl is her missing child. Her despair and hope become an important part of the plot.
• Robert Armstrong – Victoria's husband, who supports her in the search for their daughter and also hopes for a miracle. His love and devotion to his family play a key role in his development.

Style and Technique

Diane Setterfield's novel «Once Upon a River» is distinguished by its rich and atmospheric language, creating a sense of enchantment and mystery. The author uses a wealth of descriptive details to immerse the reader in a world full of enigmas and secrets. Literary techniques include the use of metaphors and symbolism, adding depth and layers to the text. The narrative structure is nonlinear, with numerous embedded stories and flashbacks that gradually reveal the plot and characters. Setterfield masterfully weaves various storylines together, creating a complex and captivating narrative.

Interesting Facts

• The book is set in Victorian England, along the banks of the River Thames.
• The plot begins with the mysterious appearance of a girl found dead, who miraculously comes back to life.
• The book combines elements of mysticism, folklore, and detective fiction.
• The River Thames in the book serves not only as a geographical location but also as a symbol of life and death.
• Many characters in the book have their own stories and secrets, which gradually unfold as the plot develops.
• The book explores themes of family, identity, and the power of stories.

Book Review

Diane Setterfield's «Once Upon a River» has received numerous positive reviews from critics for its atmospheric and engaging storytelling. The book combines elements of folklore, mysticism, and historical fiction, creating a rich and multilayered world. Critics praise the author's skill in creating vivid and memorable characters, as well as her ability to weave multiple intriguing plotlines that gradually unfold as the story progresses. Special attention is given to Setterfield's language, described as poetic and mesmerizing, capable of immersing the reader in the atmosphere of Victorian England. Some reviewers also highlight that the book explores themes of loss, hope, and the power of storytelling, making it not only an entertaining read but also a profound literary work.