Published by Atria/Emily Bestler Books on December 4, 2018
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Library, Net Galley
Pages: 464
Amazon UK
Goodreads
On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the river Thames, an extraordinary event takes place. The regulars are telling stories to while away the dark hours, when the door bursts open on a grievously wounded stranger. In his arms is the lifeless body of a small child. Hours later, the girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or can science provide an explanation? These questions have many answers, some of them quite dark indeed.
Those who dwell on the river bank apply all their ingenuity to solving the puzzle of the girl who died and lived again, yet as the days pass the mystery only deepens. The child herself is mute and unable to answer the essential questions: Who is she? Where did she come from? And to whom does she belong? But answers proliferate nonetheless.
Three families are keen to claim her. A wealthy young mother knows the girl is her kidnapped daughter, missing for two years. A farming family reeling from the discovery of their son’s secret liaison, stand ready to welcome their granddaughter. The parson’s housekeeper, humble and isolated, sees in the child the image of her younger sister. But the return of a lost child is not without complications and no matter how heartbreaking the past losses, no matter how precious the child herself, this girl cannot be everyone’s. Each family has mysteries of its own, and many secrets must be revealed before the girl’s identity can be known.
Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned.
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.
Until the next time xxx
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