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by Robin Sharma
Once Upon a River summary
Brief summary
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a captivating tale set in an ancient inn on the Thames. Filled with folklore, mystery, and magical realism, it weaves together the stories of three families and the enigmatic girl at the heart of it all.
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Once Upon a River
Summary of key ideas
Unveiling the Mystery of the River
In Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, we are transported to a small, riverside town in the 19th century. The story begins on a winter solstice night at The Swan, an ancient inn on the river Thames. The regulars are gathered, sharing stories, when a man bursts in carrying a drowned child. The child is laid out on the table, lifeless, when suddenly she stirs and comes back to life. This miraculous event sets the stage for a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue.
The child, who remains mute and unable to identify herself, is claimed by three different families, each believing her to be their lost daughter. The Vaughans, a wealthy family, believe she is Amelia, their kidnapped daughter. The Armstrongs, a farming family, are convinced she is Alice, their daughter who disappeared two years ago. And Lily White, the parson's housekeeper, sees in her the resemblance of her lost sister, Ann.
The Three Families and Their Stories
The story then unfolds from the perspectives of these three families. The Vaughans are shattered by Amelia's disappearance, and the return of the girl brings both hope and despair. The Armstrongs, meanwhile, struggle with their own secrets, including the revelation of Alice's pregnancy before she vanished. Lily White, who is caring for the girl, is haunted by her own past and the loss of her sister.
As the narrative progresses, each family's story is intricately woven with folklore, superstition, and the mystical power of the river. The river itself takes on a life of its own, becoming a central character in the tale. It's a place of healing, mystery, and danger, and its influence on the characters and their fates is palpable throughout.
The Enigma of the Mute Girl
What makes the girl's identity even more enigmatic is her silence. She communicates through her actions, demonstrating a deep understanding of the river and its ways. Her presence affects everyone around her, stirring up emotions, revealing secrets, and causing rifts within the town. The question of her true identity and her ability to heal those around her becomes the central mystery of the story.
As the plot thickens, the town becomes consumed by the mystery of the girl. Is she a miracle, a changeling, or a mere mortal? Setterfield masterfully keeps us guessing, infusing the narrative with a sense of wonder and magic, while also exploring the darker side of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
The Unraveling and the Final Revelation
In the final act of Once Upon a River, the truth about the girl's identity is slowly unraveled. We learn about her past, her connections to the three families, and the events that led to her mysterious appearance at The Swan. The revelation, when it comes, is both surprising and deeply satisfying, tying up the various threads of the story in a poignant and meaningful way.
In conclusion, Once Upon a River is a beautifully crafted, atmospheric tale that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. Setterfield's evocative prose and intricate storytelling create a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. It's a story of loss and longing, of love and forgiveness, and of the enduring power of stories. As the river continues to flow, so do the lives of the characters, forever changed by the events that transpired once upon a river.
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What is Once Upon a River about?
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a captivating and mysterious tale set in an ancient inn on the Thames. When a seemingly lifeless girl is miraculously revived, the event sets off a chain reaction of storytelling and speculation. As multiple characters lay claim to the child, the novel weaves together folklore, suspense, and the power of storytelling to uncover the truth about the girl and the river that binds them all.
Once Upon a River Review
Once Upon a River (2018) is a captivating tale set along the Thames that intertwines multiple storylines surrounding a mysterious girl who miraculously comes back to life. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Its rich historical backdrop immerses readers in the enchanting world of folktales, superstitions, and the power of storytelling.
- The book is filled with complex, well-developed characters whose lives intricately intersect, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
- With its atmospheric setting and elements of mystery and magical realism, the story unfolds in a way that is both unpredictable and spellbinding, ensuring that boredom is never an option.
Who should read Once Upon a River?
Readers who enjoy atmospheric and immersive storytelling
Those who appreciate a blend of mystery, folklore, and historical fiction
People who are drawn to strong and complex female characters
Categories with Once Upon a River
Book summaries like Once Upon a River
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Once Upon a River FAQs
What is the main message of Once Upon a River?
The main message of Once Upon a River revolves around the power of storytelling and the mysteries of life.
How long does it take to read Once Upon a River?
The estimated reading time for Once Upon a River is variable, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Once Upon a River a good book? Is it worth reading?
Once Upon a River is worth reading for its enchanting blend of folklore, mystery, and unforgettable characters, making it a captivating literary journey.
Who is the author of Once Upon a River?
The author of Once Upon a River is Diane Setterfield.
What to read after Once Upon a River?
If you're wondering what to read next after Once Upon a River, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher