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Once Upon a River summary
Brief summary
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a captivating historical fiction novel set along the Thames. Filled with mystery and folklore, it tells the story of a mute girl who brings hope and healing to those around her.
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Once Upon a River
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Girl
In Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, the story starts at The Swan, an inn on the Thames, where a group of regulars is gathered and exchanging stories. Suddenly, a man bursts in, carrying a lifeless girl in his arms. The local nurse, Rita, examines the girl and confirms that she is indeed dead. However, a few hours later, the girl miraculously revives, leaving everyone astounded.
The girl, who remains silent and unresponsive, is quickly recognized by the locals as Amelia Vaughan, a girl who was kidnapped two years ago. However, another family, the Armstrongs, claim the girl as their own, Alice. The Vaughans and the Armstrongs are locked in a bitter dispute over the girl's identity, and the mystery deepens as the girl's true origins remain uncertain.
The Three Families
The Vaughans, whose daughter Amelia went missing two years ago, are convinced that the revived girl is their lost daughter. The Armstrongs, a farming family, also believe that the girl is their missing daughter, Alice. The third family, the Whiteheads, is represented by their housekeeper, Mrs. Vaughan, who insists that the girl is her sister Ann.
As the news of the girl's miraculous revival spreads, the families' claims intensify, and the entire community becomes embroiled in the dispute. The local newspapers pick up the story, and the girl becomes known as 'Amelia-Alice-Ann', a name that reflects the three families' respective claims.
The Unraveling of Secrets
As the story unfolds, secrets about each of the three families start to come to light. The Vaughans, a wealthy family, are hiding a painful secret about Amelia's true parentage. The Armstrongs are dealing with the aftermath of a forbidden love affair involving their son, Robin. And Mrs. Vaughan, the Whiteheads' housekeeper, has her own reasons for claiming the girl as her sister.
The mystery deepens when Amelia-Alice-Ann is kidnapped from the Armstrongs' farm, and a man is found dead in their barn. The man is identified as the girl's kidnapper, and the circumstances of his death raise more questions than answers. The girl, however, remains missing, and the community is thrown into further turmoil.
The River's Secrets
Throughout Once Upon a River, the river Thames plays a significant role, almost becoming a character in its own right. The locals believe that the river holds great power, and its influence over the course of events is undeniable. The river is a place of mystery and magic, and its presence casts an eerie and enchanting atmosphere over the story.
As the story reaches its climax, the girl's true identity is finally revealed. The revelation brings closure to some, while leaving others grappling with the consequences of their actions. The resolution, while unexpected, is deeply satisfying, and the story ends with a sense of healing and renewal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Once Upon a River is a captivating and atmospheric tale of mystery, love, and loss. The story is rich with folklore and local legends, and Setterfield's lyrical prose beautifully captures the essence of the river and the people who live along its banks. The novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring mysteries of the human heart.
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What is Once Upon a River about?
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a captivating tale set in the 19th century along the Thames River. When a mysterious girl is pulled from the water, seemingly dead, she miraculously comes back to life. The story unfolds as multiple characters lay claim to her identity, sparking a mesmerizing and enchanting narrative filled with folklore, mystery, and the power of storytelling.
Once Upon a River Review
Once Upon a River (2018) by Diane Setterfield is a captivating tale set by the Thames, where a mysterious girl is found, seemingly brought back to life. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Its rich storytelling and folklore elements create a magical atmosphere that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- The book weaves together history, mystery, and suspense in a seamless narrative that unfolds with surprising twists and turns.
- With its intriguing characters and interconnected storylines, the book never fails to deliver excitement and keeps boredom at bay.
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 enigmatic 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 is the power of storytelling and the enduring mystery of life.
How long does it take to read Once Upon a River?
Reading Once Upon a River takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time.
Is Once Upon a River a good book? Is it worth reading?
Once Upon a River is worth reading for its captivating narrative and deep exploration of human connection amidst folklore.
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