Once Upon a River

A Novel

De: Diane Setterfield

Narrado por: Juliet Stevenson

“Setterfield’s prose feels lifted from another era, a gothic lyricism resembling old classics like Jane Eyre.” —Entertainment Weekly

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Tale comes a “swift and entrancing, profound and beautiful” (Madeline Miller, bestselling author of Circe) novel about how we explain the world to ourselves, ourselves to others, and the meaning of our lives in a universe that remains impenetrably mysterious.

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, this is “a beguiling tale, full of twists and turns like the river at its heart, and just as rich and intriguing” (M.L. Stedman, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Light Between Oceans).

Best book I have read in years!!

This book was so fantastic I cried when it ended. I will replay it at some point, which is rare for me- but I just don't want it to end. The depth of each character, the artistry of word play, the emotional depth, the narration- just superb. I can't wait to visit the river, and investigate the true life characters that inspired some of this tail. I love you Diane Setterfield and Juliet Stevenson- how incredible you both are.

Perfect pairing

Juliet Stevenson's immaculate performance does so much to heighten Setterfield's intricate and intriguing tales. This is one listen that I wanted to go on forever!

Excellent

When you start a book of over 12-15 hours it is a commitment. Trust me when I say this book is a commitment you will not come to question. The many branches of the story tree all have roots and make into a beautiful tree. The author has woven every twig in and left nothing hanging. The reader is just perfect. This books only flaw is that it wasn't twice as long as it is.

Brilliant performance by Juliet Stevenson

The story is all the things you want a story to be. Transporting, sweet, unexpected, and thrilling. But the performance was nothing short of magical. Juliet Stevenson is a master storyteller who brought every character to life in crisp detail through her voices and acting. Lovely in every way.

Swept me away

Loved everything about it. The narrator was remarkable, the story compelling and magical , i might even listen to it again

Magical journey

Listener’s will be transported...guided on a mystical, mesmerizing journey. With her story the author guides readers along, meeting interesting characters, hearing exquisitely crafted tales and enjoying the journey from beginning to end. Beautifully read and interpreted by the narrator, it was as if I had watched a movie, but I was left with a more rich and memorable experience, fully immersed in this wonderfully written story.

Splendid prose, superlative narration

With such an enthusiastic heading, why only (4) stars ? Well, in spite of the all the wonderful things about this book (heartwarming characters/dastardly villains, intricate plotting, gorgeous writing and, above all, the NARRATION=perfection), the story had so many slow points, and needed a trim to drive the plot forward. This is a book to read when you can settle in and let yourself "follow the river".

Beautifully written and performed

Settterfield is an old-fashioned storyteller and wordsmith. A tale as beautiful and rich as the river itself. I was amazed at the range Juliet Stevenson showed here. At one point I thought there might be multiple actors performing the voices. Perfection!

Loved everything about this

I really loved listening to this. It was mysterious and thinky, with rich characters and storytelling.

One of my top 5 favorite audiobooks of all time!

A tale within a tale. Setterfield & Stevenson are masters of their craft. Truly sublime!