Once Upon a River A Novel

The story begins with a desperate father arriving at an old riverside inn, bringing his gravely ill young daughter and asserting that the ancient river adjacent to the pub possesses the power to heal her. This extraordinary claim draws together the inn's proprietor, a local nurse, and a famous storyteller, individuals whose lives are already intertwined with the river's potent myths and their own hidden pasts. The child's appearance acts as a catalyst, forcing these disparate characters to confront their histories and the mysteries surrounding the river and the girl herself. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the rich tapestry of folklore, the profound impact of storytelling, and the complex nature of maternal bonds and found families. Setterfield expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, blurring the lines between reality, myth, and memory, and exploring how narratives shape our lives. What makes this book compelling is its atmospheric setting, its intricate plot that gradually reveals interconnected secrets, and its thoughtful exploration of the human connection to nature, the search for belonging, and the timeless magic inherent in stories, all centered around an enigmatic river that whispers its own truths.

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