A review by k_bb
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Although the book had potential, it was generally long-winded and overdone. The climax was synthetic considering how long the book built up to it. The denouement was excessive and there was at least one chapter too many. There were many problematic references to "river-gypsies" that I hoped would resolve themselves in some way with the author explicitly revealing the ignorance and discrimination of the term, but it was never addressed. Not really worth the read, in my opinion.
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