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A review by kelly_inthe419
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
3.0
I am admittedly a bit sad to give Once Upon a River three stars. I was really looking forward to and, while it was a good read, it certainly wasn't great in my book. It took nearly half the story to really get going although it had a promising start with the appearance of the man and seemingly-dead child. Typically, I don't mind slower, character-driven story lines. But this one never seemed to know what it wanted to be or what it was trying to say. I'm also not big on magic or magical realism, although I quite like fantasy, which I view entirely differently. This was simply a long, drawn out folk tale that could have been told in far fewer words.
I also struggled to connect with most of the characters, although some like Rita and Lily I found interesting and/or sympathetic. Others, like Margot or even Daunt, could have used further development that would have rounded out our understanding.
About 2/3 of the way through it did seem to pick up steam and the ending was a satisfying conclusion. I would still like to read Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, which has received a lot of attention as well. This one, while not for me, has received lots of lover over the past several months so it may be for you.
I also struggled to connect with most of the characters, although some like Rita and Lily I found interesting and/or sympathetic. Others, like Margot or even Daunt, could have used further development that would have rounded out our understanding.
About 2/3 of the way through it did seem to pick up steam and the ending was a satisfying conclusion. I would still like to read Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, which has received a lot of attention as well. This one, while not for me, has received lots of lover over the past several months so it may be for you.