Once Upon a River

De: Diane Setterfield

Narrado por: Juliet Stevenson

From the instant number one New York Times best-selling author of the “eerie and fascinating” (USA Today) The Thirteenth Tale comes a richly imagined, powerful new 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.

A body always tells a story - but this child’s was a blank page.

Rita reached for the lantern on its hook. She trained its light on the child’s face.

"Who are you?" she murmured, but the face said as little as the rest of her. It was impossible to tell whether, in life, these blunt and unfinished features had borne the imprint of prettiness, timid watchfulness, or sly mischief. If there had once been curiosity or placidity or impatience here, life had not had time to etch it into permanence.

Only a very short time ago - two hours or not much more - the body and soul of this little girl had still been securely attached. At this thought, and despite all her training, all her experience, Rita found herself suddenly in the grip of a storm of feeling. All the old rage at God - for not being kind, for not being fair, and finally for just not being - swept her up all over again and she felt tears of anger on her face. She took the child’s hand in hers - the perfect hand with its five perfect fingers and their perfect fingernails - and the words fell out of her that she had not known were there:

"It should not be so! It should not be so!"

And that is when it happened.

©2019 Diane Setterfield (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

Excellent

Hard to find the words to say about this book. It takes you away and you find yourself sitting at the Swan listening to a (the) story. This is one of those special books that you rarely find anymore. Lots of characters but not hard to keep track of as they become people you know.
The narrator could not have been better. Perfection.
Writing like this is so hard to find that I will buy it in hardback to have on my “favorites” bookshelf. Kudos to Diane Setterfield and Juliet Stevenson. Thank you.

Once Upon a...

Who can resist "Once Upon a " stories? This one delivers not only a captivating story, but irresistible characters, the good, the bad and the flawed. There is magic here, but it lies more in the mystery, and the lyrical telling of the tale and tales within tales. I was drawn in by phrases in the first few minutes as.."since the light had drained from the sky", or a description of a man for whom "only strong ale and storytelling could reduce the pain in his bones". Juliet Stevenson's narration is beautifully done.
Like other really good books I have read or listened to, this is my favorite...for now.

Beautifully written

Maybe the most it beautifully written book I've ever read....or maybe the narrator made the writing even better; I can't decide. The ending was largely good but I thought a little weak in parts. Very much enjoyed it.

Swan river

Intriguing, unguessable, lovely prose and narration. Like The Thirteenth Tale,
Once Upon a River is unique and clever.

A true delight

This is the best audiobook I have ever experienced. The story is rich, the characters are ones you will cherish, the performance is incredible. To say I loved it is an understatement.

The narrator’s voice pulls you into the story

Juliet Stevenson’s voice pulls you into the story almost hypnotically. The story has twists and turns that make it nearly impossible to put down.

River Folktales

Absolutely charming story about the Thames River which is full of mystery. Missing children, identity confusion play delightfully into this creative telling of all the different puzzle pieces. Audible is the only way to read - by listening. I highly recommend this adventure.!

Wonderful!

Both the work and the performance are brilliant. I will listen again soon. Loved it!

I’m bitter it’s over!

This was a beautifully written book. So much mystery and wonder throughout. Juliet Stevenson is awesome as narrator.

Stellar performance by Juliet Stevenson.

All of the characters and this story will remain in my thoughts for days to come.