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Once Upon a River

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Once Upon a River

By: Diane Setterfield
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Once Upon a River, written by Diane Setterfield and read by Juliet Stevenson.

A dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a little child.

Hours later the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life.

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

Or can it be explained by science?

An exquisitely crafted multi-layered mystery brimming with folklore, suspense and romance, as well as with the urgent scientific curiosity of the Darwinian age, Once Upon a River is as richly atmospheric as Setterfield’s bestseller The Thirteenth Tale.

©2019 Diane Setterfield (P)2019 Penguin Audio Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery Exciting Heartfelt Suspense

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All stars
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Loved it- a gentle tale which kept me listening wonderfully narrated will now look for more by the same author

Great story

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Lovely characters and a story that drew me in immediately (and kept me hooked). Juliet Stevenson reads it brilliantly.

Beautiful story, read excellently

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Have your parents ever read you a bed time story? Not a quick one, but a book that they read at their leisure, over many evenings, while you were either tucked in your bed or snuggling up with them by a fireplace. Remember the feeling of comfort and closeness? This is such a story, it comforts you and takes you away and when it's over you are left with a warm and cosy feeling. Lovely story brilliantly narrated, just at the right pace, it was perfect

who doesn't like a good story?

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An odd book really, a mixture of fantasy and reality, set who knows when, it's never made clear. The central point is the river and the people who live close by, steeped by 'old wives' tales' and 'magic'. Well written and very well narrated, Juliet Stevenson was an excellent choice and added to rather than distracted from, the story. I would recommend but it's probably not to everyone's taste!

Unusual but a good listen

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I do not usually review books but this is one that should be shared. The author is a gifted writer as well as a wonderful storyteller and the narrator of the audio version is so skilled she takes you right into the story as though you are present within it. Finding this book was a real treat.

A wonderful storyteller’s story about a story.

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Love this story, so layered and beautifully written and Juliet Stevenson’s narration is perfect.

Highly recommend both this and her other two books!

Classic Setterfield!

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This rather complex & long winded tale was made thoroughly enjoyable by the absolutely fabulous narration!

Beautifully Read

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Dianne Settlefield creates an evocative world of wonderful characters, the art of story telling and mystery. You're drawn in by the mix of scientific enquiry and magical mysticism. All set in the shadow of the mighty Thames. Great read and fantastic narration by Juliet Stevenson.

Magical storytelling at its best

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Wow what a story kept you gripped from the beginning right through to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it finished.
Would love to read the sequel to this, great story read very well.

Fantastic

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We really enjoyed this book. Beautifully written and perfectly narrated. Will be seeking out more from this author, and this narrator. Top listen!

Compelling listen

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