Katie’s Comments (group member since Jan 16, 2021)

Katie’s comments from the Once Upon a River Readalong #OnceUponaReadalong group.

So enjoying my reread - I just love all the characters and rediscovering them again.

Cathy wrote: "Initial thoughts:

I have not read this author previously and was encouraged by Katie's enthusiasm to have a go. My favourite authors include Charlotte Bronte, Anita Brookner, Barbara Pym, Sylvia ..."

So, I'd say it is Victorian England. It mentions in the first chapter that something that happened in 1387 is 500 years ago, so we can guess it's set around the 1880s. I think that's the most specific the book gets. But it has that sort of storytelling/fairytale vibe which does give it that timeline/other world atmosphere I love!

Laura wrote: "I have a question: I have a hardcover copy of the book and also borrowed the audiobook from the library. I am doing my reading in tandem. The audiobook and the hardcover are not exactly the same. D..."

So, often, though not always, the audiobook in the UK and US is the same, because for a British book the US publishers will buy the UK's audio version, as they'll want a British narrator. But often US and UK physical book editions vary slightly - lots of US publishers Americanise specific references or words, or if it was published later in the US, the US publishers might have made tweaks after the UK edition is finished. So it's likely you're listening to the UK audiobook but reading the US text. What are the differences you've noticed, out of interest?

So fun that the Swan is a real place! I didn't know this either.

Loving hearing how everyone's enjoying it so far. I am so loving rereading this one. This writing is just so beautiful and atmospheric and it's great to revisit all the characters.

It's so wonderful rereading this. The first time I read it I read it in just one day so reading it slower and taking it all in slowly is so excited. And the storytelling voice is just so good!

Hi all,

I know some of us are rereading Once Upon a River this time, so I thought I'd make a separate thread where all spoilers are allowed, so that those of us who are rereading can discuss the experience of rereading it. It might be interesting for others to look at once they've finished the book as well.

Happy rereading!

Hello everybody! Do please introduce yourself here. Have you heard much about or read anything by Diane Setterfield before?

I'm Katie, from Books and Things on Booktube, and will be hosting this readalong. This will be my second reading of Once Upon a River, and Diane Setterfield is one of my favourite authors.

Hi all,

This thread is to discussion Once Upon a River as we go along, day by day. The aim is for this discussion board to keep pace with the schedule. So, please do not reveal any spoilers for anything AFTER the chapters/day we are currently on; however, once a day and its chapters are passed, feel free to speak openly about them here.

Happy reading!