Once Upon a River; 4.7 stars by Diane Setterfield

[Amy]

Wrestling whether to put this in the 'life" folder. I've been very strict for myself on the definition of what fits. But the theme in the book definitely encompasses what it means to straddle life and death, and whether one can be gone and come back to life. And that mystical element about whether the story is real, is a central theme in the book. So I can't help but go with it, If an old stringent like me thinks it its so, then I guess it is so.

4.7. I really enjoyed this. What a beautiful ending. Tied very well together after many meanderings that one wonders if they would ever tie up or be left haunting. Speaking of haunting, this book had a haunting quality. Rivers and stories are the same, and they meander and flow. Tributaries leading somewhere, to keep moving forward. And much is made in the novel of the "other side" of the river, and the story of the ferryman who guards and nurtures the world between. That is actually the story of the book. And in it, characters who hover somewhere between life and death - a ferryman named Quietly, and and all the varying stories that are told to explain in different ways what might have or did happen, and through each telling the story teller and the story is forever changed. This would be another really neat one to discuss. I think its going to be immensely popular. It has a feel to it, that makes us want to read and immerse ourselves in a damn good story.

[Theresa]

Love your review! I hope to find time for this one some time this year. I've heard some good word of mouth - or more correctly written reviews in groups on GR who have not led me astray - that I added it to the TBR. I'm thinking I might have to own it in print too.

[Joanne]

I am looking forward to reading this -glad to know it has your stamp of a 5 star read~

[Joy D]

Wonderful review, Amy! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed this book as much as I did. It was in my top 10 for 2018.

[Amy]

We are very kindred, Joy!

[Theresa]

This morning, I found myself stopping in a local bookstore and buying this...but it was already on my TBR!

However, the other book that jumped into my bag wasn't...

[KateNZ]

Theresa, you are not helping me ...

Lovely review, Amy

[Amy]

We all share the same condition - an inability to slash the TBR. I am now indeed and truly bound and determined! Theresa, what fell in your bag?

[Joanne]

Do tell Theresa