Once Upon a River is a story with several stories set inside. Which is suitable, considering the journey begins at an inn renowned for its storytelling. The first few pages of the novel set the stage for how the inn came to be and then lets loose immeadiately with an incredible tale.
The prose is straightforward and spare, leaving enjoyable room to imagine the appearance and inner workings of the characters. The proprietor of the inn is one of a sturdy line of women that has managed the place as long as the locals can recall. Her husband, though sickly, is an excellent storyteller and keeps the inn full of drinkers all the year long. But even he is overshadowed when an injured man comes in with a young girl that everyone assumes is dead. This is where the real story begins.
The prose is straightforward and spare, leaving enjoyable room to imagine the appearance and inner workings of the characters. The proprietor of the inn is one of a sturdy line of women that has managed the place as long as the locals can recall. Her husband, though sickly, is an excellent storyteller and keeps the inn full of drinkers all the year long. But even he is overshadowed when an injured man comes in with a young girl that everyone assumes is dead. This is where the real story begins.