A GOOD READ

By Tash Donovan

ONCE UPON A RIVER by

Diane Setterfield

In Once Upon a River, Setterfield has created a captivating and atmospheric novel that follows the story of a mysterious a young girl, found on the banks of the Thames and seemingly resurrected from the dead. She’s taken in by the local pub owner and his family, who nurse her back to health, but her appearance sets off a chain of events that draws together a disparate group of characters, including a traveling storyteller, a grieving father, and a barmaid with a remarkable voice. As the girl’s identity is slowly revealed, the characters are forced to confront their own secrets and desires.

One of the most striking things throughout the novel is Setterfield’s mastery of language. She paints vivid pictures of the river and its surroundings, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside the characters. The descriptions of the water, the sky, and the countryside are all rich and evocative, adding to the sense of mystery and wonder.

The novel explores themes of loss, grief, and the power of storytelling, weaving together a rich tapestry of folklore and mystery, with enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing until the very end.

THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn

The Alice Network is set in the aftermath of World War Il though it straddles both world wars, and follows two women, Charlie St. Clair, and Eve Gardiner, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage in search of a lost relative.

Charlie St. Clair is a young American woman who is pregnant out of wedlock. She is sent to Europe by her family to have the ‘problem’ taken care of. But she breaks free to search for her cousin Rose, who disappeared during the war. She meets Eve Gardiner, a former spy for the Alice Network, a secret organization of female spies, who now spends her day drunk, haunted by her past. Together, the two women embark on a journey to find Rose and uncover the truth about her disappearance.

As they delve deeper into the world of espionage and the aftermath of the war, they encounter a cast of characters, including former spies, soldiers, and politicians, who each have their own secrets. The two women must navigate this dangerous world, relying on their wits and the support of each other to stay alive.

The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the aftermath of war. Its powerful narrative is a testament to the bravery and resilience of women in a time when their roles were often limited. Quinn’s novel is wellresearched and beautifully written that will appeal both to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a pageturning spy thriller.

OLD GOD’S TIME

by Sebastian Barry

Recently retired policeman Tom Kettle is settling into the quiet of his new home, a lean-to annexed to a Victorian castle overlooking the Irish Sea. For months he has barely seen a soul, catching only glimpses of his eccentric landlord and a nervous young mother who has moved in next door. Occasionally, fond memories return, of his family, his beloved wife June and their two children.

But when two former colleagues turn up at his door with questions about a decades-old case, one which Tom never quite came to terms with, he finds himself pulled into the darkest currents of his past.

A beautiful, haunting novel, in which nothing is quite as it seems, Old God’s Time is about what we live through, what we live with, and what may survive of us.

The Invisible String

by Patricia Karst

The Invisible String is a charming children’s book that teaches about the bonds of love and connection that exist between all people. The story tells of two siblings who learn about the “invisible string” that connects everyone to everyone else, and how this connection can bring comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff’s colourful illustrations, perfectly capture the warmth and love that the story conveys. The text is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for very young children. The message of the book is one of hope and reassurance, and it would be a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to help children understand the concept of connection and the importance of loving support network.

The Invisible String is delightful and uplifting, and will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a perfect addition to any child’s library, and will be read and enjoyed for years to come.

To buy these books online while supporting your local independent bookshop, scan the QR code or visit: uk.bookshop.org/lists/a-good-read

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