"The wonder of Once Upon a River is how fresh and weathered it seems at the same time.Bonnie Jo Campbell has built her new novel like a modern-day craftsman from the old timbers of our national myths about loners living off the land, rugged tales as perilous as they are alluring. Without sacrificing any of its originality, this story comes bearing the saw marks of classic American literature, the rough-hewn sister of The Leatherstocking Tales, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Walden.Margo's hushed voice is so pure, her spirit so indomitable, that you'll yearn for her to find the freedom she craves.".