It Comes from the River

by Rachel Bower

'A gritty and captivating tale of resilience, violence and the power of female solidarity' HARPER'S BAZAAR
'This unflinching debut builds relentlessly to a heart-stoppingly dramatic climax' DAILY MAIL
'Haunting, lyrical and thoroughly gripping' CLARE FISHER
'Thrilling, poetic, dark and alive – a shimmering gemstone of a debut' ALICE ASH

The three women feel something pass outside. A reek of singed fur, scorching damp. Flaming eyes. A creature. It knows these women. They feel its wanting.

From the river it comes.

To the river it always returns.

Alex is trying to hold her growing family together with a husband who is becoming more and more difficult to keep happy. Lauren hopes that the new man in her life might present a fresh start for her and her two boys. And Nancy's son has moved her into a care home where she feels entirely out of place, longing for her lost dog while dreaming of her own escape.

But there is something else at play here. Something lurking in the water or at the end of an unlit street; a shadow in a bag of strangers' clothing; a chorus of voices calling in the distance.

As each woman's world spirals from her grasp, they feel it getting closer, revealing the truth of what binds them together, and what must be done to set each of them free . . .

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Feminism

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Because of the mention of the creature, I thought would be a feminist tale with a folk horror element to it. Instead, we got an overwritten, bleak, trauma/misery porn where three women are victimized by a cruel and abusive man.

This isn’t an enjoyable read: it’s infuriating, heartbreaking, and grim. Maybe I’ve read too many books like this but I’m sick to death of these disempowering books about horrible things happening to women.

The pretentious and overwrought writing style didn’t really work for me. The three MCs felt like stereotypes more than real humans with their identifier primarily being how the man was abusing them. The creature was underutilized, not adding an element of anything other than confusion to the narrative.

I liked the Northumbria setting and Nancy’s development but I came away from this book feeling despondent and slightly ill.

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted by Bloomsbury through NetGalley.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to receive an advanced copy on this book. I found the writing sparkling with lyricism and gritty realism. The author conjures a gripping story about three women connected by something dark, unrelenting and portentous. The book is crafted with folk lore and mystery. I don't think I've read anything quite like it.

[Eleanor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Resilience, hope, and the power of women when they work together are central themes in Rachel Bower’s new work of fiction, infused with the folklore of Northern England. As an already acclaimed writer of short stories and poetry, It Comes From the River is a much-anticipated debut novel by the Bradford-born author.

We follow the lives of three women grappling with difficult circumstances in their lives. Alex is trying to hold her growing family together with a husband who is becoming increasingly controlling, Lauren is a single mother looking for a fresh start as she’s struggling to pay bills, while Nancy has reluctantly moved into a care home after inadvertently setting fire to her kitchen. There is something much darker lurking in the water, though, something menacing only they can see; it all stems from the river. All longing for escape while being haunted by an uncanny, inexplicable presence, these women must combat the coercive control in their lives that threatens to submerge them. Through an authentic exploration of motherhood, age, poverty, and abuse, It Comes From the River is perturbing yet hopeful.

The narratives are divided between the three women and occasionally the elusive folklore creature, as they gradually weave together to assemble at the climax. Bower’s lyrical prose creates a foreboding sense of unease, intersecting mystery and folklore to conjure a uniquely haunting tale in a supernatural and literal sense.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. The premise centred around folklore and women working together, but there was a lot less of that than I anticipated.

[Aiesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book—it sounded intriguing with its promise of Northern folklore, eerie tension, and powerful women working together. Unfortunately, it barely seems to engage with the folklore, the "powerful" women working together was only a page in this 288 page tome, and the only tension was the headache I got when I thought about picking up this book.

While the premise had me hooked, the execution left a lot to be desired. The characters felt flat and unlikable, making it difficult to connect with their struggles or care about what was happening to them. The folklore element, which I had high hopes for, wasn’t explored in any meaningful depth. Instead, it felt like a fleeting idea rather than a fully realised part of the narrative.

The writing style, while clearly a choice to convey mental illness, came across as jarring and disjointed. I found it hard to stay engaged, and the overall reading experience felt more like an ordeal than an escape.

[Amberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started and finished date – 20.10.25 to 23.10.25.
My rating – Three Stars.
This book was okay, but I dint love it and I was little bit bored while reading also I think people who like nesting by Roisín O’Donnell or a beautiful family by Jennifer Trevelyan may like is book. The cover of book was okay and I really like the colour palette at was used on the cover. The writing was okay and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book fine. I think both the setting and the atmosphere was okay. The mystery was fine, but I found it bit boring, and suspense was okay also I think author did a good job at weaving Northern England folklore into the plot. This book was paced in was well structured and steady paced, but I want this book to be longer. The characters was okay but they needed to be flash out bit more.

[Elaine Frieman Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Poetic language. Wish I'd read sooner. I love how the author told some of the narrative from the perspective of a woman whose story isn't often told, a woman from the 'benefits class.' And all women are from northern England (also stories not often told). It could benefit all readers to see into the lives of people who struggle, to walk in their figurative shoes. I was fortunate to buy a signed copy and briefly meet the author at The Bronte Women's Writing Festival, and I know I'll now be a lifelong fan. She was a delightful interview subject, incredibly kind to meet, and I loved this debut. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Dharani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of a book club for which I am grateful.
I had no expectations when I started reading it, initially a found it confusing but as you read on, you the scenario becomes clearer. Having finished the book I can safely say it does get better and the final few chapters were well paced. I did however struggle with the fact that most of the book was centred around three women trapped in different ways and far too much suffering from different forms of abuse, highlighting pain, and exploitation of the vulnerable. Glad I read it, but unlikely to recommend it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

*MASSIVE TRIGGER WARNINGS*
Abuse - sexual, emotional, physical, financial, coercive

I'm not sure how to rate this book. it was quite an horrific read. Very difficult to read in parts and genuinely distressing. At the same time I couldn't put it down. I think I was desperate for some relief or redemption for these women. Unusual writing style - part poetry, stream of conscience, prose and magical realism. Will not be to everyone's taste but when I got past the first couple chapters I got into the flow and was completely absorbed.

[Philip Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This glorious book is full of love, darkness and hope. The language is magnificent and you get swept away by Rachel's way with words in which every single one counts. She perfects the art of the one word sentence.....she's generous and honest about her characters and creates them through portraits in shades of grey....I even felt a bit sorry for the baddie at times.

Wonderful.

[Zoë Smeeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusually clever format of many genres. Attention to detail of mental health conditions & social deprivation because of wrong choices & ingrained abuse. I grew up in a neighbouring county to Rachel, Lancashire, & have been indoctrinated with folklore stories old & new. At times gloomy but for some it will give insight.
I don’t think I will ever forget this book

[Anne M Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read and hard to put down. I found it very unsettling and wasn't convinced the horror element worked - the story might have been better without it. The staccato, stream of consciousness prose became a bit wearing, even though it contributed very effectively to the pace. It's about three women who finally realise how coercive control has shaped their lived.

[Carla Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the recommendation of a bookshop owner in Grassington England, the town where All Creatures Great and Small is filmed. She cited it her best read of 2025. It is a story of female strength, the power of womanhood, the divine calling of motherhood, and the inner struggle that lurks in the dark. Uniquely written.

[Heriit Bleriot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book. Really enjoyed it - beautifully written and powerful story of emancipation that combines realism with a sprinkling of mysticism.

[Rachel Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Found myself so involved in the lives of the three main characters. Couldn't put it down. World thoroughly recommend.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book but kept wanting to shout at the 3 women involved - don’t do it/don’t believe him!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it hard to put down! Really beautifully written with amazing characters, will be giving to my friends to read 😁

[Julie Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is so beautifully written.