Reviews

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

msmagoo502's review

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challenging emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jonesam30's review

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emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

rach260's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

ruth24's review

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2.0

2.5

Not a bad romance, but the author goes out of his way to make Robert seem unearthly. Some of what Robert says and the way he's described by others just comes off as weird and scoff-able.

lilyflor's review

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A truly great book can leave an indelible mark on your soul, awakening hidden parts of you and offering new perspectives and inspiration.

Years ago, the movie 'The Bridges of Madison County' sparked a yearning for the book. Then, one serendipitous day in a dusty bookstore, I found it.
Knowing this first read would be special, I waited for the perfect moment.  As Robert Kincaid said to Francesca, "Some things are meant to stay whole."  The anticipation mirrored the characters' forbidden love, a love that resonated deeply. Francesca and Robert's connection, "a third being... existing only in the interlacing of the two of us," felt both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The author's lyrical prose transported me, and I surrendered to the story's exploration of love's enduring power.  Could such a profound connection exist in real life? Perhaps the answer lies simply in feeling the words come alive within us.

Reading 'The Bridges of Madison County' rekindled my passion for dreams and the transformative magic of books. It was a reminder that the most cherished experiences are often the ones we wait for, savoring them like a precious gift.

jenreadalot's review

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4.0

Shows how much love one can love another. "If you love them, let them go, if they come back their yours." This book proves that even if they don't come back, they'll always be with you in your heart, mind, and soul. The book ensnares what it means to love.

abbycharpentier's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

starythril's review

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reflective medium-paced

3.25

megawhoppingcosmicbookwyrm's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I’m surprised how much I enjoyed this. My heart hurt for the two characters but also I was happy for them and what little time they did have. It took some adjustment for me due to it being an affair, and I was a bit surprised how accepting I was of it. The quietness of the love is what I think did it for me. In a world where 99% of the romance books are just thinly veiled smut, it was refreshing.

carladelgado's review against another edition

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5.0

We were decluttering the house and I found out that we had a copy of The Bridges of Madison County. I was excited because I know about the musical, and I didn't know there was a book! Later on, my sister told me that there was a popular film. I didn't even know about that!

I was not at all prepared for the emotional journey that this book took me on. It was so beautiful and so heartbreaking. I liked the writing, too. Books are amazing because the author's descriptions are detailed out, as well as what the characters are thinking. These inner thoughts don't always translate well onscreen or onstage, so I was really happy to have read the book. It's one of a kind. I'm so, so heartbroken, but it's a beautiful story and a great read!