A review by lilyflor
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

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.