A review by hickorynut
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A sobering, melancholy look at what life is like for children living on the streets and trying their best to survive. It follows the story of a young girl named Akka and Rukka, her disabled sister. After their father's domestic violence turns to them, she runs away with Rukka and eventually meets Arul and Muthu, two boys who become their family. I originally thought the title, The Bridge Home, meant a journey over a bridge to get to home - but it actually meant a home made from a bridge, where all four children seek shelter.

The book is written as if Akka is writing their story to Rukka, immediately infering that somewhere along the way something terrible happens and Rukka is no longer with her sister. The perspective was beautifully portrayed and Akka's compassionate care for her sister was prominent, as well as her defense and protectiveness.