The Other Side of the Bridge

This is a Canadian story about two very different brothers in a rural Northern Ontario town. Arthur, the eldest brother, is shy, retiring, loyal and dutiful. His father approves of him and sets him up to inherit the farm. Jake is outgoing, egotistical and self-absorbed. His mother thinks he can do no wrong and makes Arthur protect him even when it goes against Arthur's best interests. So is set an antagonistic relationship.

When Laura comes to town with her father the preacher during WWII, each brother falls in love with her.

This story is told in the past (WWII era) and the present. In the present the doctor's son, Ian is smitten by Laura and goes to help out on the farm where once again Arthur and Jake are forced to face each other.

This is a well-written story with a somewhat predictable ending. However, predictable or not the reader is drawn in and engrossed in the details of the small framing community and the lives of the Dunn brothers.

This is my favourite book ever. I didn't want it to end. I will surely read it again. Crow Lake was also fantastic and I hope that Mary Lawson will soon write again. Enjoy!

I loved this book just like i loved her other one crow lake. It was heart felt and full of emotions. she is a good writer and devolps characters, twists and plots well. there were parts that i cired a little and again takes place in canada YAY :D

I really enjoyed this book about sibling rivalry, obsession, and jealousy. Jake is the favourite son, but he is trouble. Arthur seems invisible, but ends up being what he always was: dependable. The woman, Laura, is loved by Arthur, pursued by Jake (just because Arthur loves her), and stalked by Ian. The story does get confusing at times, as it goes back and forth in time. Jake is infuriating and yet, when something bad happens to him, I feel some sympathy. That just shows what a manipulator he is.

This is a great follow up to Crow Lake.

"This is a book you will be driven to share with friends."

So says The Gazette in Montreal, and I'm echoing it here.

This was November's book selection for the book club I never seem to get to, and because I hadn't finished the book by the time the meeting rolled around, and I didn't want it spoiled for me, I didn't go this time either. Having just finished it a few minutes ago, I am definitely glad I waited.

I read this book essentially in three sittings. I started it during a silent reading class at school, was unable to get back to it for a couple of weeks, read last night until I was afraid I'd fall asleep and lose my page, and then started reading again as soon as I woke up this morning. And I want to go back and read it again.

I don't want to get into the plot particulars, so as not to spoil it for anyone else, but I will say a few things:

* This author so realistically creates characters that they not only live and breathe, but you feel like you've known them your whole life and would not be surprised to find pictures of them in your photo album of snapshots from all of the little milestones life has to offer.

* What impressed me the most, characterization aside, is the way the author puts in one tiny sentence that doesn't seem to mean much at the time. This sentence comes back to you with devastating clarity one hundred and fifty pages later, creating a sinking feeling in your gut as you know what you are about to read, don't really want to, and yet are compelled to do so.

* There are almost no loose ends at the end of this book. So many interconnecting stories are told, and yet you are left with no real questions, save one. There is one character you don't know what ultimately happened to, and yet, the moment I thought of this, I realized it didn't matter. And that, in itself, was a statement.

I am afraid to say anything else. Go read this book! You'll be very glad that you did!

This book made me never want to read another book ever again because I know there is no book out there to compare to this. It was funny, it was a heartache, it was everything. I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Mary Lawson is my godforsaken hero I tell you. It completely changed my view of life as a farmer and also changed me as a person. My grandfather is exactly like Arthur and I wailed at the end.

A most enjoyable book although the ending is a little disappointing. The primary characters, two brothers as different as chalk and cheese and a doctors son struggle with their various destinies and you can feel what they feel. The time shifting structure of the book maintains complete clarity and occasionally provides wonderful foreshadowing.

It takes a lot for a book to grasp me and even more for me to finish it within a week. It was excellent. I also loved being exposed to two sides of the story as it really does make you think about your own life or lives around you. Highly recommended. I can't wait to read Crow Lake.

As with Lawson's previous novel, The Other Side of the Bridge, keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. Lawson does a mavellous job in exposing the reader to two sides of a story, on many levels. This novel made me stop reading a few times just to ponder, relating some of the story's occurances to my own life.

This novel will challenge you to grow as a reader and more importantly as a human being relating to those around you.

Must read!

After reading Crow Lake, I couldn't wait until Mary Lawson's second book came out. It was a pleasure to read, and at the same time, I didn't want it to end. I've passed along Crow Lake to friends, and now this is another book I will be sure to pass on.

This is a great book and a fantastic second edition for Lawson. I really loved Crow Lake, and this book doesn't disappoint.

A nice simple read that offers addictive characters that are easy to connect with.

Mary Lawson has done it again! Her characters get into your heart and don't let go. Lawson is a very gifted writer, who has an extraordinary talent for weaving an engrossing story. She has written an equal to Crow Lake and one that you will hate to see end. Not to be missed!

As an avowed lover of "Crow Lake" I eagerly awaited Mary's second book. I got it when I picked up the mail last night, stayed up most of the night reading it, took a nap, called in sick to physio-torture-atherapy and then finished it.
(Mom, if you are reading this "YES I lied about being sick -read the book and you will uderstand why I did this!"

Mary once again sets her story in Northern Ontario and sets up the perfect love triangle between two brothers and the woman they both loved.
The triangle soon becomes a square as all deal with the Great Depression, and the inevability of war and its consequences.
inextricably intertwined,
The novel blends hatred and love and good vs. evil and you will be captured on every page by the lyrical prose she is known for.
Best book I have read this year, honestly, truly and not saying that as we grew up the in same fly-spot.
BRAVO!!!

I can't wait to read this one! Crow Lake was an amazing, beautifully written novel, Lawson is obviously incredibly talented and The Other Side of the Bridge is likely beautiful as well.