The Other Side of the Bridge
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Book Brief
296
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1930s-1950s
•
Fate•
Family•
Relationships2006
The Dial Press
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson tells the stories of Arthur and Ian, two men connected by the Dunn family and their love for Laura. Arthur's story begins in the late 1930s farm life, highlighting his complex relationship with his reckless brother Jake. Ian's story unfolds in the 1950s as he works on Arthur's farm to be near Laura. The narrative shifts between past and present, revealing how the past’s unresolved tensions impact the present, leading to unexpected and dramatic resolutions.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
16,098 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson captures readers with its beautiful prose and vivid portrayal of Canadian rural life. The novel is praised for its emotional depth and well-developed characters, though some readers find its pacing slow. Overall, it shines in its exploration of family dynamics and personal growth against a compelling historical backdrop.
Who Should Read The Other Side of the Bridge?
Readers who appreciate profound, character-driven narratives set in rural landscapes will find Mary Lawson's The Other Side of the Bridge captivating. Fans of authors like Alice Munro or Kent Haruf, known for their evocative portrayal of small-town life and complex, nuanced characters, may enjoy this novel's exploration of familial bonds and personal struggles.
16,098 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arthur’s younger brother, known for his good looks, rule-breaking nature, and confrontational attitude, Jake's impulsiveness and actions frequently disrupt life on the farm.
A high school student navigating his future and relationships, Ian works on the Dunn farm and represents a balance between the opposing traits of Arthur and Jake.
The wife of Arthur and former lover of Jake, Laura is at the heart of the rivalry between the Dunn brothers and faces complex relationships with both.
Ian’s best friend from the Ojibway tribe, Pete is a confident and grounded individual whose maturity contrasts with Ian’s development.
Ian’s father, the town doctor, who maintains a quiet life in Struan and grows closer to Ian after his wife's departure.
Ian's mother, who leaves the family for a new life in Toronto, causing tension and appearing only in Ian's dreams.
A local Ojibway who becomes a controversial figure in Struan after a tragic incident, his situation affects relationships within the community.
Arthur's friend and a war veteran who returns home severely injured, initially silent, and later seeks Arthur's companionship and assistance.
296
Novel • Fiction
Northern Ontario • 1930s-1950s
•
Fate•
Family•
Relationships2006
The Dial Press
Adult
14-18 years
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