The story of Robert Kincaid, the photographer and free spirit searching for the covered bridges of Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, the farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY gives voice to the longings of men and women everywhere-and shows us what it is to love and be loved so intensely that life is never the same again.
This book had been on the bestsellers list in the 90s.
My review:
My expectations about this book were too high. The book didn’t match up to them. In the book it’s depicted that Francesca was bored with the monotony of her life and when Robert Kincaid comes to their small town on behalf of National Geographic as a photographer for taking pictures of various bridges in the county, she falls in love with him. He asks her to come along with him but she doesn’t want her children to be ridiculed and embarrassed in the entire town. So, she decides to stay back. What I never understood is that an affair which lasted only for four days was depicted as a lifetime of love and regret ? Francesca was shown as a woman who sacrificed her own happiness for the sake of her children and husband. But are four days enough to throw away your entire family? I personally feel that this affair Francesca had, was a result of her loneliness and an affirmation to the fact that she still could be desired and acknowledged. This is mentioned in the book itself.
Love has a greater meaning than physical attraction. Love is deeper and nothing comes between love. When in love a person is sure about his/ her lover. But in this case they knew each other only for four days and so how could they be sure that it’s love and not attraction? Neither Robert came back nor Francesca went with him . Francesca’s children were grown and away from home for higher education. I’m sure they would have understood their mother if she decided otherwise. Rather she made them aware of the fact that she had an affair after her death. Her husband never got to know about it and why were the children made to feel guilty about it ? Not my kind of book but alot of people loved it. It’s the perspective that how you conceptualize a book. So, please find for yourself.
My ratings:⭐⭐
Book lovers 
I read this book in the 90s and I remember crying the entire time. I don’t think the plot held up too well or maybe my tastes changed. But I totally understand what you are saying.
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Jane Rosebery maybe it’s the frame of mind I read in during the beginning of lockdown. I have plenty of friends that loved the book but then we all think differently.
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I’d read this one long long ago and thought it was the most romantic book ever. I do see your point of view, though. Perhaps I was younger, less pragmatic when I read the book. Maybe I need to re-read it.
obsessivemom
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I’d read this one long long ago and thought it was the most romantic book ever. I do see your point of view, though. Perhaps I was younger, less pragmatic when I read the book. Maybe I need to re-read it.
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No you need not read it again. This is my view and readers always expect different perspectives. Best thing about books is every person sees a different opinion that’s the beauty of reading and discussing books.
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