The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
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Book Reviews of The Bridges of Madison County
Book Review: Oldie but goodie
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book. Great love story. The book arrived in perfect condition and very quickly. Thank youBook Review: Some touching moments, but I liked the film better... (2 1/2 stars)
Summary: 2 Stars
I had gotten rid of this book years ago. Back then I was too jaded to read something that appeared so romantic. Yet, having read the book, maybe I made the right decision in getting rid of it. There were some enjoyable parts, and I even cried a little toward the end, but something about the writing didn't feel sincere.
Robert Kincaid and Francesca Johnson met in 1965. He was a photographer working for National Geographic arriving in her town to photograph bridges. She had originally moved from Italy, married an American, and was now living in a place completely different and far from her home, which was Iowa.
Francesca's husband and children were out of town, at the fair, and since she was alone, and somewhat lonely, she invited Robert into her home for dinner. A love affair unfolded that neither character expected, and they seemed to feel a love so true and pure, that after four days they were completely engrssed in one another. She had to make the decision to leave and find the adventure and fulfillment that she never got from living in Iowa, or to stay with her family in a place where she had created a life. Maybe her life in Iowa wasn't a satisfying one, but could she leave her husband and family?
The movie and book were somewhat similiar. In most cases, it appears that books are usually better than films, but in this situation, I prefer the movie. Though it would appear that Robert James Waller is a good fiction writer, that might be a facade. He appears to be more of a poetry writer (he is a musician, after all) and there was some feeling that I got from the movie, that I couldn't get from the book. Maybe the writing feels too flowery, too fake, and I didn't connect with the characters as I did in the film. I haven't read many of the previous reviews, but from the looks of it, many gave it one star. Maybe other reviewers felt the same way that I did. I liked the idea of having a fictionalized version of a true story. I was tricked at first, like others, I thought this had really happened. But, the extra writing about interviewing someone that knew Robert Kincaid, and "The Beginning" (the first part of the story) explaining the details, like it was a true story, just didn't hold my interest.
All and all, there were a couple of moments that touched and affected me, but there were far too many moments that made me roll my eyes instead.