Product Description

Two brothers, Arthur and Jake, are the sons of a local farmer in the mid-1930s, when life is tough and another world war is looming. Arthur is reticent, solid, dutiful, set to inherit the farm and his father's character; Jake is younger, attractive, mercurial and dangerous to know. A young woman, Laura, comes into the community and tips the fragile balance of sibling rivalry over the edge...And then there is Ian, son of the local doctor, much younger, thoughtful, idealistic, and far too sure that he knows the difference between right and wrong. By now it is the Fifties, and the world has changed - a little, but not enough. The stories of these two generations in the small town of Struan and its harsh rural hinterland are tragically interlocked, linked by fate and community but separated by a war which devours its young men and whose unimaginable horror reaches right into the heart of this remote corner of an empire. Lawson has an astonishing ability to turn the ratchet of tension slowly and delicately, building to a shocking climax. Taut with apprehension, surprising the reader with moments of tenderness and humour, "The Other Side of the Bridge" is a compelling, humane and vividly evoked novel with an irresistible emotional undertow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #965 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Financial Times
'A sensitive portrayal of rural life...her prose sings when
describing small moments.'

The Observer
'An engrossing period piece...vivid evocation of setting &
characters.'

Guardian
`a decent, sober, well-made novel'

Customer Reviews

The Other Side of The Bridge
Another good read, possibly even better than Crow Lake. Jake has to be one of the most evil and unpleasant characters ever written! I wanted to reach into the book and slap him! A very compelling read, very evocatively written and highly recommended.

Beautifully written and atmospheric
This book has a well written prologue which immediately made me interested in the relationship between Arthur and Jake.
Throughout the book the swapping between the two periods in time orked very well with none of the confusion that can happen in some books.
There are beautiful descriptions of the countryside around the town, paying particular attention to the seasonal differences in the scenery, which are dramatic in that area.
The narrative articulates the thoughts in Arthur's head in words that he could never be able to speak himself which works very well and adds huge depth to the story.
Also there is a great ending - time moves on but doesn't seem to move at all.

Superb, perfect.
This is one of the best novels I have ever read, absolutely loved it. I am in awe of the writing, the storytelling.
Unputdownable book. Wonderful characters, believable relationships, the hardship and romance, pain of life and love is told in superb and stunning prose. I love how the story is told, how the setting in rural Northern Canada is evoked so strongly that the reader can close their eyes and see Arthur farming his land and Ian helping him.

Can't wait to go back and read 'Crow Lake', the author's earlier work which I believe received much praise.