To the Bridge: A Novel

by Yasuko Thanh

From the bestselling author of Mistakes to Run With , a heartrending tale of a mother hell-bent on saving her family after her daughter's suicide attempt—despite the destruction it might mean for herself.

When Rose’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Juliet, attempts suicide, she does everything she can to hold her family together despite the inevitable unraveling that follows. Her husband Syd thinks their daughter is fine, that she’s going through a phase, and tells Rose she’s overreacting—as do the doctors, the school principal, and even Juliet herself. But Rose knows her daughter better than anyone. Doesn’t she?

Rose and Juliet begin to drift apart and then fade into each other until they aren’t sure who’s saving whom—or if they’re saving each other. As Rose struggles to navigate this unknown territory, the family unwittingly makes decisions that suddenly send them all into an escalated tailspin toward disaster.

Capturing the tightly coiled tension of seeing someone on the edge of a bridge about to jump, Yasuko Thanh takes us on a journey into the psyche of a woman grappling to understand why her daughter would want to die, and how to protect her child when she’s chosen not to protect herself.

Haunting, emotional, and unforgettable, To the Bridge shows how a bridge is not something to leap from, but something to cross—how a mother and her daughter can find a way to connect, even when there is a river of difference raging between them.

Genres: Fiction

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2023

About the author

Yasuko Thanh’s work has appeared in numerous publications, including Prairie Fire, Descant, PRISM international, and Vancouver Review. The title story, "Floating Like the Dead," won the prestigious Writers' Trust of Canada/McClelland & Stewart Journey Prize in 2009. She was a finalist for the Future Generations Millennium Prize, the Hudson Prize, and the David Adams Richards Prize, which recognizes unpublished manuscripts. She recently received her MFA from the University of Victoria. She has lived in Mexico, Germany, and Latin America, and now lives in Victoria.

Reviews

[Alice Tremblay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narration style didn’t really work for me (of the actual book, the narration of the audiobook was all right). I felt distant from the characters and often confused, and some parts felt corny and forced. I felt like I couldn’t place the tone. I don’t think it’s a bad book, it just didn’t land with me.

Libro.fm ALC*

[Alan Woo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Thanh writes ! Some wonderfully crafted lines in here that really hit home for me.

[thebookybird · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 I felt adrift and not in a good way

[Jane Cawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An empathetic look at a family in a time of crisis and a struggling mother-daughter relationship. It is sometimes harrowing but always honest.

[miran · Rating 2 out of 5]

a few sharp things, too selfish

[Olivia Stirton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sent me through a spiral of emotions throughout. I found it difficult originally to stay invested in the writing style, but the writing was powerful and moving. I felt angry and judgemental at times but reflected on how difficult it must be for a parent raising a child in a world where there isn’t a rule book on how to do everything right. This book made me reflect on my own adolescence with a new perspective.

It made me think. It made me sad. It made me want to go home and hug mom and dad, tell them thank you for everything. That’s what made it so powerful.

[Lynton Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read- the perfect pace for me coming out of exams. From a mother's POV the story details her relationship with her husband and daughter following a mental health crisis. We hear the mother's own struggles and she leans on a friendly neighbour to get her through the rough patch. Big ending that I didn't see coming, but I thought felt fitting and didn't leave me with unanswered questions. There aren't too many characters, making it easy to follow and as a bonus there were a few words I had to look up! - would def recommend:)

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most important part of reading a book for me is being immersed in the storyworld - and I never felt immersed in To The Bridge. This was hard for me to get through mainly because of the overuse of flashbacks, which felt unnecessary and only made the timeline impossible to follow. I had a hard time mapping out the scenes in my head and had to re-read passages that didn't make sense spatially. Another major issue was that the characters didn't feel fully formed; their thoughts and actions felt random and disconnected. There was also a twist ending which I didn't feel was appropriate for a story this heavy.

[Rachel]

This book was not for me, though perhaps just not for this season of my life. It was incredibly sad and somehow became increasingly confusing as it went on. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. There were some stunning parts and lovely prose, but I couldn’t take the onslaught of heaviness.

[Mallee Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose carries a load of baggage that is slowly revealed after her daughter, Juliet tries to commit suicide. She questions what she has done wrong as a mother while defending her actions to her husband, Syd who has done little to support the parenting of their teenage daughter.
At the start of this book, the topic made me wonder if I should keep reading, but Thanh’s ability to be in the head of the main character drew me into this compelling story—a story not just about trying to save her daughter, but about a marriage between a couple far from perfect.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to say I enjoyed this book, but I appreciated it. The writing is good, the story is a fast paced journey into our flawed humanity. It would make a good book club study as each character has depth to be examined and discussed. What motivates each of them? Is Rose a reliable narrator? How would Syd tell the story? What about Ron? What role do they cast Juliet in? What choices do they have, and why do they make the choices they make. The conclusion seems inevitable, in some respects, but is it believable? I'll have to think about that. I will look for more from the author.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept was good but I wish the description and writing was better. Also I hate the dad what in the world??

[bookmehnia · Rating 4 out of 5]

{57/2023} 3.5/5🌟 Fiction | 262 pages

As a mother, having a teenager at home, it has really made me wanting to keep my kid at home forever. The social challenges are scary! However, until when? Sooner or later, I know that I would have to let her go. I can’t be hovering over her life forever.

So, I kind of understand the dilemma faced by Rose, the main character of this story. Rose’s daughter, sixteen year-old Juliet attempted suicide. So, Rose thought, it’s up to her now to make sure that Violet won’t do it again - a 24-hour stern observation of Juliet.

However, things take another turn when her husband, the doctors, Juliet’s school principal even Juliet herself thought that Rose was overreacting. Rose told herself that she knew her daughter better than anyone else.

Rose struggled to make amend for the time she thought she didn’t realise when Juliet was giving signs. It caused strains in the family relationship - her relationship with her husband, Syd as well as Juliet. Rose, Syd and Juliet all lived in a world where they thought that they didn’t understand each other.

Until.
Until days after days, secrets began to reveal after Rose sought for help from a longtime friend.

This was quite a heavy storyline for me. A very much thought provoking theme within a family institution. The themes are dark; and suicide and suicidal thoughts were frequently discussed. It’s a story of a small unit of family, in a small town, who struggled in communicating with each other. Each family member carried with them their own dark secrets.

Frankly speaking, I was struggling with the narration. It’s very raw but also very jumpy. There could be more than one story being discussed at one time. However, the wordings are melodious, and meticulous. The narration involves a lot of figurative languages in describing certain concepts.

It’s an honest account of a mother who thought that she could do anything for her child, disregarding her own troubles. A mother who would do anything to make sure that her child would feel good and happy. A mother who didn’t realise that she was probably the one who caused all the destructions?

The bridge in the title refers to a pit-stop that the main character had always loved to drop by, it had become a pivotal object in changing the course of her life history.

A recommended read if you enjoy dark and yet provocative themes. Please consider the trigger warnings as it discussed suicide, suicidal thoughts, violence and rape.

Thank you #timesreads for this review copy in exchange of an honest review.

#justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #JulyReads #JulyTBRs #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #summertimereads #hellojuly #tothebridge #yasukothanh

[Carolyn Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Bridge” by Yasuko Thanh, narrated by the author. I chose this audio book as it was outside of my genre and also a female Canadian Author. The book is about a mother, Rose, her suicidal teen daughter, Juliet, Rose’s husband, Syd and their neighbour Ron. After Juliet’s failed suicide attempt, Rose feels that Syd and the system are failing her child and makes it her mission to save Rose. This is not a happily ever after story but a gritty look into small town family life and mental health issues. Having said that, I found it beautifully written. Slated for release May 30th 2023. Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @penguincanada for the #ALC

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't like dark, depressing books you should avoid this one. The story revolved around four characters: Juliet - a suicidal teenager; Rose - her mother who becomes obsessed with keeping Juliet from attempting suicide again; Syd - Rose's husband and Juliet's father, an ex-con with a good heart but a hot temper; and Ron - a neighbor and friend who becomes WAY too involved for his own good and the good of the family. I found these characters bizarre and difficult to relate to. I found the book moderately interesting, but the story too 'out there' to really relate to. Giving it three stars was probably being kind.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

oodreads Paperback Win

A mother tries to keep her family and world a float after her daughter’s failed suicide attempt. Their fragile relationship is tested after she attempts to keep her safe but in doing so heightens things. Secrets will be exposed that will further test their relationship and their family unit.

A look at life after a failed attempt and the reasoning at times may shock those the closest the most.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the start of this book was amazing, I really enjoyed the idea of the book being from the mother's perspective and her reaction and thoughts to her daughter's current mental health. I found the writing style hard to follow especially around the halfway point and beyond. The ending of the book was just too much going on for my brain.
Won from GOODREADS giveaway.

[Héloïse Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching. I wish it had done more and had a deeper message or I guess answer. Proves that there are no answers to this topic and it can’t make sense to anyone but the person going through it. Emphasizes the cyclical pattern of abuse and trauma but with a hopeful tinge towards a break to this cycle.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well-written, poignant, and has some beautiful prose and imagery. Although it was difficult to read in some sections because it was personal and raw, I would recommend this book. I did enjoy the emotional aspect of reading it and I could relate to the characters. Well done!

[rita ✴︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

what

so like is this solvable w a decent education system or like? also what happened to Juliet's high school career what

maybe too honest 4 me like uhmm also felt a bit loose in terms of plot but it's okay

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy in a goodreads giveaway.

I really enjoyed the first half. I think this book was trying for a full circle moment, but the second half just lost my interest.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read, loved the twists and turns. Well thought out

[prescribed · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Loved the first 3/4 of this book so much I couldn't put it down. The end felt a little clunky and shark-jumpy but I cared enough about the characters to pull me through quickly.

[Mary-Ann Kourko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful story of multi generational trauma and the lack of mental health support. Couldn’t put this one down. Amazing.

[urooba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[jocelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

good idea! bad execution boring writing (imo)

[Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE bridge.
So many bridges.
But..
Only ONE real bridge.

[Stefan Radenkovic · Rating 1 out of 5]

An immature woman's fantasy

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting.

[Lily Gostyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very oddly comforting