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The Bridge
From the bestselling author of The Scavenger’s Daughters comes a heart-warming ★novella-length story★, inspired by real events set on a famous bridge where birth parents leave their children in the hopes of giving them a better future than they can provide. This story will leave you feeling the utmost warmth of compassion, and reaching for a box of tissue.
In present day China, an old woman’s house sits opposite an ancient bridge. Not just any bridge—but a special one because it has always been known as The Lucky Bridge. In olden days it was said that to walk over it during a marriage ceremony, or at the beginning of the New Year would bring the traveler good luck. Because of its reputation, over the years it has also become a popular place for young mothers to abandon their children. What to some may seem cruel is in reality their final gift to their offspring—one last chance to send them off to their new destinies with luck on their side. Jing, an old woman, is the unofficial and often reluctant guardian of the bridge. When no one else will, Jing steps in to prevent the children from frostbite, abuse and hunger, and then she delivers them safely to the orphanage. This has been her routine for many years, but what does Jing do when the latest child, a blind boy, burrows deep into her heart?
Read The Bridge to see how Fei Fei’s life is changed by the love of a lonely old woman. The Bridge is a short story of 17,000 words, approximately 72 pages. Fei Fei’s character is based on a real orphaned boy that Kay Bratt met during her time in China.
Don't miss these other great books by Kay Bratt! More China-inspired works include the bestselling series called Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters, The Sworn Sisters, Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage, and Chasing China; A Daughter’s Quest for Truth.
In present day China, an old woman’s house sits opposite an ancient bridge. Not just any bridge—but a special one because it has always been known as The Lucky Bridge. In olden days it was said that to walk over it during a marriage ceremony, or at the beginning of the New Year would bring the traveler good luck. Because of its reputation, over the years it has also become a popular place for young mothers to abandon their children. What to some may seem cruel is in reality their final gift to their offspring—one last chance to send them off to their new destinies with luck on their side. Jing, an old woman, is the unofficial and often reluctant guardian of the bridge. When no one else will, Jing steps in to prevent the children from frostbite, abuse and hunger, and then she delivers them safely to the orphanage. This has been her routine for many years, but what does Jing do when the latest child, a blind boy, burrows deep into her heart?
Read The Bridge to see how Fei Fei’s life is changed by the love of a lonely old woman. The Bridge is a short story of 17,000 words, approximately 72 pages. Fei Fei’s character is based on a real orphaned boy that Kay Bratt met during her time in China.
Don't miss these other great books by Kay Bratt! More China-inspired works include the bestselling series called Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters, The Sworn Sisters, Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage, and Chasing China; A Daughter’s Quest for Truth.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2011
300 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
Kay Bratt
60 books2,085 followersWriter, Rescuer, Wanderer
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.
Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian.
Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.
In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.
As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.
Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 5, 2022
A young blind child is abandoned by a bridge.....an elderly woman take him in.....amazingly lovely.
December 11, 2012
3.5 A very poignant and heart warming story. The six yr. old blind boy almost broke mt heart. Very well written, based in something the author saw when she visited a Chinese orphanage and also serves as somewhat of an introduction to her book Silent Tears. Christmas season is a great time for reading this wonderful little book about love and hope.
July 27, 2013
Wonderfully fulfilling story, really depressing afterword. This is a story based off of a true event, the author meeting a little blind boy in a play pen cage at a Chinese orphanage, because those at the orphanage couldn't take the time or have the skills, to deal with his disability. The story ends well, but you never know about that poor little blind boy, who was fostered out. And then that leads you to thinking about all of the OTHER children with disabilities who don't get the help they need and it's just one big cry-fest.
Don't get me wrong, it's IMPORTANT that we not only think about those children, but that we DO something to help them and not just say, "how sad," shed a few tears and move on. The author apparently has been working in China at orphanages and has written books about her experiences with it. I am definitely going to pick up those books and read them.
This was a short story and a freebie on the Kindle. It's definitely worth anyone's time to read and will help to put issues that seemed so bad before reading, into perspective after reading. God job Ms. Bratt and keep up the good work.
Don't get me wrong, it's IMPORTANT that we not only think about those children, but that we DO something to help them and not just say, "how sad," shed a few tears and move on. The author apparently has been working in China at orphanages and has written books about her experiences with it. I am definitely going to pick up those books and read them.
This was a short story and a freebie on the Kindle. It's definitely worth anyone's time to read and will help to put issues that seemed so bad before reading, into perspective after reading. God job Ms. Bratt and keep up the good work.
June 4, 2014
3.5 stars
Elderly Jing lives within sight of a bridge believed to be lucky. Because of it's reputation, mothers sometimes abandon their children on the bridge. Jing acts as self-appointed keeper of these children. She takes them in and brings them to the nearby orphanage. She knows the childrens' lives will be difficult, but at least they will have food and not be kidnapped and trained as beggars. As the Chinese New Year approaches, she finds another child. Five year old Fei Fei, a little boy blind from birth. Fei Fei captures her heart in a way no child has before.
This was a sweet little story. I rated it 3.5 rather than 4 stars because there was some tense changing in the narrative that gave it a slightly choppy feel in the beginning. Apart from that, I really don't have any complaints. I'm not sure anything tugs at my heart more than the awfulness of a mother who loves her child feeling compelled to part with her child. Since the story started with that kind of scene, I was a goner from the start.
Elderly Jing lives within sight of a bridge believed to be lucky. Because of it's reputation, mothers sometimes abandon their children on the bridge. Jing acts as self-appointed keeper of these children. She takes them in and brings them to the nearby orphanage. She knows the childrens' lives will be difficult, but at least they will have food and not be kidnapped and trained as beggars. As the Chinese New Year approaches, she finds another child. Five year old Fei Fei, a little boy blind from birth. Fei Fei captures her heart in a way no child has before.
This was a sweet little story. I rated it 3.5 rather than 4 stars because there was some tense changing in the narrative that gave it a slightly choppy feel in the beginning. Apart from that, I really don't have any complaints. I'm not sure anything tugs at my heart more than the awfulness of a mother who loves her child feeling compelled to part with her child. Since the story started with that kind of scene, I was a goner from the start.
January 26, 2012
This is a very moving and touching novelette. It spoke to me because I know what it feels like to be shunned by others, to be ostracized and ridiculed for having a disability. I felt for Fei Fei. His own mother abandoned him, and perhaps her intentions were good, to get him educated in a blind school, but still, unforgivable.
This takes place in China, not sure the era. An old woman who can barely feed herself, takes in a boy abandoned at the bridge. He's blind. She takes him to the orphanage and is dismayed to discover, he's treated like a baby, not the intelligent 5 year old he is. Nobody wants to or has the time to focus on a blind boy, to educate him. They just make him stay out of the way. How many of us with disabilities have faced this at some point in our lives??? Too many of us, too often.
Full review is on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
This takes place in China, not sure the era. An old woman who can barely feed herself, takes in a boy abandoned at the bridge. He's blind. She takes him to the orphanage and is dismayed to discover, he's treated like a baby, not the intelligent 5 year old he is. Nobody wants to or has the time to focus on a blind boy, to educate him. They just make him stay out of the way. How many of us with disabilities have faced this at some point in our lives??? Too many of us, too often.
Full review is on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
May 20, 2015
This is a very sweet story of a Old woman and blind boy.
Old woman lives in a small town in china across a Bridge called the Lucky Bridge. Its a hard time in china with people struggling for money.
People leave unwanted kids on the bridge hoping some one adopts them.
The Old lady takes the kids and delivers them to orphange.
One day she finds a Blind boy struggling on the bridge, she takes him home and takes him to orphonage the next day.
After a week she finds the kid is not happy and brings the kid home.
Her daughter comes home for new year and finds the kid, She bonds with him and takes him to City for better life.
The story is so sweet and the young boy so lovable.
It just shows that everyone in the world wants to live and can survive if given a chance.
I give this story 4/5
Devil D
Old woman lives in a small town in china across a Bridge called the Lucky Bridge. Its a hard time in china with people struggling for money.
People leave unwanted kids on the bridge hoping some one adopts them.
The Old lady takes the kids and delivers them to orphange.
One day she finds a Blind boy struggling on the bridge, she takes him home and takes him to orphonage the next day.
After a week she finds the kid is not happy and brings the kid home.
Her daughter comes home for new year and finds the kid, She bonds with him and takes him to City for better life.
The story is so sweet and the young boy so lovable.
It just shows that everyone in the world wants to live and can survive if given a chance.
I give this story 4/5
Devil D
April 28, 2016
While I enjoyed the subject matter, I found the writing itself to be distracting. There was no natural flow to the story causing the story to feel a bit forced. The inclusion of Chinese words felt a bit awkwardly handled as the author would use them and then convey their meaning with very dry responses including the meaning. The author also put in little tidbits about modern-day China that felt out of place and like a lesson rather than a smooth inclusion. (Also, such information was fairly common as long as one has read anything about modern China...)
I did, however, think the small blind boy was well depicted and sweet. I also believe the subject matter is important, I just wish it had a less dry and forced execution.
I did, however, think the small blind boy was well depicted and sweet. I also believe the subject matter is important, I just wish it had a less dry and forced execution.
September 27, 2013
This was a Amazon freebie short story/book. At only 80 pages, It's a quick read and a warm, satifying, well designed story with heart.
January 22, 2024
The Bridge by Kay Bratt. In present day China, the home of an old woman faces the Lucky Bridge, the famous bridge where birth parents leave their children in the hopes that someone will find them and give them a better future. In the old days, walking over the bridge during a marriage ceremony or at the New Year was said to bring the individual good luck. Mothers hope that the bridge’s luck would be bestowed on their children. Jing is the unofficial and reluctant guardian of the bridge. When no one else steps in, Jing does. Briefly taking them in and then delivering them to a local orphanage. She always said she was done, no more children. Until one day, one little boy, Fei Fei, softens her heart and changes her life.
Inspired by her real life experience while working in a Chinese orphanage, Kay Bratt writes a heartwarming and compassionate novella. The Bridge is a short but powerful read. She also wrote a memoir about her experience in China and in the orphanage, Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage. Having read the memoir and knowing the background of this phenomenon of parents abandoning their children gives The Bridge its heartbreaking reality and yet hopeful possibilities. I loved the main characters of Jing, Fei Fei, and Jing’s daughter, Qian. I highly recommend reading The Bridge as well as Silent Tears. It will break your heart but leaving you believing in the power of the change a single person can bring.
The Bridge is available in eBook
Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage
is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Inspired by her real life experience while working in a Chinese orphanage, Kay Bratt writes a heartwarming and compassionate novella. The Bridge is a short but powerful read. She also wrote a memoir about her experience in China and in the orphanage, Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage. Having read the memoir and knowing the background of this phenomenon of parents abandoning their children gives The Bridge its heartbreaking reality and yet hopeful possibilities. I loved the main characters of Jing, Fei Fei, and Jing’s daughter, Qian. I highly recommend reading The Bridge as well as Silent Tears. It will break your heart but leaving you believing in the power of the change a single person can bring.
The Bridge is available in eBook
Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage
is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
November 27, 2022
beautiful story!
What a beautiful story of the Chinese Orphanage, sweet little Fei Fei, and a woman named Jing, who wanted nothing but the best for him. The orphanage though was not giving him what he needed and kept him alone, not playing with other children or going to school. Jing very upset with the lack of care and ended up taking Fei Fei home with her. Her daughter, Qian, came to visit and fell in love with Fei Fei. She ended up taking him home with her so he could go to a blind school and learn. I loved this story. Have a soft heart for children and orphanages. A must read!
What a beautiful story of the Chinese Orphanage, sweet little Fei Fei, and a woman named Jing, who wanted nothing but the best for him. The orphanage though was not giving him what he needed and kept him alone, not playing with other children or going to school. Jing very upset with the lack of care and ended up taking Fei Fei home with her. Her daughter, Qian, came to visit and fell in love with Fei Fei. She ended up taking him home with her so he could go to a blind school and learn. I loved this story. Have a soft heart for children and orphanages. A must read!
December 31, 2022
Jing is an elderly Chinese woman who lives within view of The Lucky Bridge. She is called the Keeper of this bridge because she has seen many children abandoned there over the years. She rescues them and takes them to an orphanage to be cared for and adopted. She sees a very young child sitting on the bridge the entire day. Jing goes to check on him and learns that he is 5 years old and blind. She takes to the orphanage and discovers that they are not able to properly care for him.
This is a heartwarming story of a special woman, her daughter and a blind boy.
This is a heartwarming story of a special woman, her daughter and a blind boy.
November 27, 2022
Uplifting Story
What a beautifully written story about love and kindness. There are so many takeaways from this short story. Like the importance of finding a purpose in life regardless of your age and how showing kindness to others warms the heart. Absolutely loved the main characters…so sweet and giving. If you need an uplifting story…this fits the bill!
What a beautifully written story about love and kindness. There are so many takeaways from this short story. Like the importance of finding a purpose in life regardless of your age and how showing kindness to others warms the heart. Absolutely loved the main characters…so sweet and giving. If you need an uplifting story…this fits the bill!
July 26, 2017
Very sweet
A sweet story of a kind-hearted woman who took in a blind orphan. While many of Bratt's stories are a bit one dimensional, they are filled with good people. Her hope is contagious.
A sweet story of a kind-hearted woman who took in a blind orphan. While many of Bratt's stories are a bit one dimensional, they are filled with good people. Her hope is contagious.
March 24, 2023
Heartwarming
This story pulled at my heart strings immediately. I was so drawn to Fei Fei. As a mother myself, it made me so sad for this little boy. I wonder where he is today & how he is doing!
This story pulled at my heart strings immediately. I was so drawn to Fei Fei. As a mother myself, it made me so sad for this little boy. I wonder where he is today & how he is doing!
September 23, 2023
love
Even in other countries love still speaks the same. Unfortunately a child is left behind because he is blind. But a great woman takes her time and attention and changes his life.
Even in other countries love still speaks the same. Unfortunately a child is left behind because he is blind. But a great woman takes her time and attention and changes his life.
May 31, 2017
A beautiful story of hope
Bratt pens a beautiful story of hope for a small boy she tries to help. I could have about 500 more pages - what an incredible story.
Bratt pens a beautiful story of hope for a small boy she tries to help. I could have about 500 more pages - what an incredible story.
January 5, 2018
A tender story of sacrifice, diversity, love, purpose, and hope. Thank you, Kay Bratt!
June 21, 2018
Short but heartfelt
Very good short story. Did not want it too end. Jing and her daughter Qian took such good care of Fei Fei.
Very good short story. Did not want it too end. Jing and her daughter Qian took such good care of Fei Fei.
July 5, 2018
Beautiful and touching story
A blind boy abandoned and later found by an old woman. Loved this story so much and the ending brought happy tears!
A blind boy abandoned and later found by an old woman. Loved this story so much and the ending brought happy tears!
August 25, 2018
Kay Bratt is phenomenal
Kat Bratt captures the essence of emotion in this short story of love and acceptance. I couldn’t put it down!
Kat Bratt captures the essence of emotion in this short story of love and acceptance. I couldn’t put it down!
May 4, 2020
Heartwarming short story
Excellent tale of sorrow, pain, joy, hope, and love. How one small boy experienced all of these in his short tumultuous life.
Excellent tale of sorrow, pain, joy, hope, and love. How one small boy experienced all of these in his short tumultuous life.
January 23, 2023
A great short story filled with love and compassion. An elderly Chinese woman and an orphaned blind boy encounter love in a beautiful way.
February 7, 2023
Lovely!
This was a lovely little story! I was happy all the way through and to the conclusion. It made me smile.
This was a lovely little story! I was happy all the way through and to the conclusion. It made me smile.
March 1, 2023
A story about love. I will read it again when life gets me down
May 6, 2023
Sweet
A short, sweet story. I have so many questions, but alas I will not be getting any answers. Oh well, I guess that is the point.
A short, sweet story. I have so many questions, but alas I will not be getting any answers. Oh well, I guess that is the point.
November 20, 2017
Read Nov. 12, 2017
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2014
It’s Mother’s Day here in the United States. Whether you celebrate the holiday today or on another day on the calendar, this book expresses the true nature of motherhood.
The book is a short story of approximately seventy pages that will grip you on many levels. Ms. Bratt has spent five years in China and bases her writing experiences on the time she spent there and the love she acquired for the country’s people. She quickly and deftly paints the scene in Suzhou, China, 2010, portraying the old woman named Jing who is now dependent on the generosity of her son for her own survival. Jing is grateful to be able to care for her grandson and cook the meals in exchange for food and shelter over her head. She collects old sweaters and uses scraps of wool to make scarves so that she can save enough money to prepare for her unmarried daughter Qian’s annual trip home for the New Year holidays.
The reader soon senses her generosity of spirit and kindness. Jing notices a young five year old boy sitting on the bridge near her window and watches with sadness as his mother does not return for him. Jing takes him in for the night and realizes that he is blind. She resolves to take him by foot to the orphanage, where she is a familiar character. The reader learns that she has done this many times before. Feeling particularly sad about the vulnerability and susceptibility of this disabled five year old named Fei Fei, Jing is unable to forget him. When she makes a return trip to the orphanage, she finds that he has been neglected. The director agrees to place Fei Fei in her care as a foster parent for three years. Jing doubts she will be able to succeed in taking care of him until he is old enough to be trained properly in a school for blind children, but she knows his survival is dependent upon her. When Jing’s daughter Qian arrives for the holidays, circumstances take another dramatic turn.
The reader learns how the concept of motherhood can change and transform us. Will Fei Fei face a life of misery or will the struggling old woman named Jing somehow succeed in rehabilitating this child who, like many other Chinese children, has been abandoned on the “Lucky Bridge?” I recommend this book to children age eight and up. The story is based on a character that the author met in China. All the characters are well developed; the author explores some very important societal issues as well as the culture of China. This book is a good multicultural addition to a classroom library and introduces children living in the Western hemisphere to Asian traditions.
The book is a short story of approximately seventy pages that will grip you on many levels. Ms. Bratt has spent five years in China and bases her writing experiences on the time she spent there and the love she acquired for the country’s people. She quickly and deftly paints the scene in Suzhou, China, 2010, portraying the old woman named Jing who is now dependent on the generosity of her son for her own survival. Jing is grateful to be able to care for her grandson and cook the meals in exchange for food and shelter over her head. She collects old sweaters and uses scraps of wool to make scarves so that she can save enough money to prepare for her unmarried daughter Qian’s annual trip home for the New Year holidays.
The reader soon senses her generosity of spirit and kindness. Jing notices a young five year old boy sitting on the bridge near her window and watches with sadness as his mother does not return for him. Jing takes him in for the night and realizes that he is blind. She resolves to take him by foot to the orphanage, where she is a familiar character. The reader learns that she has done this many times before. Feeling particularly sad about the vulnerability and susceptibility of this disabled five year old named Fei Fei, Jing is unable to forget him. When she makes a return trip to the orphanage, she finds that he has been neglected. The director agrees to place Fei Fei in her care as a foster parent for three years. Jing doubts she will be able to succeed in taking care of him until he is old enough to be trained properly in a school for blind children, but she knows his survival is dependent upon her. When Jing’s daughter Qian arrives for the holidays, circumstances take another dramatic turn.
The reader learns how the concept of motherhood can change and transform us. Will Fei Fei face a life of misery or will the struggling old woman named Jing somehow succeed in rehabilitating this child who, like many other Chinese children, has been abandoned on the “Lucky Bridge?” I recommend this book to children age eight and up. The story is based on a character that the author met in China. All the characters are well developed; the author explores some very important societal issues as well as the culture of China. This book is a good multicultural addition to a classroom library and introduces children living in the Western hemisphere to Asian traditions.
January 25, 2012
I love this book!
The setting is in China. I do not know much about China and this book gave me a little inside information. At the end of the book, I find that the story is pretty much true. I also find that Kay Bratt has written a couple of other books, all about China.
I think most people are aware that China has a child limit policy. Couples are only allowed to have two children. At least I think this is how it used to be. As I said, I don't know much about China.
In the story, there is an older lady who lives across from a bridge. People, usually mothers, will leave a baby at the bridge because the bridge is supposed to bring good luck. The old lady always goes and gets the baby. She then takes the baby across town to the orphanage. she has done this for years. The guard and everyone there knows her.
One day she sees a small boy at the bridge. People don't usually bring older children to leave. She sits in a chair at the window and watches for awhile. She sees the mother watch the boy as she silently weeps. Finally the old woman gets the boy and brings him to her home.
She guesses he is 6 years old. he is blind.
The end of the story is so sweet and moving. As this story is about a real blind boy, I wonder what has become of him.
A must read.
The setting is in China. I do not know much about China and this book gave me a little inside information. At the end of the book, I find that the story is pretty much true. I also find that Kay Bratt has written a couple of other books, all about China.
I think most people are aware that China has a child limit policy. Couples are only allowed to have two children. At least I think this is how it used to be. As I said, I don't know much about China.
In the story, there is an older lady who lives across from a bridge. People, usually mothers, will leave a baby at the bridge because the bridge is supposed to bring good luck. The old lady always goes and gets the baby. She then takes the baby across town to the orphanage. she has done this for years. The guard and everyone there knows her.
One day she sees a small boy at the bridge. People don't usually bring older children to leave. She sits in a chair at the window and watches for awhile. She sees the mother watch the boy as she silently weeps. Finally the old woman gets the boy and brings him to her home.
She guesses he is 6 years old. he is blind.
The end of the story is so sweet and moving. As this story is about a real blind boy, I wonder what has become of him.
A must read.
September 1, 2016
In present day China, an old woman's house sits opposite an ancient bridge. Not just any bridge--but a special one because it has always been known as The Lucky Bridge. In olden days it was said that to walk over it during a marriage ceremony, or at the beginning of the New Year would bring the traveler good luck. Because of its reputation, over the years it has also become a popular place for young mothers to abandon their children. What to some may seem cruel is in reality their final gift to their offspring--one last chance to send them off to their new destinies with luck on their side. Jing, an old woman, is the unofficial and often reluctant guardian of the bridge. When no one else will, Jing steps in to prevent the children from frostbite, abuse and hunger, and then she delivers them safely to the orphanage. This has been her routine for many years, but what does Jing do when the latest child, a blind boy, burrows deep into her heart?
Read 'The Bridge' to see how Fei Fei's life is changed by the love of a lonely old woman. The Bridge is a short story of 17,000 words, approximately 72 pages. Fei Fei's character is based on a real orphaned boy that Kay Bratt met during her time in China.
Read 'The Bridge' to see how Fei Fei's life is changed by the love of a lonely old woman. The Bridge is a short story of 17,000 words, approximately 72 pages. Fei Fei's character is based on a real orphaned boy that Kay Bratt met during her time in China.
April 8, 2012
LimerenceMag.com Review
The Bridge, by Kay Bratt, is an inspiring short story set in modern day China. Fei Fei is a young boy who was abandoned on The Lucky Bridge by his mother because he is blind. The old woman, Jing, who lives opposite the bridge, has been bringing all of the children left there to the orphanage. When she takes Fei Fei in, she suddenly realizes just how much this little boy has touched her heart and is determined to help him however she can.
The writing is absolutely flawless and tells a heartwarming story. The author uses the Chinese language throughout the book which keeps you in the setting she’s created. The characters are well developed in this short story and you can’t help but fall in love with little Fei Fei.
Although I really liked this story, there was no conflict involved. Everything that happens is just too easy given the tragic situation. The ending was abrupt and left you wanting more, but not in a good kind of way. It felt like the real story was about to start where the author left off.
Overall, I would rate The Bridge 3 ½ stars and would recommend it for anyone interested in the Chinese culture who isn’t expecting more than a light and fast read.
The Bridge, by Kay Bratt, is an inspiring short story set in modern day China. Fei Fei is a young boy who was abandoned on The Lucky Bridge by his mother because he is blind. The old woman, Jing, who lives opposite the bridge, has been bringing all of the children left there to the orphanage. When she takes Fei Fei in, she suddenly realizes just how much this little boy has touched her heart and is determined to help him however she can.
The writing is absolutely flawless and tells a heartwarming story. The author uses the Chinese language throughout the book which keeps you in the setting she’s created. The characters are well developed in this short story and you can’t help but fall in love with little Fei Fei.
Although I really liked this story, there was no conflict involved. Everything that happens is just too easy given the tragic situation. The ending was abrupt and left you wanting more, but not in a good kind of way. It felt like the real story was about to start where the author left off.
Overall, I would rate The Bridge 3 ½ stars and would recommend it for anyone interested in the Chinese culture who isn’t expecting more than a light and fast read.
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