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Under the Singing Bridge
Navigating the throes of civil unrest in the small East African country of Kiza, journalist Aubrey Renner finds herself caught up in the very violence she seeks to report. When protests become the target of rebel mercenaries, Aubrey must fight to keep herself and the story alive. Dedicated to healing the people of Kiza, Dr. Quinn Ambrose must reconcile her humanitarian principles and the fight for her own survival. Caught between a blossoming romance and a life of servitude, loyalties are tested by the brutality of circumstance. Orphaned by the very forces he now serves, Lieutenant Kolo grapples with his role in the violence consuming his homeland. Confronting the stark realities of loyalty and identity, Kolo faces the impossible task of holding on to his humanity in a war determined to strip it away.
Is the will to endure enough to transcend the chaos that surrounds them?
Is the will to endure enough to transcend the chaos that surrounds them?
594 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2025
8 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Rhozier Carlen
1 book16 followersShannon Rhozier Carlen is a Canadian author, educator, and expert in herding kindergarteners, which has turned out to be excellent training for wrangling unruly characters on the page. A lifelong storyteller, Shannon realized the voices in her head weren’t cause for alarm—they were just fiercely determined characters begging to escape onto paper.
Shannon draws inspiration from the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, weaving together historical and geopolitical themes with unapologetically complex characters. Whether tackling the horrors of war or the complexities of love, Shannon’s writing always aims to remind us that, even in the darkest of times, there’s a spark worth chasing.
Follow Shannon on her journey as she blurs the line between history and fiction—one morally grey story at a time.
Shannon draws inspiration from the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, weaving together historical and geopolitical themes with unapologetically complex characters. Whether tackling the horrors of war or the complexities of love, Shannon’s writing always aims to remind us that, even in the darkest of times, there’s a spark worth chasing.
Follow Shannon on her journey as she blurs the line between history and fiction—one morally grey story at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 14, 2025
Highly Recommend
I was truly expecting a whole different ending but it turned out better than I imagined, but this book was truly amazing and full of emotions. I highly recommend reading!
I was truly expecting a whole different ending but it turned out better than I imagined, but this book was truly amazing and full of emotions. I highly recommend reading!
June 2, 2025
I feel like I have so much to say about this book and it's hard to put such thoughts onto paper. I think that this book had a nice writing style in it, characters that broke my heart, and a plot driven story took me on a tense disturbing journey. I'm going to try to organize my thoughts the best I can, so please bear with me, this may be a bit long.
Upon finishing Under The Singing Bridge, I spent thirty minutes talking to my partner about what I liked, my criticisms, and how it impacted me. (Which in my opinion is the most fun thing about reading.) I think it's safe to say that the author's writing is capable of invoking such strong emotions.
So, let's get into all the nitty gritty as I'm growing more interested in thinking a bit more critically about the books that I read. Anyway, just remember, these are only my thoughts & opinions. I encourage you to read this book so that way you can form your own opinions and discuss with me. ♡
What I liked about Under The Singing Bridge, is that it forces you to critically examine the world. These things are actually happening in the horror of real life, and people bat an eye at it until it's explicitly being shown or broadcasted to you. The violence and the propaganda is very real. I can appreciate a good literary fiction.
This is a story of a journalist sent to cover the horrendous genocide being taken place in a fictional East African country, who meets unfortunate circumstances and forms untethered connections in the midst of total destruction.
The author used plenty of descriptive imagery throughout the text. I often felt myself grimacing or flinching at words across the page, or screen in my case. The pace of the story? Slow. So slow, though it was expected because of the genres it falls under: contemporary, historical and literary fiction, with a tad of romance. Though, I have some critiques regarding that aspect, which you can read in the full version of this review. Overall, Under the Singing Bridge delivered substance that packed a powerful punch, no pun intended. I enjoyed reading this book, and had to take moments to prepare for stepping into some of the chapters.
Mind the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, especially if you're reading on an ereader! There are many scenes that depict such vile imagery, though this is not a criticism. Some of the scenes were disgustingly beautiful. Other scenes brought tears to the corners of my eyes. This story touches your heart through description alone, but the characters make it so much harder.
Let's talk about the characters.
Under The Singing Bridge is written in first point of view, and we transition between three main characters: Aubrey, Quinn, and Kolo. I would love to hear what other people have to say about their development.
Often but not always, inside the head of Aubrey, a woman who is introduced as a workaholic for the press; we quickly find out she is interested in women by an almost encounter within the first three chapter. Of course she wouldn't start anything with another when she's leaving her home country in two days! There isn't much I can say regarding Aubrey's character, as nothing truly stuck out, and I found myself questioning why she was of use to the Kigamwé once captured beyond her title.
Quinn wasn't much for me to desire either, though, it was interesting to see how their point of view eventually caught up. Gosh, so much of what I want to say about these two characters are critiques, and I'm trying to stay organized here. It's not even so much the characters themselves that I dislike, because they aren't entirely bad. It's the chemistry between them that I wasn't a fan of.
Kolo, oh boy. His character development destroyed me. I was really intrigued every chapter we got with him, and at first I didn't really understand until I read back. Kolo is just a young boy, forced into submission and taught to become a reckless, coldblooded, war machine. We get an insider into the lives of the soldiers of the Kigamewé, and a reminder that most are fourteen years old and fighting for their own survival. Throughout this time, Kolo accumulates multiple skeleton in his closet that are inevitably exposed.
If you've made it this far and you're asking why I've rated Under The Singing Bridge 4.5 stars despite praising it, click here to read the full review along with my criticisms.
Upon finishing Under The Singing Bridge, I spent thirty minutes talking to my partner about what I liked, my criticisms, and how it impacted me. (Which in my opinion is the most fun thing about reading.) I think it's safe to say that the author's writing is capable of invoking such strong emotions.
So, let's get into all the nitty gritty as I'm growing more interested in thinking a bit more critically about the books that I read. Anyway, just remember, these are only my thoughts & opinions. I encourage you to read this book so that way you can form your own opinions and discuss with me. ♡
What I liked about Under The Singing Bridge, is that it forces you to critically examine the world. These things are actually happening in the horror of real life, and people bat an eye at it until it's explicitly being shown or broadcasted to you. The violence and the propaganda is very real. I can appreciate a good literary fiction.
This is a story of a journalist sent to cover the horrendous genocide being taken place in a fictional East African country, who meets unfortunate circumstances and forms untethered connections in the midst of total destruction.
The author used plenty of descriptive imagery throughout the text. I often felt myself grimacing or flinching at words across the page, or screen in my case. The pace of the story? Slow. So slow, though it was expected because of the genres it falls under: contemporary, historical and literary fiction, with a tad of romance. Though, I have some critiques regarding that aspect, which you can read in the full version of this review. Overall, Under the Singing Bridge delivered substance that packed a powerful punch, no pun intended. I enjoyed reading this book, and had to take moments to prepare for stepping into some of the chapters.
Mind the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, especially if you're reading on an ereader! There are many scenes that depict such vile imagery, though this is not a criticism. Some of the scenes were disgustingly beautiful. Other scenes brought tears to the corners of my eyes. This story touches your heart through description alone, but the characters make it so much harder.
Let's talk about the characters.
Under The Singing Bridge is written in first point of view, and we transition between three main characters: Aubrey, Quinn, and Kolo. I would love to hear what other people have to say about their development.
Often but not always, inside the head of Aubrey, a woman who is introduced as a workaholic for the press; we quickly find out she is interested in women by an almost encounter within the first three chapter. Of course she wouldn't start anything with another when she's leaving her home country in two days! There isn't much I can say regarding Aubrey's character, as nothing truly stuck out, and I found myself questioning why she was of use to the Kigamwé once captured beyond her title.
Quinn wasn't much for me to desire either, though, it was interesting to see how their point of view eventually caught up. Gosh, so much of what I want to say about these two characters are critiques, and I'm trying to stay organized here. It's not even so much the characters themselves that I dislike, because they aren't entirely bad. It's the chemistry between them that I wasn't a fan of.
Kolo, oh boy. His character development destroyed me. I was really intrigued every chapter we got with him, and at first I didn't really understand until I read back. Kolo is just a young boy, forced into submission and taught to become a reckless, coldblooded, war machine. We get an insider into the lives of the soldiers of the Kigamewé, and a reminder that most are fourteen years old and fighting for their own survival. Throughout this time, Kolo accumulates multiple skeleton in his closet that are inevitably exposed.
If you've made it this far and you're asking why I've rated Under The Singing Bridge 4.5 stars despite praising it, click here to read the full review along with my criticisms.
December 8, 2024
I found this book from a facebook group and I dont know how in Gods green earth no one knows about it.
There were moments I had to stop reading because the emotions were so overwhelming. I cried more than once. but I kept turning the pages because the story is just that powerful. It’s devastating and raw.
I havent felt this way about a story since Night by Elie Wiesel.
Although the main is lesbian, I didnt know about it but didnt really matter.
10/10
There were moments I had to stop reading because the emotions were so overwhelming. I cried more than once. but I kept turning the pages because the story is just that powerful. It’s devastating and raw.
I havent felt this way about a story since Night by Elie Wiesel.
Although the main is lesbian, I didnt know about it but didnt really matter.
10/10
June 4, 2025
I judged this book by its cover. I’m so glad that I did. I honestly didn’t know what it was about but heard a lot of good things.
Here are my thoughts. Maybe brew some coffee. I have a lot to say.
There’s something hauntingly unforgettable about Under the Singing Bridge that makes me want to cry, scream, run away and read it all over again. When I finished, I looked up the author and found this was her debut novel. How she’ll be able to top the next one, I’m not sure-this one has slipped beneath my skin.
The story itself is both beautiful and bruising, showing the realities of our world that no one wants to talk about.
Let’s get into the specifics.
I want to start with Kolo. This character broke my heart. I wanted to reach in and protect him from his world. Through Kolo, Carlen shows the human side of war, and humanizes the inhumane.
For me, Aubrey felt true and authentic, like Carlen knows this type of vulnerability on a cellular level. What makes Aubrey particularly compelling is her emotional honesty. She struggles with fear, doubt, and even guilt, especially in scenes where she questions whether her work is actually helping or simply exploiting the suffering around her. Her humanity shines through in those quiet, reflective moments—like when she watches a mother comfort her child after a protest has turned deadly, and she realizes the line between observer and participant is blurrier than she ever imagined. Her perspective challenges us to think about the ethics of storytelling in conflict zones.
Now, let’s talk Quinn.
What makes Quinn’s character truly stand out is her internal conflict. The scene where she treats a wounded child in a makeshift clinic while outside the violence rages is unforgettable; it’s raw, intimate, and shows her as a person grappling with impossible choices. She’s also grappling with her own demons—her exhaustion, her loneliness, and the toll that constant crisis takes on her sense of self.
Through small details—Quinn’s meticulous rituals etc.,—the author hints at the quiet burden she carries. These moments are never flashy but are deeply human, showing how her obsessive tendencies provide a fragile sense of control in an environment that constantly threatens to unravel. Her OCD isn’t presented as her defining trait but rather as a private struggle that shapes her compassion and her vulnerabilities.
God I loved this character.
The Bridge.
The bridge itself—a recurring motif of division and connection—captured the entire novel’s heart. I loved how it symbolized both the literal crossing between worlds and the emotional chasm the characters try to bridge in themselves.
Under the Singing Bridge doesn’t just tell a story; it demands that you feel it. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of conflict, there are sparks of humanity that refuse to die.
I sincerely hope Carlen isn’t done yet, because I’m already craving her next story. Few writers can make me care this deeply about characters and worlds that are both so far away and yet so close to the heart.
Ran
Here are my thoughts. Maybe brew some coffee. I have a lot to say.
There’s something hauntingly unforgettable about Under the Singing Bridge that makes me want to cry, scream, run away and read it all over again. When I finished, I looked up the author and found this was her debut novel. How she’ll be able to top the next one, I’m not sure-this one has slipped beneath my skin.
The story itself is both beautiful and bruising, showing the realities of our world that no one wants to talk about.
Let’s get into the specifics.
I want to start with Kolo. This character broke my heart. I wanted to reach in and protect him from his world. Through Kolo, Carlen shows the human side of war, and humanizes the inhumane.
For me, Aubrey felt true and authentic, like Carlen knows this type of vulnerability on a cellular level. What makes Aubrey particularly compelling is her emotional honesty. She struggles with fear, doubt, and even guilt, especially in scenes where she questions whether her work is actually helping or simply exploiting the suffering around her. Her humanity shines through in those quiet, reflective moments—like when she watches a mother comfort her child after a protest has turned deadly, and she realizes the line between observer and participant is blurrier than she ever imagined. Her perspective challenges us to think about the ethics of storytelling in conflict zones.
Now, let’s talk Quinn.
What makes Quinn’s character truly stand out is her internal conflict. The scene where she treats a wounded child in a makeshift clinic while outside the violence rages is unforgettable; it’s raw, intimate, and shows her as a person grappling with impossible choices. She’s also grappling with her own demons—her exhaustion, her loneliness, and the toll that constant crisis takes on her sense of self.
Through small details—Quinn’s meticulous rituals etc.,—the author hints at the quiet burden she carries. These moments are never flashy but are deeply human, showing how her obsessive tendencies provide a fragile sense of control in an environment that constantly threatens to unravel. Her OCD isn’t presented as her defining trait but rather as a private struggle that shapes her compassion and her vulnerabilities.
God I loved this character.
The Bridge.
The bridge itself—a recurring motif of division and connection—captured the entire novel’s heart. I loved how it symbolized both the literal crossing between worlds and the emotional chasm the characters try to bridge in themselves.
Under the Singing Bridge doesn’t just tell a story; it demands that you feel it. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of conflict, there are sparks of humanity that refuse to die.
I sincerely hope Carlen isn’t done yet, because I’m already craving her next story. Few writers can make me care this deeply about characters and worlds that are both so far away and yet so close to the heart.
Ran
December 11, 2024
What a wonderfully beautiful book. The characters are intense, intricate, and overwhelmingly emotional. There is so much about this book that I could go on and on about, but to be honest, I still need time to completely digest so much of what I just read. So many people need to read this book and I will be telling everyone I know about this book and imploring them to read it. I will be reading this book again just to see how much more I can learn about this story.
December 1, 2024
This is not an easy book to read but it is an IMPORTANT one. It hit me hard.
November 13, 2025
Greetings.
! Spoilers ahead !
This book came highly recommended. I was shocked to learn this is the author's debut novel. It's elegant and brutal. The way Carlen weaves history (I believe this story pays homage to the massacres of Rwanda in the 90s), with a sapphic storyline that was executed perfectly. I am not a huge romance reader, but Quinn and Aubrey felt so authentic and raw. What i really liked was the natural relationships Aubrey has with women because its not given any weight. Meaning, Aubrey is a lesbian (or at least only hooks up with women in the book), but its never a topic of conversation. she just is who she is. So i loved that authenticity.
Kolo is a special character. I loved him and was heart broken by his death. I can understand why this character needed to die (showing war has no mercy), but obviously I would have liked to see him escape. I loved the relationship he had with his dad and brother. I hated not knowing what happened to the mom and brother, but everything in this book is intentional. We wouldn't learn whether they lived or died because we only know them through Kolo.
I'd love to see a part two of this book but id understand if it was a standalone - it seemed to leave room, but also felt like there was closure which i liked a lot.
Anyhoooooo,
Read this book
M
! Spoilers ahead !
This book came highly recommended. I was shocked to learn this is the author's debut novel. It's elegant and brutal. The way Carlen weaves history (I believe this story pays homage to the massacres of Rwanda in the 90s), with a sapphic storyline that was executed perfectly. I am not a huge romance reader, but Quinn and Aubrey felt so authentic and raw. What i really liked was the natural relationships Aubrey has with women because its not given any weight. Meaning, Aubrey is a lesbian (or at least only hooks up with women in the book), but its never a topic of conversation. she just is who she is. So i loved that authenticity.
Kolo is a special character. I loved him and was heart broken by his death. I can understand why this character needed to die (showing war has no mercy), but obviously I would have liked to see him escape. I loved the relationship he had with his dad and brother. I hated not knowing what happened to the mom and brother, but everything in this book is intentional. We wouldn't learn whether they lived or died because we only know them through Kolo.
I'd love to see a part two of this book but id understand if it was a standalone - it seemed to leave room, but also felt like there was closure which i liked a lot.
Anyhoooooo,
Read this book
M
October 11, 2025
I was immediately hooked. It was not what I expected, and am not at all disappointed. I re-read several chapter again and again to experience it again. This story is not for the faint of heart, and should be read with caution. I love that the author included trigger warnings. I hope there is more to come.
June 25, 2025
I’ve read a lot of books that have moved me. But Under the Singing Bridge didn’t just move me—it undid me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fully put into words what this novel did to my heart, but I’m going to try. From the first few pages, it felt eerily, devastatingly real. The writing is razor-sharp but flowed with ease.
I kept rereading sentences—not because I didn’t understand them, but because I felt them too deeply the first time to let them go. Aubrey, Quinn, and Kolo—each of them felt like someone I could reach out and touch. Flawed, brave, terrified, and trying to find fragments of humanity in a world burning around them. I loved how Shannon Rhozier Carlen didn’t try to tidy their pain or sanitize their choices. There’s no savior trope here, no easy heroism. Just people trying to love and live through trauma and uncertainty. And sometimes failing.
I found myself sobbing at 2am more than once. But it wasn’t just sadness—it was awe. Awe at the beauty tucked inside horror. Awe at the moments of gentleness in between gunfire. Awe at the reminder that queer stories deserve to be written with this much emotional depth and care.
If you’re looking for a light read, this isn’t it.
But if you want something that will stay with you for a while—something that matters—then Under the Singing Bridge is that book.
I closed it with my heart raw and my hands trembling.
And honestly? I’d do it all over again.
I kept rereading sentences—not because I didn’t understand them, but because I felt them too deeply the first time to let them go. Aubrey, Quinn, and Kolo—each of them felt like someone I could reach out and touch. Flawed, brave, terrified, and trying to find fragments of humanity in a world burning around them. I loved how Shannon Rhozier Carlen didn’t try to tidy their pain or sanitize their choices. There’s no savior trope here, no easy heroism. Just people trying to love and live through trauma and uncertainty. And sometimes failing.
I found myself sobbing at 2am more than once. But it wasn’t just sadness—it was awe. Awe at the beauty tucked inside horror. Awe at the moments of gentleness in between gunfire. Awe at the reminder that queer stories deserve to be written with this much emotional depth and care.
If you’re looking for a light read, this isn’t it.
But if you want something that will stay with you for a while—something that matters—then Under the Singing Bridge is that book.
I closed it with my heart raw and my hands trembling.
And honestly? I’d do it all over again.
February 7, 2025
ANGSTY! GRITTY HISTORICAL FICTION! RAW! INTENSE!
The slow-burn tension, powerful themes and three-dimensional characters sucked me right in and hooked me from beginning to end.
I could NOT put this down.
The slow-burn tension, powerful themes and three-dimensional characters sucked me right in and hooked me from beginning to end.
I could NOT put this down.
November 21, 2024
It has taken me a few days to emotionally recover from this book - it was beautifully written and everything I didn't know I wanted. This can't be a book that is ignored. Kolo's character is so complex and he devastates me and knowing many boys and girls suffered in this tragedy is hard to imagine. I connected with Quinn in a way I also did not expect. She deals with some mental health struggles and the author handles those difficult topics with sensitivity. I want to read this book again and again and again more.
With love and light,
Mel
With love and light,
Mel
February 9, 2025
This was amazing. It was hard and gritty and important and left me reeling. I need more of Quinn and Aubrey!
October 14, 2025
I was devastated reading this book. It was unexpected, raw, and a story I'd never heard before. This book deserves all the accolades.
October 14, 2025
Completely unexpected. Brilliant. Might be my favourite book of the year.
November 13, 2025
Oh my God.
This book was incredible.
Please write another.
This book was incredible.
Please write another.
June 4, 2025
Shannon Rhozier Carlen’s Under the Singing Bridge is a masterful debut that immerses readers in a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of civil unrest in the fictional East African nation of Kiza. Through the intertwined lives of journalist Aubrey Renner, humanitarian doctor Quinn Ambrose, and Lieutenant Kolo, Carlen explores themes of survival, identity, and the human capacity for resilience.
goodreads.com
Aubrey Renner's journey as a journalist thrust into the heart of conflict offers a compelling look at the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices inherent in war reporting. Dr. Quinn Ambrose's dedication to healing amidst chaos provides a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by medical professionals in conflict zones. Lieutenant Kolo's internal struggle, having been orphaned by the very forces he now serves, adds a profound layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.
goodreads.com
Carlen's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the raw emotions and stark realities of life in a war-torn country. The novel's pacing maintains a delicate balance between tension and introspection, allowing readers to fully engage with the characters' internal and external battles.
Critics and readers alike have lauded Under the Singing Bridge for its emotional depth and nuanced character development. One reviewer noted, "There were moments I had to stop reading because the emotions were so overwhelming. I cried more than once... the story is just that powerful." Another praised the book's intricate characters, stating, "The characters are intense, intricate, and overwhelmingly emotional."
goodreads.com
This novel is not just a story about war; it's a profound exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope amidst despair. Carlen's debut firmly establishes her as a formidable voice in contemporary literature, offering a narrative that is both timely and timeless.
Under the Singing Bridge is a must-read for those seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience.
goodreads.com
Aubrey Renner's journey as a journalist thrust into the heart of conflict offers a compelling look at the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices inherent in war reporting. Dr. Quinn Ambrose's dedication to healing amidst chaos provides a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by medical professionals in conflict zones. Lieutenant Kolo's internal struggle, having been orphaned by the very forces he now serves, adds a profound layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.
goodreads.com
Carlen's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the raw emotions and stark realities of life in a war-torn country. The novel's pacing maintains a delicate balance between tension and introspection, allowing readers to fully engage with the characters' internal and external battles.
Critics and readers alike have lauded Under the Singing Bridge for its emotional depth and nuanced character development. One reviewer noted, "There were moments I had to stop reading because the emotions were so overwhelming. I cried more than once... the story is just that powerful." Another praised the book's intricate characters, stating, "The characters are intense, intricate, and overwhelmingly emotional."
goodreads.com
This novel is not just a story about war; it's a profound exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope amidst despair. Carlen's debut firmly establishes her as a formidable voice in contemporary literature, offering a narrative that is both timely and timeless.
Under the Singing Bridge is a must-read for those seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary experience.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews