Bridges are for Burning

by Bina Idonije

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Oghogho ‘Gigi’ Dempster wore her heart on her sleeve. At almost thirty-one, she was single and ready to mingle after nearly two years of relegating her love-life to the curb in favour of growing her fledgling social media company. Her beautiful best friend Alana was newly pregnant for the love of her life, Benjamin Halal, and her sister Efemena ‘Fifi’ was married to wealthy aristocrat, Lotanna Dike. But on that February 13th night, Gigi wasn’t looking for what her best friend and sister had; not love or marriage, but a temporary connection and intimacy. How could she have known that that night would dramatically alter the course of her life?

Genres: Romance, African Literature, Fiction

309 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[BookOfCinz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt the book started out very strong but then wavered. So many unnecessary characters and plotlines that took away the focus from the main story.

If you enjoyed Wahala, you may like this.

[WhiteNigerianGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If #bridgesareforburning was a movie, I would stay glued to my screen and try not to pass out from the drama that Gigi’s life is.

“Bridges Are For Burning” by Bina Idonije follows the story of Gigi Dempster, her best friend Alana and her sister Fifi. It took one night for Gigi’s life to become chaotic. The moment I got into this book, I didn't drop it until the end. Although my brain began to spin from the introduction of new characters like Chief Ikenna and Sasha, I generally enjoyed reading this book.

Did I like any character? My favourite in this book has to be Mudi for many reasons but because of his love for coffee. With Gigi, I like how she was able to handle the conflict (read as drama) in her life.

Did I dislike any character? It has to between Ella and Benji.

Will I recommend this book to anyone? Yes, if you like Lagos drama with a sprinkle of romance and also issues like domestic violence.

I'd give this book a 4/5 and if a movie is ever made about it, they better choose the perfect cast to play Mudi! Okay the book is about Gigi but still 😂😂

[F'iyin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bridges are for burning is supposed to be a "romance" book but there wasn't really romance in it for me.

The theme of friendship was promised but I didn't get that at all in any of the chapters except one (and that was between Alana and Gigi). A great deal of unnecessary lines with large plot holes really made the book drag on. I wish the author had focused more on the friendship and loyalty betrayed between Alana and Gigi instead of giving some of the characters that didn't need a chance "plot strength".
Sadly, this book didn't hold enough substance for me. Underwhelming, to say the least but great use of description and storytelling (I guess).

1.5 stars

[Rasheedat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't have high hopes - a friend bought me this book and another friend warned me off it - but it was really remarkable. I enjoyed it so much. I love full stories, stories with complete storylines and plot. I want this in a movie. I can envision it. It's so well written and curated. Definitely recommend

[Azeeza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bridges are for Burning is supposed to be a story of 3 friends with secrets they are keeping from one another. However, the book is mainly about Gigi and how her ‘big dirty’ secret was at the verge of being discovered. Unfortunately, this secret also affects other people in her life especially her best friend, Alana.

I love the way the book started. Straight to the point. It was a great start but it started dragging towards the middle. Felt to me like the writer lost the plot.

I didn’t like the multiple POVs, it ruined the reading experience for me.

The book has the suspense that makes you flip the pages to the back just to figure out what happened next. I think it will make a great movie.

[literary mahdiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

If "chaotic" is not a word, then it must be the title of a book! If this make sense but this book is v v v messy📚

My thoughts :
• First of all, why will you do that to your best friend idek what to say well it's a fiction and l'm not making excuse for Gigi cos Alana deserved better.

• What I learnt about Gigi character "Don't let anyone shadow overcast your own sunlight." It means you should make sure to keep your individuality and not get lost in someone else's personality and be the main character in your own life.

• This book should've a movie adaptation tbh too much drama at some point I was like this bridge must burn 🙃

[Sophie Bakare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished it in a day & I think would make a typical Nigerian movie. I didn’t really find the other characters as captivating as Gigis & Ella’s, I wish Ella’s was developed more instead of Fifis.
I also wasn’t happy with the epilogue. Why did Gigi end up with the happy ending ? I also didn’t like how Mudis character was portrayed.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this. It was a page turner. I hope for bigger plot twists from this author.

[Rukayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do i open this book to read it please
I'm just seeing read more and read less
I want to read the main bookkk

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been trying to read more books by African writers lately and while I have been impressed with this new crop of African writers, I can't say the same about this writer. Maybe it's because quite a number of the new writers are mixed or live outside Africa giving their books niche insights into life as a black person in another person's country, tackling mental health and other "forbidden" topics in a typical African households, or whatever angle they choose to take. Bridges are for Burning however was not atypical. It sounds like a story you will definitely hear on the streets of Nigeria or from one of their many gossip blogs or content creators.

This book was quite disappointing to read. I had read reviews about it and most seemed to excuse the choices of Gigi since her friend overshadowed her and made her feel small, and it made me mad. What stopped her from even once standing up to her "best friend" throughout their friendship? If a friend or relationship doesn't bring you joy, does it not make sense to leave than to justify your sh*tty actions? She was a bad friend who did a despicable thing and did not once try to show any remorse to her friend. The whole time she carries this woe is me attitude which was very off-putting.

The fixation on light skinned people and how beautiful they and their lives are was also weird. Makes me wonder if the writer is even mildly confident in her own skin. She harps on about Alana being like a goddess and gives the impression that somewhere in the corner in her mind, light skinned people are the most beautiful ones. Maybe the whole illusion of the beauty of the characters would have worked best if it did not focus on skin colour.

Again, I will say Gigi was not a good person and she has a terrible victim mentality. If she really valued her friendship she would have remorsefully come clean the first time it happened and just stayed out of her life. She could have mentioned the fact that she had a kid and at least said she didn't want to talk about it to Muji. But she definitely did not deserve a happy ending without making amends to the person she hurt the most.

I do not go out of my way to watch Nollywood movies, and yet I'm left feeling like I read the screenplay for one. It's almost like an intersection between Tyler Perry movies and Nollywood movies where the cast are always overdressed in those wigs and that "posh" accent of theirs. If drama is your thing, then I will recommend this book to you.

[Amaka Azie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this story.
Especially the second half.
Started off strong. Midway, too many characters to keep up which made it drag a little, but the second half was unputdownable.
I loved how the story unfolded
Gigi’s betrayal of Alana was so horrible, yet, I found myself rooting for her. Which shows how well this author created a three dimensional character in her.
I would have liked to see more of Alana’s life, her own character. For someone who seemed to overshadow Gigi, she wasn’t that impressive. Maybe that’s the point. A beautiful bore.
Scenes with here weren’t as captivating.
Fifi’s story on the other hand was so interesting. I think the most captivating for me. Her infidelity made me happy. A cheating man deserves a cheating woman. Full stop!
All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot and highly recommend.
The ending was satisfactory.
This publisher (Masobe) is now my favourite African publisher!
They put out simple captivating stories about Nigerians living ordinary lives. No agenda to sell about a woeful Africa with poor and pitiable people.
They just share stories about people living in Africa in a three dimensional way. Stories about people I can relate with.
Kudos.
I’m encouraged.
Reminds me of pacesetters.
I’ll read more from this author. Hopes she’s writing something else!

[The Book Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Bridges are for burning is a typical romance drama, straight out of a Nollywood scene.

How many of you expected a white boyfriend reveal from Gigi? Though the story was not adding up because why was it a secret. I did a lot of overthinking and got disappointed because I was actually rooting for this lady’s top notch morality only to discover that she indeed followed through on her desires and even kept it a secret from us - the Omniscient readers! Spectacular!

I enjoyed how the author inserted suspense and kept us on the edge of our seat.

What I disliked😭

How on earth could a friendship that withstood the trials of time since childhood be destroyed by a man and nonchalant behavior? I don’t like how the author painted female relationships, sadly it plays out like that in real life but I don’t like how it ended anyway.

Worst character

That nonsense PA and her smelly character

Favourite character

Yass! Mudi ticked the book boyfriend vibe, he has such a positive and radiant energy- check!

[Zia Yusuf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally didn't click that this book was a Romance one, I don't know why. This book felt like reading "Bling Lagosians" - you know it's in Lagos, you're reading that it's in Lagos but it's not a Lagos you have access to, or will have access to. I'm going to be honest - I hate multiple POVs. I thought it'd be just the three women but I was jumping into the heads of every Tom, Dick and Clary in this book. But because I like the book, it's significantly less annoying than usual.

Honestly, it feels like this book was mainly focused on GG with Alana's story intertwining and Fifi just being on the fringe. I didn't really see how Fifi's life tied into GG's and Alana's apart from the obvious way (maybe I need to reread to see it.)

All in all, the romance didn't make me cringe. The plot twist was really a plot twist and the end had me giggling and kicking my feet up in the air. Good writing and very stellar descriptions. I can't wait for another book from Bina.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the opening line, the book was very captivating. Bridges are for burning had three main characters with intriguing story line development, there are also various supporting/ background characters that play significant parts that intertwine into the main characters lives and bring a brilliant stories together.

Bridges are for burning follow themes of friendship, loyalty, love interests, infidelity and betrayal. Although at times story lines are broken up by chapter, the overall flow of the book keeps you on edge and encourages you to keep going, the book is written with an element of realism that captures each characters developing story simultaneously.

My overall favourite character in the book was Mudi, although he is not a “main” character, he was very grounded individual.

This book definitely has re-read value.

[Readwithmmesoma · Rating 3 out of 5]

If chaos and messiness were a book, it would be Bridges Are for Burning.
This story follows Oghogho "Gigi" Dempster, who wears her heart on her sleeve on the night before Valentine's Day.
At almost 31, she is single and ready to put herself out there again after nearly two years of focusing on her growing social media business instead of dating. Her best friend, Alana, is happily pregnant for the love of her life, Benjamin Halal, while her sister, Efemena "Fifi," is married to a wealthy aristocrat, Lotanna Dike. But on February 13th, Gigi isn't looking for love or marriage-just a moment of connection and intimacy. She has no idea that this one night will turn her life upside down.
This book is so full of drama & chaos that l'd love to see it made into a movie!

[Dabri Ohanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the only issue I had with this book was that I read it at the wrong time and here is why.

In 2022, I decided to ditch my usual genre (African Literature) and explore others. However, I made an exception for this book and it may not have been my best decision.

The narrative of the story was great, I mean if you are really into Nollywood kinda dramas (like me), but guys there were so many loose ends!!!! Like;
1. Was the title of the book actually captured in the story telling?
2. Dis she just "dash" her baby out?

LOL!!! don't get me started on the cringe moments!!!

Overall, I loved this book!!! #undropdownable

[Lassamor Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

__** Not bad .. . if you love and enjoy wahala(drama), you might like this . this was a good read but there was unnecessary dragging with the side characters, also... I hate the way alana treated Gigi , I get it, it hurts I really get it and I feel her pain . but as friend if she really was one she shouldn't have made her insecure with her jokes 🥴 and that word at the end of their fight , wow ! Totally unnecessary 💔the book is still remarkable .the writing is good , ps I will really like to see it in form of movie 🤭
.
#qotd : have you read this ? If yes whats your thought on it?
.

[Favour Obioha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but somehow, I struggled to finish it. I’d like to blame this on some of the characters that I didn’t like, like Ella and Benji. Gigi wasn’t exempt herself but she was the main character so I can’t put much blame on her.

Asides storylines, I love books that are well-written. Perfectly written. And Bridges are For Burning is one of such books. The author did incredibly great, and her writing style kept me going on the days that the characters couldn’t.

And OMG, the cover is so beautiful!

[Micky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of cliché and predictable. I still kept going though, hoping it would prove me wrong but unfortunately wasn’t. Didn’t like the fact that the protagonist avoided conversations to make the story more mysterious to the reader, or the fact that chapters were cut short to maintain mystery. Not sure how I would have solved it but surely there is a way, that other authors use. Not the worst read, just not the moat creative.

[Chika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book I picked up in Lagos in 2023 and kinda forgot I had until last week. I did enjoy the story, although I was able to figure out the plot twist early on. I will say this, though: Fifi’s character and plot might have been unnecessary given the fact that her story didn’t really meet with the other two characters. I enjoyed her story, but the book could’ve still been good without it simply because it simply did not intersect with the major storyline.

[Sophie 🎧 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bina idonije come to the front!! Honestly this book was well written! A solid 4/5 star. Story executed very well from start to finish. This was my first book by a Nigerian writer and now I’m excited for more from them.
I thought I wasn’t going to like a book written in ‘3rd person’ but she did a good job of presenting this one. She went straight to the point with the story telling. This was a page turner I couldn’t put it down, needed to know what happened next! Thank you for this one Bina!

[Muthoni Ngocho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best “unintentional” purchase ever.

While at a bookstore in Nairobi , the owner recommended this book but I was hesitant in that moment as I was out on a “Kenyan political memoirs book-haul / book hunt”.

This has however turned out to be one of the most entertaining reads. It also happens to be top-tier writing .

Thank you @masobebooks for publishing this book ✨

[Kofoworola Emily (Read Till You Drop) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good enough read, but there were too many unnecessary plot lines. Fifi's marriage for example.

There was also an obsession with all the beautiful people being mixed race or bleached. There was a weird obsession with beauty in general.

I also did not enjoy the final resolution between the Gigi and her beau. EFCC? Really?

A good enough read for a debut.
⭐⭐⭐

[rie 🍪 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I get into things I’d like to say that the title of this book is so top-tier. Definitely sparks curiosity.

I don’t know what I was expecting but in between the messy affairs, and Lagos upper echelon brouhaha, all i’m going to say is, I was pleasantly surprised.

[Biyai Garricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming up in a bit! ❤️❤️

[Miebi Clinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

[Funmike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started out great but ended up dragging towards the end. But overall, it was a great read. Excellent writing too.

[Ajachukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 10/10 debut!

[Jolade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, really grabs your attention. But the ending and the way most of the conflicts were resolved just felt very underwhelming to me

[uzo ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

started strong but had too many unnecessary characters that took away from the storyline

[Princess Ufe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my best reads this year.