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Η Αγάπη είναι η γέφυρα
Το ρήμα ¨γεφυρώνω¨ έχει αποκτήσει συχνή αναφορά στην καθημερινότητα μας, χωρίς να παραλείπεται το ουσιαστικό που το προσδιορίζει : ¨γεφυρώνω το χάσμα¨. Ο David Biro θέλησε σε αυτό το μυθιστόρημα του να ¨εκμεταλλευτεί¨ τις γέφυρες που ενώνουν τους ανθρώπους κάτω από σχέσεις φιλίας.
Οι τρεις ηρωίδες του, άγνωστες μεταξύ τους, κάποια στιγμή συναντώνται τυχαία κάτω από μια γέφυρα, με αποτέλεσμα σε αυτό το συμβολικό σημείο να ξεκινήσει μια φιλία που θα κρατήσει μέχρι το τέλος της ζωής τους. Η Κορίνα, η Γκρέτι και η Μαρία είναι τρεις ηλικιωμένες γυναίκες που μέχρι πρότινος ζούσαν η καθεμία τη δική της ζωή, μέχρι τη στιγμή της τυχαίας συνάντησής τους κάτω από μια γέφυρα, και αποφάσισαν να ενωθούν κάτω από μια δυνατή σχέση φιλίας, ξεπερνώντας κάθε ταμπού και ιδεοληψίες, Η γέφυρα εκείνη γίνεται το ¨μέσον¨ που θα ¨γεφυρώσει το χάσμα¨ των διαφορετικών χαρακτήρων τους, με τις διαφορετικές ζωές τους και τα διαφορετικά ενδιαφέροντα τους.
Για να καταλήξει ο συγγραφέας στο συμπέρασμα πως γέφυρα σημαίνει αγάπη, γέφυρα σημαίνει όμορφες σχέσεις, γέφυρα σημαίνει ζωή.
Ένα συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο για την αγάπη, τη φιλία, τον αλληλοσεβασμό και τον αλτρουισμό.
Οι τρεις ηρωίδες του, άγνωστες μεταξύ τους, κάποια στιγμή συναντώνται τυχαία κάτω από μια γέφυρα, με αποτέλεσμα σε αυτό το συμβολικό σημείο να ξεκινήσει μια φιλία που θα κρατήσει μέχρι το τέλος της ζωής τους. Η Κορίνα, η Γκρέτι και η Μαρία είναι τρεις ηλικιωμένες γυναίκες που μέχρι πρότινος ζούσαν η καθεμία τη δική της ζωή, μέχρι τη στιγμή της τυχαίας συνάντησής τους κάτω από μια γέφυρα, και αποφάσισαν να ενωθούν κάτω από μια δυνατή σχέση φιλίας, ξεπερνώντας κάθε ταμπού και ιδεοληψίες, Η γέφυρα εκείνη γίνεται το ¨μέσον¨ που θα ¨γεφυρώσει το χάσμα¨ των διαφορετικών χαρακτήρων τους, με τις διαφορετικές ζωές τους και τα διαφορετικά ενδιαφέροντα τους.
Για να καταλήξει ο συγγραφέας στο συμπέρασμα πως γέφυρα σημαίνει αγάπη, γέφυρα σημαίνει όμορφες σχέσεις, γέφυρα σημαίνει ζωή.
Ένα συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο για την αγάπη, τη φιλία, τον αλληλοσεβασμό και τον αλτρουισμό.
379 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2021
About the author
David Biro
6 books119 followersDavid Biro graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Medical School. He earned his PhD in English Literature from Oxford University. He currently teaches at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and practices dermatology in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
David is the author of two non-fiction books: One Hundred Days: My Unexpected Journey from Doctor to Patient and The Language of Pain: Finding Words, Compassion, and Relief. His first novel, This Magnificent Dappled Sea, debuted in November, 2020. His new novel, And The Bridge is Love, was published in October 2021. He has also published pieces in The New York Times, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and various medical journals.
David lives in New York City with his wife, Daniella, and twin boys, Daniel and Luca.
David is the author of two non-fiction books: One Hundred Days: My Unexpected Journey from Doctor to Patient and The Language of Pain: Finding Words, Compassion, and Relief. His first novel, This Magnificent Dappled Sea, debuted in November, 2020. His new novel, And The Bridge is Love, was published in October 2021. He has also published pieces in The New York Times, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and various medical journals.
David lives in New York City with his wife, Daniella, and twin boys, Daniel and Luca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 15, 2021
"And the Bridge Is Love" by David Biro is this author's sophomore novel.
Three women meet by chance in the summer of 1991 and form an instant friendship. They agree to meet every Tuesday morning at a hidden enclosure with a view of the Verrazzano Bridge through the great old oaks along New York Bay.
* Gertie: Norwegian, divorcée, former athlete and bullheaded. The oldest of the three.
* Maria: Italian-American, widow, mother, grandmother and chronic meddler.
* Corinna: Book-lover, whiskey drinker, hash smoker and secret keeper. Yep, she's the youngest!
Through the years their lives become entwined. They share memories of cheering Gertie on at the NY Marathon, visiting Coney Island, celebrating the birth of Maria's grandson, mourning the unexpected death of her daughter's husband, and simply shopping or sharing meals together.
Then in 2011 the wind shifts along New York Bay and everything changes!
This story is what I would call a 'Friendship Salad'. It's about hope, love, loss, and forgiveness. It reveals the tougher sides of friendship as you age, learning how to cope with arising differences and rediscovering your place in the mix. True unconditional friendship!
There are happy moments and heartbreaking one's but isn't that the way of life at any age? I appreciate finding a story that focuses on older characters. It's quite refreshing, really!
I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about friendship, family and everyday life!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and David Biro for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review. This book is available now.
Three women meet by chance in the summer of 1991 and form an instant friendship. They agree to meet every Tuesday morning at a hidden enclosure with a view of the Verrazzano Bridge through the great old oaks along New York Bay.
* Gertie: Norwegian, divorcée, former athlete and bullheaded. The oldest of the three.
* Maria: Italian-American, widow, mother, grandmother and chronic meddler.
* Corinna: Book-lover, whiskey drinker, hash smoker and secret keeper. Yep, she's the youngest!
Through the years their lives become entwined. They share memories of cheering Gertie on at the NY Marathon, visiting Coney Island, celebrating the birth of Maria's grandson, mourning the unexpected death of her daughter's husband, and simply shopping or sharing meals together.
Then in 2011 the wind shifts along New York Bay and everything changes!
This story is what I would call a 'Friendship Salad'. It's about hope, love, loss, and forgiveness. It reveals the tougher sides of friendship as you age, learning how to cope with arising differences and rediscovering your place in the mix. True unconditional friendship!
There are happy moments and heartbreaking one's but isn't that the way of life at any age? I appreciate finding a story that focuses on older characters. It's quite refreshing, really!
I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about friendship, family and everyday life!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and David Biro for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review. This book is available now.
December 3, 2021
And the Bridge Is Love by David Biro is the story of the friendship between three women in their fifties and sixties. Gertie is choking on her food in a park at the foot of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge in New York City, when Maria and Corinna rush to save the stranger. This leads the trio to become fast friends. Gertie is a divorcee and parent to an estranged adult daughter. Maria is a widow still in love with her deceased husband. Corinna is devoted to the seniors at the residence where she works. They meet once a week at the same park and watch the boats going out into the world as they develop a supportive friendship, over a period of twenty years. But life changes and the three women find their friendship is fracturing for many reasons. This is relationship fiction at its finest. The author’s words lead the readers to feel as if they know these women and want to spend more time with them. The characters are multi-faceted, flawed and interesting. I look forward to reading more books by David Biro. Highly recommended. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2022
Three women meet by chance on day and form a bond. They promise to meet each other every Tuesday morning in a hidden enclosure overlooking the Verrazano Bridge. As they watch ships pass and enter New York Harbor, they reflect on their own lives wondering where the ships have gone or are going. They share their memories. They do this for twenty years until one day their friendship is tested.
It is a wonder journey of three strong women. Secrets are revealed. A story of love and friendship.
An inspiration.
It is a wonder journey of three strong women. Secrets are revealed. A story of love and friendship.
An inspiration.
January 2, 2022
A lovely story about three, life-long friends. Sweet, sad, and some sassy seniors whom I love.
Get your copy today at https://bookshop.org/lists/best-ficti...
Get your copy today at https://bookshop.org/lists/best-ficti...
October 14, 2021
I love the double entendre of the title of David Biro’s second novel, And the Bridge is Love. This character driven novel is about friendship, love and longevity…the longevity of friendship and of one’s life. I loved the idea of a book celebrating older women and their friendship, and to some degree I got what I was looking for.
The three ladies meet by chance at a park overlooking the Verrazzano Bridge. Although they are very different, they find a base of similarity and form a long-term friendship. The fierce, independent women have regrets that impact them daily. As their differences and unspoken wishes come to a head, they find their friendship at risk.
I enjoyed this book with its complicated relationships and hard felt consequences. The three women, their trials and triumphs, and most of all their friendship made And The Bridge is Love a worthy read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
The three ladies meet by chance at a park overlooking the Verrazzano Bridge. Although they are very different, they find a base of similarity and form a long-term friendship. The fierce, independent women have regrets that impact them daily. As their differences and unspoken wishes come to a head, they find their friendship at risk.
I enjoyed this book with its complicated relationships and hard felt consequences. The three women, their trials and triumphs, and most of all their friendship made And The Bridge is Love a worthy read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
January 24, 2026
This is a wonderful little book about three very different older women who meet by chance under the Verrazano Bridge. A 20 year friendship develops, connected by a love for the amazing bridge. This is my second David Biro book and I hope he writes many more.
July 26, 2021
Biro’s sophomore novel was not as strong as his debut, but it did have some redeeming qualities. The characters were larger-than-life ladies who, after 20 years of friendship, struggle against the inevitability of aging. Especially Gertie, who is a few weeks shy of her 80th birthday. As this milestone looms, Gertie, a former athlete, realizes she needs more out of life and decides that she and her friends should take an exotic trip together. But her two best friends Maria and Corinna don’t think a trip will satisfy Gertie’s restlessness. Widowed Maria is devoted to her daughter, grandson, and the memory of her husband. She has good intentions, but inadvertently crosses a line and gets into trouble with her friends. Stoner Corinna loses herself in her hookah and her beloved literature. She refuses to acknowledge her past and keeps her personal history a secret, even from those she’s closest to.
As Gertie’s whirlwind of trip planning escalates, so does the conflict. Gertie’s stubbornness, Maria’s interference, and Corinna’s vulnerability clash and it’s sad to witness the hurt they cause each other. Unfortunately, the author uses the cliched devise of letting a man get between two of them. And I didn’t particularly care for that character, referred to throughout as The Professor. There’s nothing worse than septuagenarians fighting over a tweedy classics professor in bow ties. I found some of the dialogue clunky and an occasional scene played out like a corny soap opera. But I could appreciate the literary references and the overall theme of friendship. The setting beneath Brooklyn’s Verrazzano Bridge where the women happened to meet by chance 20 years earlier was idyllic, too. The view and the camaraderie that take them back week after week, year after year is pretty special.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
As Gertie’s whirlwind of trip planning escalates, so does the conflict. Gertie’s stubbornness, Maria’s interference, and Corinna’s vulnerability clash and it’s sad to witness the hurt they cause each other. Unfortunately, the author uses the cliched devise of letting a man get between two of them. And I didn’t particularly care for that character, referred to throughout as The Professor. There’s nothing worse than septuagenarians fighting over a tweedy classics professor in bow ties. I found some of the dialogue clunky and an occasional scene played out like a corny soap opera. But I could appreciate the literary references and the overall theme of friendship. The setting beneath Brooklyn’s Verrazzano Bridge where the women happened to meet by chance 20 years earlier was idyllic, too. The view and the camaraderie that take them back week after week, year after year is pretty special.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
September 28, 2021
This is a story of loyalty and friendship that has survived over 20 years. Three women encounter each other over twenty years ago by chance under a bridge in New York. This bridge becomes their special meeting place for the next two decades of their lives. Sounds like a lovely story of friendship and longevity doesn't it? And it is, but, and there is that "but". I don't know if it is only me, and maybe it is me finding that I am having a hard time connecting to what I read lately. But I simply could not get that connected feeling for any of the characters of this story, and being kind of older myself, (not quite 80, but not 30 anymore either) I was sure I would.
The story starts off alright, a little slow, but we are not reading an action or thriller novel either so that was alright. But as we go along and the three friends start to want different things, some of it just didn't seem realistic to me. I can't see an 80 year old woman suddenly wanting to travel the world, making plans to do so, to me that is not realistic. And what bothered me most was that a man had to be thrown in there to come between the friends. Why does it always have to come down to this? Something a little more original would have been nice.
I am sorry, overall it is a readable story, not horrible, just not as catching as I had hoped. I am sure others will probably love it, as they should. I am not adverse to trying other titles by this author as I see potential here. This just wasn't the one for me.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
The story starts off alright, a little slow, but we are not reading an action or thriller novel either so that was alright. But as we go along and the three friends start to want different things, some of it just didn't seem realistic to me. I can't see an 80 year old woman suddenly wanting to travel the world, making plans to do so, to me that is not realistic. And what bothered me most was that a man had to be thrown in there to come between the friends. Why does it always have to come down to this? Something a little more original would have been nice.
I am sorry, overall it is a readable story, not horrible, just not as catching as I had hoped. I am sure others will probably love it, as they should. I am not adverse to trying other titles by this author as I see potential here. This just wasn't the one for me.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.
October 21, 2021
It is so nice to read a book where more mature people are not supporting players and are not used as comic relief. These are 3 strong, intelligent, and very capable women. Stronger because of their bond.
I felt a true sense of personal nostalgia having spent many hours sitting in parks in New York watching ships go by. The feelings that are portrayed in those passages really hit home.
And the ending is just beautiful and poetic and touched me deeply.
I felt a true sense of personal nostalgia having spent many hours sitting in parks in New York watching ships go by. The feelings that are portrayed in those passages really hit home.
And the ending is just beautiful and poetic and touched me deeply.
June 5, 2021
Emotional, inspirational and full of hope; a beautiful story about three mature, independent women.
Free-spirited Corinna, family-centred Maria and athletic Gertie are brought together after a choking incident where two of the women most likely saved the life of the third. They develop a strong friendship after the incident and share their lives in a way that only women can. They meet at least weekly in what they refer to as The Temple, a clearing with a bench, overlooking the Verrazzano bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York. During twenty years they meet and see the big ships coming and going sharing their lives stories.
There are things in all their pasts which they haven't yet shared with each other and other things they don't yet even know themselves. Preconceived ideas, misunderstandings and unspoken wishes cause tension between the women, but by accepting help from each other they are able to take some scary steps and move forward.
For me, this is a lovely story and one of the things I'll take away is to not put off doing things, to not be afraid, to dare take that first step and to enjoy life -- before it is too late.
== advance reader copy via NetGalley ==
Free-spirited Corinna, family-centred Maria and athletic Gertie are brought together after a choking incident where two of the women most likely saved the life of the third. They develop a strong friendship after the incident and share their lives in a way that only women can. They meet at least weekly in what they refer to as The Temple, a clearing with a bench, overlooking the Verrazzano bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York. During twenty years they meet and see the big ships coming and going sharing their lives stories.
There are things in all their pasts which they haven't yet shared with each other and other things they don't yet even know themselves. Preconceived ideas, misunderstandings and unspoken wishes cause tension between the women, but by accepting help from each other they are able to take some scary steps and move forward.
For me, this is a lovely story and one of the things I'll take away is to not put off doing things, to not be afraid, to dare take that first step and to enjoy life -- before it is too late.
== advance reader copy via NetGalley ==
June 21, 2021
Well, this was a disappointment. The beginning was so hard to get in. And I live a great beginning. So that was a negative point for me.
The plot about three older woman was quite strong but there was something lacking. Also I felt Corinne got sidetracked.
It git interesting after like 100 pages but by then I have already judged the book . So I can say I liked it but not as much as I thought. Also I love the cover.
Thanks to NetGalley, lake Union Publishing and David Biro for giving me an e-copy temporarily.
The plot about three older woman was quite strong but there was something lacking. Also I felt Corinne got sidetracked.
It git interesting after like 100 pages but by then I have already judged the book . So I can say I liked it but not as much as I thought. Also I love the cover.
Thanks to NetGalley, lake Union Publishing and David Biro for giving me an e-copy temporarily.
October 12, 2021
This book was an easy and mostly enjoyable read, but I don't think it will stick with me. I didn't find Gertie or Maria to be likeable, but I wonder if a lot of that is lack of character development. I think I would have enjoyed a book centered on Corinna more, as her story was the one I was most invested in - it's a story that would be perfect as a historical fiction novel with a timeline focused on her mother as well. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an early digital review copy!
January 6, 2022
As a Bay Ridge girl myself I may be biased but I enjoyed this book about friendships and life as we grow older. Proves that even women are very different can share common dreams and also push each other to new heights. I thank my friends as the Bookmark shoppe in Brooklyn for recommending to my son to buy for me!
January 30, 2022
A feel good book about the depths of being who you are, the friendships that find us, and how the stories intertwine in and make up our lives. If you need a feel good story about appreciating life and friendships in it's fullest, you'll definitely want to read this book.
October 27, 2021
This is a book about three friends that meet later in life. They are very different from each other, but become close. Their friendship lasts for a couple of decades. They meet each week at a secret enclosure to watch ships sail under the Verrazzano Bridge and dream about what it would be like. Gertie had been a professional swimmer. Her marriage didn't last and her daughter would not speak to her. Corinna is a book lover that had to deal with some differences that other people pitied her for. She did not talk to her family and had not been in love until now. Maria is a widow and her family is the most important thing to her. She has a daughter and a grandson. She spends her time doing everything she can to help make their lives easier. Gertie is about to turn eighty and the women realize that time is running out for them. Gertie wants to travel the world before it is too late. Corinna wants to focus on the man she has fallen in love with. Marie wants to reconnect Gertie and Corinna with their estranged families as a surprise. Nothing goes as any of them plan or desire. Things are said and feelings are hurt. Their friendship is put to the test. Can they overcome the their problems? Will their friendship survive?
November 2, 2021
A powerful read it says always reach whatever you age
Do we consider slowing down just because we are told not at your are three ladies brought together by a unexpected mishap in a park the love a bridge the temple with a view of waters and ships always going to places making up stories of occupants on board the history we make of ourselves as we progress throu life the three all had issues to sort out it's very hard to realise our own faults this told by the author that you must face facts we are not all perfect corrine would not be here if that was true
Do we consider slowing down just because we are told not at your are three ladies brought together by a unexpected mishap in a park the love a bridge the temple with a view of waters and ships always going to places making up stories of occupants on board the history we make of ourselves as we progress throu life the three all had issues to sort out it's very hard to realise our own faults this told by the author that you must face facts we are not all perfect corrine would not be here if that was true
October 22, 2021
I Wasn't Sure, But I'm Glad I Stuck With It!
Physically, I am vastly older than these women; I'm in the middle of a rough patch. Mentally, I'm very much their younger, but my depression puts me right where they are. That was my hesitancy. Did I really need to read another self-help book? I am so glad I stuck with it. After exploring Brooklyn and their individual lives from various perspectives, one learns much about life, love, perspective, family, fear, who's right or wrong, the perks of riding a Vespa, and the unending value of good friends. Remember: You will always hold a piece of them in your heart.
Physically, I am vastly older than these women; I'm in the middle of a rough patch. Mentally, I'm very much their younger, but my depression puts me right where they are. That was my hesitancy. Did I really need to read another self-help book? I am so glad I stuck with it. After exploring Brooklyn and their individual lives from various perspectives, one learns much about life, love, perspective, family, fear, who's right or wrong, the perks of riding a Vespa, and the unending value of good friends. Remember: You will always hold a piece of them in your heart.
May 29, 2021
You know the feeling when you get a new book and can't wait to sit and spend some time with it? To looking forward to a great story that gives you hope, a bit of a smile, and calmness with the last page? Yes, me too. But this is not THIS book.
"And the Bridge is love" is such a disappointment... I have huge expectations after reading a description and that was a mistake. Cause this story is not the one that I would ever recommend.
At first, I felt that this a book about nothing in particular. Just a typical day of some older woman. But then, after few pages, it hits me, that women in their 70's are not usually focusing on such problems are written. Of course, there are many active older people and I admire them, but, let's be realistic - not all of them are dreaming to travel all over the world in one summer. Just keep it realistic.
These three friends have some challenges to face and history cards to unfold. And that was a nice one. Complicated relations with kids, consequences of the life choices... These are everyday problems and I like to see the alternative and solutions from their point of view. Especially, that they really can have the best of their lives even at this age.
You can say that it's just nit-picking but I felt sorry that Corinna's history is so short. It was a great idea and I was really curious about what happened next and to find more about these, but there are only a few chapters with little pieces of information. Shame, cause this one could be perfect even for a standalone novel.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.
"And the Bridge is love" is such a disappointment... I have huge expectations after reading a description and that was a mistake. Cause this story is not the one that I would ever recommend.
At first, I felt that this a book about nothing in particular. Just a typical day of some older woman. But then, after few pages, it hits me, that women in their 70's are not usually focusing on such problems are written. Of course, there are many active older people and I admire them, but, let's be realistic - not all of them are dreaming to travel all over the world in one summer. Just keep it realistic.
These three friends have some challenges to face and history cards to unfold. And that was a nice one. Complicated relations with kids, consequences of the life choices... These are everyday problems and I like to see the alternative and solutions from their point of view. Especially, that they really can have the best of their lives even at this age.
You can say that it's just nit-picking but I felt sorry that Corinna's history is so short. It was a great idea and I was really curious about what happened next and to find more about these, but there are only a few chapters with little pieces of information. Shame, cause this one could be perfect even for a standalone novel.
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me.
April 11, 2022
I wanted to love this book …. It was just hard to get into and stay engaged at least until 3 quarters through. The premise of 3 elderly women turned friends, seemingly brought together by choking rescue, heart attack, cancer,another heart attack—all from 3 separate viewpoints ~one daring to dream big and sail away, another wanting to stay together in her own world and yet the other being endearingly nosy trying to “fix” others but oblivious to her own family issues…
“And how I feel is changing the way everything looks. Like our bridge,” explained Gertie, gazing at the Verrazzano through the branches of the great oaks. “Its vastness used to make me feel big, but now it makes me feel small. And the horizon doesn’t take me out anymore—it shuts me in. I feel like I’m in prison. If I don’t get out of here soon, I’m going to explode. It’s my last chance to feel like Annie Halvorsen—to feel the way I used to feel. Time is running out.”
“It was true what they said about a crisis, Corinna was beginning to realize. It illuminated things you might not have otherwise seen, that you might not want to see. They had been best friends for twenty years—Gertie, Maria, Corinna. The Three Musketeers, one for all and all for one. But maybe that wasn’t the way it really was…. Their love was stronger”
October #goodreadsgiveaway kindle version winner
“And how I feel is changing the way everything looks. Like our bridge,” explained Gertie, gazing at the Verrazzano through the branches of the great oaks. “Its vastness used to make me feel big, but now it makes me feel small. And the horizon doesn’t take me out anymore—it shuts me in. I feel like I’m in prison. If I don’t get out of here soon, I’m going to explode. It’s my last chance to feel like Annie Halvorsen—to feel the way I used to feel. Time is running out.”
“It was true what they said about a crisis, Corinna was beginning to realize. It illuminated things you might not have otherwise seen, that you might not want to see. They had been best friends for twenty years—Gertie, Maria, Corinna. The Three Musketeers, one for all and all for one. But maybe that wasn’t the way it really was…. Their love was stronger”
October #goodreadsgiveaway kindle version winner
September 8, 2021
Friendship In The End Stages Of Life. This is one of those books that covers an area not usually written of - single women in their 70s. Here, we see an introduction where three women come together at the Verrazzano Bridge in New York City by pure chance, followed by the 'meat' of the story taking place 20 years later, after these women have been best friends since that first day they met. Life has tossed them a few curve balls, but we see them as they are dealing with what they have in this stage of their lives - including a couple of gentlemen interests, various community activities, a kid and a grandkid, and a whole lot of meddling - from every angle. Ultimately both depressing and hopeful at the same time, this is one of those books that anyone who has ever *had* a single grandmother in her 70s will likely see as being all-too realistic, as I do from having had such an experience myself. If you're looking for an action-oriented book... this isn't for you. But if you want a strong character study involving characters in demographics that don't often get to be the primary focus of a story... this is a remarkably good one. Very much recommended.
October 12, 2021
I found this book because I enjoyed another book by David Biro (This Magnificent Dappled Sea) last year. Initially, I thought I'd send And The Bridge Is Love to my mother, because it's about three elderly women, but then, of course, I stayed up all night reading it. Make no mistake: this is a book about the everyday might of women and their friendships. It eloquently shows how these friendships have the resilience and strength--like the Verrazzano Bridge itself--to bear whole lifetimes of hopes and disappointments, and how true friends can help you carry new dreams to fruition, no matter your age. In an Instagram-shiny world, Gertie, Maria and Corinna are refreshingly real women living real lives with grit and joy and gratitude. Highly recommend.
January 9, 2022
What an enjoyable book!
October 30, 2021
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and David Biro for an ARC to review.
A journey of friendship, second chances at life and love through story of three friends.
I liked it
A journey of friendship, second chances at life and love through story of three friends.
I liked it
April 17, 2022
It was a fast pace read. It was about friendships. Specifically, three elderly best friends, Gertie, Maria, and Corrine. They call themselves, the Three Musketeers. They met each other many years ago, 1990's at a place called, the temple in the park. They have been meeting every Tueday ever since viewing the Verranzzano Bridge.
Now we fast forward to 2011. They have lived many life experiences with each other for the past 30 years. They also counseled, cried, laughed, angered each other through the years.
The problem now is Maria. She means well. But she constantly butts into her two other friends business. She thinks she knows what's best for them.
I don't want to tell too much. So I won't go any further than my thoughts about the novel. The only thing I will say. The author gets the women friendships right. I used to have a very close friendships as well. We called ourselves, the Three Musketeers as well. I kept re-living it as I was reading.
At first I didn't want to read about three elderly friends. The author talking about their medical ailments. Going to a senior center. I am close to that age. I didn't want to be reminded about daily life as a young 60's person.
After awhile as a reader. I got beyond it, and loved the fast pace read. It is a simple story with three main characters. With familiar life problems. Its a story about life as one gets older. It's also about, regrets.
Living life to the fullest and not alway looking back. It's also about dark secrets which everyone has secrets hidden in the closet. Everyone must face, and confront not wait till your last year's to confront it. Rather, face it head on.. if you wait too long. You will regret what could have been.
The story is a bit preachy, sappy, but enjoyable. I appreciate books like, And the Bridge is Love. As there aren't many novels about aging, and friendships.
It's also interesting, the author is a physician. I noticed the description of the hospital setting, descriptive, and precise, and definitely accurate. He described a pediatric hospital bed perfectly. It jogged my memory when I was a nursing student training in pediatrics. (If you are unaware. Young children are not hospitalized in a bed. Rather, they are in a crib. It stood out in my memory).
I don't think I would have connected with the book if I was a younger person. I don't think I would have read it, or thought to read it for any other reason than book club. It hits too too close to home. But, I still appreciate the novel.
Now we fast forward to 2011. They have lived many life experiences with each other for the past 30 years. They also counseled, cried, laughed, angered each other through the years.
The problem now is Maria. She means well. But she constantly butts into her two other friends business. She thinks she knows what's best for them.
I don't want to tell too much. So I won't go any further than my thoughts about the novel. The only thing I will say. The author gets the women friendships right. I used to have a very close friendships as well. We called ourselves, the Three Musketeers as well. I kept re-living it as I was reading.
At first I didn't want to read about three elderly friends. The author talking about their medical ailments. Going to a senior center. I am close to that age. I didn't want to be reminded about daily life as a young 60's person.
After awhile as a reader. I got beyond it, and loved the fast pace read. It is a simple story with three main characters. With familiar life problems. Its a story about life as one gets older. It's also about, regrets.
Living life to the fullest and not alway looking back. It's also about dark secrets which everyone has secrets hidden in the closet. Everyone must face, and confront not wait till your last year's to confront it. Rather, face it head on.. if you wait too long. You will regret what could have been.
The story is a bit preachy, sappy, but enjoyable. I appreciate books like, And the Bridge is Love. As there aren't many novels about aging, and friendships.
It's also interesting, the author is a physician. I noticed the description of the hospital setting, descriptive, and precise, and definitely accurate. He described a pediatric hospital bed perfectly. It jogged my memory when I was a nursing student training in pediatrics. (If you are unaware. Young children are not hospitalized in a bed. Rather, they are in a crib. It stood out in my memory).
I don't think I would have connected with the book if I was a younger person. I don't think I would have read it, or thought to read it for any other reason than book club. It hits too too close to home. But, I still appreciate the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
Sweet story of three older women living in New York City who meet weekly in a spot under the Verrazzano Bridge. Gertie is a former Olympic swimmer with an estranged daughter, Elsa. Maria has a daughter and grandson, Vinny, who is very smart and wants to go to Harvard. The Professor is currently tutoring Vinny in Greek literature. Corinna is small, petite, and has a physical deformity. She is very closed-up but has a crush on the Professor and yearns for him to like her.
When Gertie announces she wants to take a trip for her 80th birthday, Maria tries to reunite Gertie and Corinna with their long-lost families. Maria is all about family and tradition and hopes to surprise Gertie by bringing her to New York. However, both Gertie and Corinna have secrets and sorrows in their pasts that they do not want discovered. As a result of her meddling, their friendships become strained.
Spoiler alert:
Corinna is horrified that her very abusive brother will find her. She was part of a rescue movement to save Jewish children during WWII and sent to live in England. Eventually she is adopted by a family that does not treat her well. She also finds out she has a sister who is still alive. Very sadly, her own parents had rejected her due to her deformity.
Gertie's story is slowly uncovered as we learn from Elsa how unloving and emotionally distant she was during Elsa's childhood. Swimming always came first.
No one wants to go with Gertie on her trip but she finally convinces the friendly sad-sack firefighter,Tom, to accompany her. He is a needy person but harmless.
Gertie has a heart attack right before her birthday and never does go on the trip. However, the three estranged friends put aside their differences and come together in the end. They wave to the ship as it passes under the bridge.
When Gertie announces she wants to take a trip for her 80th birthday, Maria tries to reunite Gertie and Corinna with their long-lost families. Maria is all about family and tradition and hopes to surprise Gertie by bringing her to New York. However, both Gertie and Corinna have secrets and sorrows in their pasts that they do not want discovered. As a result of her meddling, their friendships become strained.
Spoiler alert:
Corinna is horrified that her very abusive brother will find her. She was part of a rescue movement to save Jewish children during WWII and sent to live in England. Eventually she is adopted by a family that does not treat her well. She also finds out she has a sister who is still alive. Very sadly, her own parents had rejected her due to her deformity.
Gertie's story is slowly uncovered as we learn from Elsa how unloving and emotionally distant she was during Elsa's childhood. Swimming always came first.
No one wants to go with Gertie on her trip but she finally convinces the friendly sad-sack firefighter,Tom, to accompany her. He is a needy person but harmless.
Gertie has a heart attack right before her birthday and never does go on the trip. However, the three estranged friends put aside their differences and come together in the end. They wave to the ship as it passes under the bridge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
This is a cute story about 3 women who have a tradition of meeting at the Verrazano bridge every Tuesday at 11 am. As this tradition happens for the next 20 years, Gertie has a realization that her clock is ticking and she wants to do more than just meet at the bridge every Tuesday for the next 20 years. She wants to go explore the world and travel, while her 2 best friends want to pursue other things such as repairing their estranged family relationships and pursuing new romances.
I liked this book for the fact that it has good meaning to it. The fact that we dont have time to waste, if you want to go do something, go do it, if you want to make amends, make amends...before its too late and you regret it.
One thing I wish the story would have done better is make a better connection between Vinnie and the relationship that he has with Maria's 2 other friends. His interactions with Corrina felt random to me, and the Professor also seemed a little bit random to me at times in the story. All in all the relationship between the 3 best friends was greatly characterized and gave me a visual picture of how they would be in real life.
I liked this book for the fact that it has good meaning to it. The fact that we dont have time to waste, if you want to go do something, go do it, if you want to make amends, make amends...before its too late and you regret it.
One thing I wish the story would have done better is make a better connection between Vinnie and the relationship that he has with Maria's 2 other friends. His interactions with Corrina felt random to me, and the Professor also seemed a little bit random to me at times in the story. All in all the relationship between the 3 best friends was greatly characterized and gave me a visual picture of how they would be in real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2022
3 women, Gertie, Maria, and Corinna meet one day in 1991 near the Verrazzano Bridge when Gertie, a 60-year old woman who is training for the marathon chokes on a plum pit. Maria and Corinna come to her rescue, and dislodge the pit. This begins a friendship that lasts 20 years.
Fast forward to 2011, and Maria wants to plan a surprise birthday party for Gertie. Hopefully, Gertie's estranged daughter will come. Gertie has other plans though.
Maria is an Italian grandmother who cares for her daughter and grandson. He is super smart, but has a drug problem.
Corinna is German, and is interested in the classics. She also is fond of The Professor, but he has eyes for someone else.
This book is about friendship, regrets, and love. It is told in 3 parts, with various narrators.
There were things I liked and didn't like. It focused a lot on the problems of the women vs. the positives of their friendship.
Fast forward to 2011, and Maria wants to plan a surprise birthday party for Gertie. Hopefully, Gertie's estranged daughter will come. Gertie has other plans though.
Maria is an Italian grandmother who cares for her daughter and grandson. He is super smart, but has a drug problem.
Corinna is German, and is interested in the classics. She also is fond of The Professor, but he has eyes for someone else.
This book is about friendship, regrets, and love. It is told in 3 parts, with various narrators.
There were things I liked and didn't like. It focused a lot on the problems of the women vs. the positives of their friendship.
December 30, 2022
This is a lovely story about friendship, the importance of family, and the strength of love. The book examines the friendship between three women who meet by chance and then gather near the Verrazzano Bridge every week for years. Although they are from very different backgrounds and lead quite different lives they become the best of friends, until some events and interactions threaten to rupture their close connection. I loved learning about each woman and following their interactions--these characters are very interesting! While the story does not have an entirely happy ending, there is resolution to many of the problems and obstacles the friends encounter, and heart-warming moments as they reconnect. I also loved the title, and understanding where this phrase comes from. Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review; I'm happy to have had the opportunity to read this book.
November 28, 2021
“There is the land of the living and the land of the dead," Wilder had written, "and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning." - page 196
A magnificent bridge, the Verrazzano in NYC! Isn't that the magic of a bridge? It's built to connect things, to bring people and places together. The way it brought these three women together - Maria, Gertie and Corinna.
And the Bridge is Love is a novel of hope, love and forgiveness as we grow older. This novel is filled with happiness and heartbreaking moments between these friends and their families. It was truly refreshing to read a character driven story with strong elderly women finding their way in a world that calls them old. The journey of a lifetime awaits you the reader.
Thank you TLC Book Tours and Lake Union Publishing the complimentary copy of this book.
December 24, 2021
After a series of nothing but WWll books I gave this one a try. I like stories of women's friendships and these were unusual but not gratuitously bizarre characters as is often seen. A chance encounter brought them together and with a few misunderstandings and arguments their friendship not only lasted but also helped each of them tackle their personal demons, broken relationships and dreams.
There were a number of issues in this book that made it realistic but not graphic....estrangement from adult offspring, lost dreams, sacrifices that were made leading to resentment and sometimes a lack of appreciation, what do older single women do with themselves?
There was a bit of history, back to my interest in WWll as one of the women had a past and a family she was unaware of until late in life.
All in all excellent, and if I could give it 4.5 I would.
There were a number of issues in this book that made it realistic but not graphic....estrangement from adult offspring, lost dreams, sacrifices that were made leading to resentment and sometimes a lack of appreciation, what do older single women do with themselves?
There was a bit of history, back to my interest in WWll as one of the women had a past and a family she was unaware of until late in life.
All in all excellent, and if I could give it 4.5 I would.
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