It often seems hard to determine the difference between providence and coincidence, or if these two words simply describe the same thing from different worldviews. How interesting, for example, that you would post this essential reminder about love remaining on the day the news announces the bridge of Baltimore collapsing and perhaps killing six. Fascinating.
I think of the book of Ruth that says, "she chanced upon the field of Boaz"—whom she would later marry. The book highlights this seemingly incidental event to remind us how our chances are God's choices.
I know! What a bizarre coincidence (or demonstration of providence). I decided to read this in December and waited till the end of the month because I had other stuff to work on. And then it lines up with this tragedy in Baltimore.
Joel, another great review. I haven't read this one surprisingly. My wife is from Peru so I think this will find its way towards the top of my pile, especially since it isn't too long.
Yes, the way he pulls all five very different people into a singular moment where they’re all on the bridge together is rather amazing, especially given the way the plot works. It’s brilliant.
I think it’s still assigned in some classes, though I’ve read conflicting info on that. It still sells several thousand copies every year so it’s likely some of those are coming from schools—thought it’s not like, say, The Catcher and the Rye. It’s worth saying, however, that Wilder is ambiguous about the larger question. I think he handles it well. Plenty for thoughtful readers to debate.
Wonderful. My recommendation: Find a day when you can read it straight through. It’s just a few hours. It’s powerful as an uninterrupted statement. Treat it like a long(ish) movie.
I read this for the first time a couple of years ago and was just blown away. I’ve been trying to get everyone I know to read it since-it’s so powerful in the questions it asks and the hope it offers. As you pointed out, the fact that it is open-ended, that it is asking the reader to make the final decisions about the meanings of love, providence, and suffering, that makes it especially appealing. It’s one of those books that, for me, feels like an examination of conscience
It often seems hard to determine the difference between providence and coincidence, or if these two words simply describe the same thing from different worldviews. How interesting, for example, that you would post this essential reminder about love remaining on the day the news announces the bridge of Baltimore collapsing and perhaps killing six. Fascinating.
I think of the book of Ruth that says, "she chanced upon the field of Boaz"—whom she would later marry. The book highlights this seemingly incidental event to remind us how our chances are God's choices.
I know! What a bizarre coincidence (or demonstration of providence). I decided to read this in December and waited till the end of the month because I had other stuff to work on. And then it lines up with this tragedy in Baltimore.
Joel, another great review. I haven't read this one surprisingly. My wife is from Peru so I think this will find its way towards the top of my pile, especially since it isn't too long.
It’s a quick read and very rewarding. The style is unique. It somehow feels both modern and antique. But the plotting moves quickly.
The connection between the living and the dead is also a major part of Wilder's other best known work, the play "Our Town".
I need to read that. I’ve seen the play once but that was almost 30 years ago.
This was required reading in my high school lit class. I was permanently drawn to the reality of connection among people ny the providence of God.
Yes, the way he pulls all five very different people into a singular moment where they’re all on the bridge together is rather amazing, especially given the way the plot works. It’s brilliant.
Me too, Jerry. I wonder if it's still required in our PC world.
I think it’s still assigned in some classes, though I’ve read conflicting info on that. It still sells several thousand copies every year so it’s likely some of those are coming from schools—thought it’s not like, say, The Catcher and the Rye. It’s worth saying, however, that Wilder is ambiguous about the larger question. I think he handles it well. Plenty for thoughtful readers to debate.
A great and morally compelling novel from my point of view.
Absolutely.
This sounds great. I’ve never thought about this book before, now I want to read it!
It’s a little gem.
Got one coming from Ebay.
Wonderful. My recommendation: Find a day when you can read it straight through. It’s just a few hours. It’s powerful as an uninterrupted statement. Treat it like a long(ish) movie.
With you so far. Just borrowed Bridge to start tonight. Love your recommendations. Been reading like crazy lately.
That’s fantastic. I love that you’re reading along!
I read this for the first time a couple of years ago and was just blown away. I’ve been trying to get everyone I know to read it since-it’s so powerful in the questions it asks and the hope it offers. As you pointed out, the fact that it is open-ended, that it is asking the reader to make the final decisions about the meanings of love, providence, and suffering, that makes it especially appealing. It’s one of those books that, for me, feels like an examination of conscience
Haven’t read your review yet … But this is a book that sticks out in my mind like a large and amazing medicine-infusing sliver!