Author: Julie Orringer
Publisher: Doubleday
Published: January 2011
Paperback: 758 pages
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Synopsis: Paris, 1937. Andras Lévi, a Hungarian Jewish architecture student, arrives from Budapest with a scholarship, a single suitcase, and a mysterious letter he has promised to deliver to C. Morgenstern on the rue de Sévigné. As he becomes involved with the letter’s recipient, his elder brother takes up medical studies in Modena, their younger brother leaves school for the stage—and Europe’s unfolding tragedy sends each of their lives into terrifying uncertainty. From the Hungarian village of Konyár to the grand opera houses of Budapest and Paris, from the lonely chill of Andras’s garret to the enduring passion he discovers on the rue de Sévigné, from the despair of a Carpathian winter to an unimaginable life in forced labor camps and beyond, The Invisible Bridge tells the unforgettable story of brothers bound by history and love, of a marriage tested by disaster, of a Jewish family’s struggle against annihilation, and of the dangerous power of art in a time of war.
My Thoughts: As you may know by now, World War II books are among my favorite books written. Something about that time period really appeals to me, and The Invisible Bridge was no different. While the characters and part of the story take place in Hungary, I had no idea the role that Hungary played in the war. It was refreshing to read something about this time period that I was not familiar with and it really did intrigue me and keep me wanting to read and learn more about the characters. I felt that Julie Orringer did her research and tried to make this book as authentic as possible, and it shows in her writing. The characters are real and raw, baring their emotions throughout the story.
If there is one thing that I didn't like about this book, it was the length. Now, I love long books where I get to truly know the characters inside and out. However, I felt at times that the story was really dragging with so much detailed information and dialogue and that if it were edited a bit, it would have made for a more enjoyable, and faster, read.
If you enjoy historical fiction or WWII novels, that I would definitely recommend checking out this book. Just get ready for a lengthy story.
Historical fiction is not a genre I read. Great job on completing this chunkster, wowsa.
ReplyDelete758 pages is long, especially when the story does not necessarily warrant it. I've read a bit of historical fiction and this one may be one for me, despite the length. As my father's family originated from Hungary, it has meaning for me. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteMy Bookshelf
I have this one on my tbr list as well. I'll save it till this summer when I have a little more time. Fab review.
ReplyDeleteI love WWII novels too! As a matter of fact, that is the topic tomorrow's Why I Love Post. Glad I'm not alone in this.