Bridges of Madison County

Last semester, I think I had the best reading assignment ever. He asked us to read the Briges of Madison County and to write a reader response...you know, like the ones that we sometimes see on book club sites, etc. So, here's my response to the novel:"Robert Waller’s Bridges of Madison County is a true testament of love. For everyone who has ever been in love or hopes to be, this book will definitely change your life.Upon Francesca Johnson’s children’s request, Robert Waller does his best to present this breathtaking story of Robert Kincaid, the maverick photographer and Francesca Johnson, Iowa farm wife and mother of two. Waller magnificently paints a portrait of a love affair that could never be, but will magically last in the hearts of millions of Americans for years to come. This story verifies that love happens to everyday people like you and me. I’m convinced that Waller took this into account in his writing. He is careful not to write overly romanticized or dramatic monologues and passages. Instead, he presents a real story in a real setting.This alone makes the book so much more meaningful and genuine. Waller is careful to suggest that love isn’t perfect (as identified in this affair) but however it is always worth it. Although the couple only met and fell in love in a short four days, their love endured years of the everyday obligations of life and even went with both of them to eternity. Though the couple didn’t see each other for fourteen years after their first encounter, time did not diminish the power of their affection. This, the Bridges of Madison, is a true American love story—if there ever was one.[**Note: I think of Radway’s Romance novel audiences as the ideal Bridges of Madison County readers]I would recommend this book to two specific audiences. First, I would recommend the book to young adults ages 12-18. As, I believe young adults are just learning the meaning of love (or what some may believe to be “puppy love”) therefore I think that this would be a delightful read for them. Additionally, I think that women ages 25-40 (single or married) would be able to relate to this text. But, more specifically, I think that married women in this age group might relate to Francesca’s character. Nonetheless, I’m almost positive that both audiences will enjoy this piece.] "What do you think???