The Bridges of Madison County

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Summary: If Waller had any talent...
Review: ...he still couldn't do this pathetic story any justice. It's loaded with ridiculous metaphors, "I am the arrow and you are my quiver." Boy, that's a turn on. If you have an hour free, go ahead and read it. It's surely worth a laugh. Waller may be the most overrated--I hesitate to call him a 'novelist'--person who's been published in history. God is this a terrible book. Hmmm, what else could it be called, 'Doing the Farmer's wife while the farmer's away?" This doesn't paint a picture of life in Iowa, in fact, many Iowans resent the fact that it took place here. It's truly an embarassment, as is Robert James Waller. What a joke

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Summary: It's not so bad. . .
Review: So it's not Tolstoy. The writing is a bit stilted, butif you are in the mood for a sweet tearjerker which willmake you believe in love after the age of 40, this is the book for you. A quick read too, for you impatient types

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Summary: A Romantic Must-Read!
Review: The Bridges of Madison County was a book created for those who have loved and wanted more, those who are content with life, but realize there is more out there waiting for them. When I read it, tears came to my eyes as Francesa had to make a decision that involved choosing between two men, two lives. A definate must-read for any romantics out there who are ready for a change from the usual!

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Summary: The greatest love story ever written.
Review: This novel is the definition of a page turner. By reading this novel, you will feel the amazing feelings that Robert and Francesca feel. It is well worth the six hours it took me to read this novel. I promise that if you have ever loved or been loved, you will get lost in the love found within this novel. By far, a total delight

Rating:
Summary: The greatest love story ever written.
Review: This is by far the best book I have ever held in my hands. It is a story worth the whole six hours that it took me to read it. It is the true definition of a "page turner." I couldn't put it down, and I have read it over and over again since. It is magical and you, depending on your sex, will feel the things that Francesca and Robert feel. A total delight

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is a "must" for all of us that dream of that one "perfect" love that comes but once in a lifetime. If you want to be transported to another time and place and realm in all that love has to offer, this book is exactly what you have been searching for

Rating:
Summary: Poorly written, trite and unbelievable.
Review: Characters are one-dimensional stereotypes. Dialog is ridiculous. Writing is clouded by digressions on pseudo-philosophical mumbo-jumbo.

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Summary: If you've ever been in love, you'll love this book.
Review: This book contains the true story of two people who fall in love, and as many have experienced were unable remain with eachother after a very short time. This story covers the four days which two people in love@share with eachother. A story for all.

Rating:
Summary: "One of the most magical stories I have ever read."
Review: As I sit here, I am trying to find the word or words that will express exactly the way I feel about this book. Mr. Waller is a magical story teller. This is a book that you ask yourself, "Is this a fiction novel or a biography" when you are finish reading. I have never read a book so touching that I cried when I thought that I may not ever experience true love like the characters in this novel. I immediately wanted to find love and fall in love; true love like the love that was expressed in this story. Love that lives on forever, and ever; even when life itself has passed on. Vividly romantic, this book touches you from the heart, and it will linger with you long after you have read the last page. Take my word on that if nothing else I have said here...I am living proof. Thank you P.S. Read this book if you haven't, I guarantee you will love it!

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully evocative and romantic -- AN ACCURATE REVIEW
Review: I picked this book up searching for inspiration to help me with writing my romantic fiction. I was very pleased with it.

The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Italian World War II wife of an Iowa farmer, and Robert Kincaid, a nomadic photographer traveling through town on an assignment for National Geographic. Their chance meeting ignites a romantic four-day affair that stays with them for the rest of their lives.

This isn't a suspenseful novel; the plot is given away immediately in the book. It's a study of beauty, of wondering, of questioning why some things happen the way they do.

Robert James Waller tells the story slowly, and few could do better. Rather than dragging out each action and frustrating the reader, Waller savors each moment, allowing the reader to bask in the beauty of this romance.

Something unique that Waller does is tell the story as if it had been told to him by Francesca's children, and he includes an "author's note" and an "interview" with a jazz musician. He does it very well; in fact, I thought that they were real!

The characters are so well constructed. The reader sympathizes with both Robert and Francesca, in spite of her commiting adultery, Francesca's two children, and even Francesca's absent husband as well.

I highly recommend this book. In addition to being beautiful (there's that word again!) and a unique story, it's a quick read to boot (192 pages). This would be an excellent selection for a book group. Read this book, and you'll be swept up in a fleeting yet beautiful affair that was strong enough to last a lifetime.