Big Books of 2026
Bridge of Sighs

Questions About Bridge of Sighs

by Richard Russo (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Bridge of Sighs, please sign up.

Answered Questions (11)

Did anyone else get deep into this and just not care? For me, the writing is solid and you enter the world he creates pretty easily, but something is missing. I know lots of lit fiction has that feel, but this novel, for me at least, didn't have you waiting for/wanting something enough. Instead of a story, I feel like we got a biography about the every-day life of regular people whose lives aren't that interesting.
Stan Blackburn Like Sarah's painting, 'Bridge of Sighs' is a view of the complexity of a life well (and imperfectly) lived. There are so many deep themes in this wor…moreLike Sarah's painting, 'Bridge of Sighs' is a view of the complexity of a life well (and imperfectly) lived. There are so many deep themes in this work. The story, however, has nothing to do with plot. (less)
flag
I loved and lived the first 90% of this novel which I think deals with a universal subject. Does anyone really believe Sarah's letter after the art show was honest? Does anyone believe that she is no longer on the "Bridge of Sighs?" That she has completely resolved the issue. That short of attaining impersonal enlightenment that the issue could be resolved?
MEG What issue? She resolved her attraction to Bobby when she decided to bring Kayla with her, and her issue with her mom, when she saw the picture in Mrs…moreWhat issue? She resolved her attraction to Bobby when she decided to bring Kayla with her, and her issue with her mom, when she saw the picture in Mrs. Friedman's apt. Now, the issue of not becoming the successful painter that Bobby became sounded resolved back at the end of their senior year in HS, even knowing that her mom thought she really had the "true talent" which was missing from herself (mom). I think she honestly weighed the different paths she could have taken and honestly felt that she "can't help feeling cheated," but only a smidgen, only a tad, because her life with Lou was what she both wanted and needed.

As for Bobby, it seems pretty clear he became a painter because Sarah had introduced him to art. But he had the burning passion-anger-that sustained him until it didn't. Then he painted his dad as he became sick with his own emotional landscape. Plenty of Bobby's life, Ellie, seemed enough for me.(less)
flag
This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Mike
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
flag
Why were they originally going to Italy? IIRC it was never explained, and seemed out of character once you got to know the Lynches.
Marion Pender Perhaps because as an artist Sarah wanted to see the place were so much art began and was treasured. I also believe Sarah wanted to see Bobby.
flag
Who were the couple having sex when Lou was in the trunk?
CJ Seems like the man was probably his uncle Dec. The woman, just some random unsatisfied local housewife, I think.
flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more