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A Thousand Country Roads
Ten years and twelve million copies after the first printing of The Bridges of Madison County, Robert James Waller brings to a poignant conclusion his story of the love affair between a wandering photographer and the conventional wife of an Iowa farmer.
In A Thousand Country Roads, Robert Kincaid initially finds himself with little but memories of a lonely existence lived mostly on the road and memories of Francesca Johnson, the woman whose passion he stirred so briefly and with such power.
So, with his memories pushing him, searching for something undefined, something to give meaning to the rest of his life, Kincaid takes to the road again in what becomes a journey of discovery and surprise.
With his dog Highway beside him in an old truck named Harry, Kincaid begins a long winding run back to Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa, returning to the place of his great love affair.
Living her own solitary life, Francesca still visits Roseman Bridge and reflects on her days and nights with Robert Kincaid. Cherishing the memory of the strange, wandering man who changed her world, she vows to search for him.
On the expedition he calls Last Time, Kincaid wanders through Oregon, northern California, eastward to the Dakotas, and on to Iowa. Along the way, a chance encounter with a woman from his distant past reveals another dimension of his life he could not have imagined.
Finally, in a Seattle bar called Shorty's, where saxophonist Nighthawk Cummings still plays on Tuesday nights, Kincaid turns in his chair, looking inward and outward at the same time, and smiles at what he sees sitting before him.
And so it comes, the ultimate loner finds he is not as alone as he once believed.
In A Thousand Country Roads, Robert Kincaid initially finds himself with little but memories of a lonely existence lived mostly on the road and memories of Francesca Johnson, the woman whose passion he stirred so briefly and with such power.
So, with his memories pushing him, searching for something undefined, something to give meaning to the rest of his life, Kincaid takes to the road again in what becomes a journey of discovery and surprise.
With his dog Highway beside him in an old truck named Harry, Kincaid begins a long winding run back to Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa, returning to the place of his great love affair.
Living her own solitary life, Francesca still visits Roseman Bridge and reflects on her days and nights with Robert Kincaid. Cherishing the memory of the strange, wandering man who changed her world, she vows to search for him.
On the expedition he calls Last Time, Kincaid wanders through Oregon, northern California, eastward to the Dakotas, and on to Iowa. Along the way, a chance encounter with a woman from his distant past reveals another dimension of his life he could not have imagined.
Finally, in a Seattle bar called Shorty's, where saxophonist Nighthawk Cummings still plays on Tuesday nights, Kincaid turns in his chair, looking inward and outward at the same time, and smiles at what he sees sitting before him.
And so it comes, the ultimate loner finds he is not as alone as he once believed.
There was something about this man that was out of the ordinary, something almost familiar about him.
Sunlight angled down and caught the right side of his face, caught the long gray hair parted in the middle and brushed back along the top and sides. The sea wind came and blew his hair, and he reached to push it back from his face, pulled an orange suspender higher on his shoulder, adjusted the leather Swiss Army knife case on his belt. The sun passed behind a cloud, and he fell into shadow for a few seconds before sunlight again came on him. She experienced an involuntary shudder and had a powerful urge to walk outside and talk with the man.
And later: He was glad he had come. It had not been a mistake. Here, in the old bridge, he felt a kind of serenity, and he bathed in the feeling and came quiet within himself. At that moment, he knew this place would be his home ground, the place where his ashes would someday drift out over Middle River. He hoped some of his dust would become one with the bridge and the land, and that some might wash far downstream and into larger rivers and then into all the seas he had crossed on crowded troop ships or night jets to somewhere.
From A Thousand Country Roads
Author Biography: Robert James Waller grew up in the small town of Rockford, Iowa, and was educated at the University of Northern Iowa and Indiana University. He was for many years a professor at his Iowa alma mater, where he also served as Dean of the College of Business from 1979 to 1986. He lives on a remote ranch in the high desert mountains of Texas and pursues his interests in writing, photography, music, economics and mathematics. This is his tenth book.
181 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
45 people are currently reading
1424 people want to read
About the author
Robert James Waller
37 books435 followersRobert James Waller was an American author also known for his work as a photographer and musician. Several of his books have been on the New York Times bestseller list including 1992's The Bridges of Madison County, which was the top best-seller in 1993. Both that novel and his 1995 novel, Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, have been made into motion pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
May 11, 2019
As I read this book, I could not help but remember the film and book, The Bridges of Madison County, not only because this is a sequel, but I constantly pictured Clint Eastwood as the main character. He was so perfectly cast in this role.
This novel is considered to be an epilogue to that well-known film and novel. It provides perspectives of the lives of Robert and Francesca both before and after the brief enchanting time they spent together. This is mainly from the standpoint of Kincaid, who wistfully looks back on opportunities taken and ignored in his lifetime. He has set off on a nostalgic road trip, visiting past places and friends. Waller has vividly described the country around this lonesome adventurer.
The author does not neglect Francesca's bittersweet existence, but her character is not as deeply defined. While Robert could be considered taciturn, there is a depth to his view of life and those around him which attracted him to others. He had also increasingly found happiness evaded him. The book provided a bittersweet conclusion to the earlier novel, with some surprises along the way.
This is a very brief novel, but it is an interesting commentary on the realities of aging and the forces of Nature.
3.5
This novel is considered to be an epilogue to that well-known film and novel. It provides perspectives of the lives of Robert and Francesca both before and after the brief enchanting time they spent together. This is mainly from the standpoint of Kincaid, who wistfully looks back on opportunities taken and ignored in his lifetime. He has set off on a nostalgic road trip, visiting past places and friends. Waller has vividly described the country around this lonesome adventurer.
The author does not neglect Francesca's bittersweet existence, but her character is not as deeply defined. While Robert could be considered taciturn, there is a depth to his view of life and those around him which attracted him to others. He had also increasingly found happiness evaded him. The book provided a bittersweet conclusion to the earlier novel, with some surprises along the way.
This is a very brief novel, but it is an interesting commentary on the realities of aging and the forces of Nature.
3.5
October 9, 2018
Dicen que segundas partes nunca fueron buenas y, aunque no estoy muy de acuerdo con esta frase, en este caso prefiero guardar silencio. Triste, emotiva, pero ¿necesaria?
November 13, 2019
I really wanted this to be as fulfilling and likeable as part 1. It was, but only after I had read the first half of the book. I couldn't get into it because it was written in another way as part. It was more difficult to read and not as natural. Still, it was a good story and I loved reading it. So that is why only 3 points.
November 8, 2009
I am one of the people who adored BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, both book and film, and am not ashamed to say so. Many years after reading the first lyrical novel, I remember staying up all night to finish it and how I sobbed over the love of Francesca and Robert. I did then wonder what happened to Robert in those "missing years," and filled in the blanks with my own imagination. Robert James Waller topped me, of course.
The author indicates in his preface that this book will not likely stand on its own for those who have not read BRIDGES, and I agree. For those who have, however, it provides a lovely coda to those four days in 1965, with some surprises along the way. More is shared about Robert Kincaid's life both before and after his time with Francesca. Waller has that unique gift of being able to describe a place in such a way that you feel you're sitting there next to him, and this gift does not fail him in COUNTRY ROADS. Big Sur, Mendocino, and even a small town in South Dakota come to life for the reader. He also shares with us the realities of growing older; our bodies begin to betray us, and we often lose ourselves in memories.
My intention was to take my time reading A THOUSAND COUNTRY ROADS. I knew that this would be the last time I'd get to hear anything new from these characters, and I was loath to rush through that experience. When it came down to it, however, I couldn't read the pages fast enough. I just had to know what happened next and though all who read BRIDGES know how it ends, I wanted to know what came in between. I stayed up all night. Again. I cried. Again. I loved it. Again.
The author indicates in his preface that this book will not likely stand on its own for those who have not read BRIDGES, and I agree. For those who have, however, it provides a lovely coda to those four days in 1965, with some surprises along the way. More is shared about Robert Kincaid's life both before and after his time with Francesca. Waller has that unique gift of being able to describe a place in such a way that you feel you're sitting there next to him, and this gift does not fail him in COUNTRY ROADS. Big Sur, Mendocino, and even a small town in South Dakota come to life for the reader. He also shares with us the realities of growing older; our bodies begin to betray us, and we often lose ourselves in memories.
My intention was to take my time reading A THOUSAND COUNTRY ROADS. I knew that this would be the last time I'd get to hear anything new from these characters, and I was loath to rush through that experience. When it came down to it, however, I couldn't read the pages fast enough. I just had to know what happened next and though all who read BRIDGES know how it ends, I wanted to know what came in between. I stayed up all night. Again. I cried. Again. I loved it. Again.
February 21, 2022
** 3,5 estrelas**
Após a leitura d’As Pontes de Madison County fiquei muito intrigada ao tomar conhecimento da existência de um segundo volume que daria continuidade à história. Houve uma conclusão, a história parecia-me “fechada”, como tal, foi de forma pouco convicta que lhe peguei.
A verdade é que valeu a pena: o autor, de forma despretensiosa consegue contar uma história interessante, simples e que emociona.
A narrativa centra-se mais em Robert Kincaid. Num regresso ao passado somos confrontados com novas personagens cativantes e ficamos de novo reféns deste aventureiro solitário e das suas peripécias enquanto fotógrafo.
Com a idade já avançada, decide fazer uma última viagem de carro até Madison County. Numa atitude reflexiva acaba por fazer uma retrospectiva da sua vida e questiona-se sobre as suas escolhas.
”Alimentar ressentimento contra o destino não leva a nada: as coisas acontecem sem sentido e nada mais se pode dizer. Vituperar contra tal sorte é condenar o fumo ou o vento e sofrer durante todos os dias da existência. No final, nada resta senão arcar com tudo o que nos foi dado e seguir em frente.”
Acabou por surpreender-me.
Após a leitura d’As Pontes de Madison County fiquei muito intrigada ao tomar conhecimento da existência de um segundo volume que daria continuidade à história. Houve uma conclusão, a história parecia-me “fechada”, como tal, foi de forma pouco convicta que lhe peguei.
A verdade é que valeu a pena: o autor, de forma despretensiosa consegue contar uma história interessante, simples e que emociona.
A narrativa centra-se mais em Robert Kincaid. Num regresso ao passado somos confrontados com novas personagens cativantes e ficamos de novo reféns deste aventureiro solitário e das suas peripécias enquanto fotógrafo.
Com a idade já avançada, decide fazer uma última viagem de carro até Madison County. Numa atitude reflexiva acaba por fazer uma retrospectiva da sua vida e questiona-se sobre as suas escolhas.
”Alimentar ressentimento contra o destino não leva a nada: as coisas acontecem sem sentido e nada mais se pode dizer. Vituperar contra tal sorte é condenar o fumo ou o vento e sofrer durante todos os dias da existência. No final, nada resta senão arcar com tudo o que nos foi dado e seguir em frente.”
Acabou por surpreender-me.
August 22, 2013
I was disappointed in what was supposedly the sequel to 'The Bridges of Madison County' as it barely mentioned Francesca except for Robert's memories, and introduced new characters into the story that were never a part of the original and had them take over almost cheapening the relationship between Robert and Francesca that I was so interested in when I picked up the book. I hate when a story has characters just missing each other in time and place...it's so frustrating! Plus, the author portrayed Robert as a real oddball when in the other book/movie, he was a loner but not peculiar at all. Obviously, the ending was sad again but it was also very unsatisfying and disparaging to their love affair. Don't bother reading this...use your own imagination to rewrite the ending!
January 4, 2009
This was a quick read, but I never became too involved in the story. I thought The Bridges of Madison County was much better. I would have been happy with the way that book ended. I really didn't need to read this "Epilogue".
March 9, 2015
This is somewhat gut wrenching.
I suppose from their beautiful story, we already knew that they never saw each other again, but it is so frustrating that they should miss each other only by a few minutes, it seems so cruel.
I liked Carlisle's story. It was nice for Robert Kinkaid to find more than less at the end of his days, despite the brevity and sadness.
It was a thoughtful story, as in pensive and though I enjoyed it, it didn't move me in the same way as the first.
I suppose from their beautiful story, we already knew that they never saw each other again, but it is so frustrating that they should miss each other only by a few minutes, it seems so cruel.
I liked Carlisle's story. It was nice for Robert Kinkaid to find more than less at the end of his days, despite the brevity and sadness.
It was a thoughtful story, as in pensive and though I enjoyed it, it didn't move me in the same way as the first.
October 6, 2021
Да,определено е изсмукано от пръстите , това продължение. Беше ясно , че не са се срещнали повече , а подробностите от живота им един без друг, наистина не са много интересни.
Понеже не съм от най-търпеливите хора (вече) , на тяхно място , сигурно щях да изровя земята , за да намеря половинката си.
Понеже не съм от най-търпеливите хора (вече) , на тяхно място , сигурно щях да изровя земята , за да намеря половинката си.
December 8, 2012
May contain spoilers.
I didn't know where this book was heading at the beginning. At first I wondered if I was even reading the epilogue to Bridges.
I remember I once went to a performance by Dave Brubeck, the recently deceased famed jazz musician. Dave was wrapping up a wonderful show when he asked the audience if we had any special requests, and of course, having not yet heard him play Take-5, we all echoed take-5. But Dave asked if instead we wouldn't prefer to listen to Laura, but we were like "noooo, we want take-5!" people kept chanting Take-5, Take-5! Dave Brubeck was so annoyed. With a frown Dave swatted the audience, as if to say, "you people always asking for the same thing, always wanting to hear take 5." and so Dave rolled his eyes and pushed out the shittiest rendition of Take-5 he has ever done. He did that on purpose, just to show us. I felt so cattle-like at that moment. A bunch of dopes.
It seems as if Robert Waller did this with A Thousand Country Roads to shut up undying fans of his original novel The Bridges of Madison County. He probably wanted to turn people on to Laura, but people were like noooo, Bridges! I Can't exactly say it was "a shitty rendition", but it definitely felt like a toss of a dirty metal bowl of food on the porch for the dogs type of deal.
I guess readers simply couldn't accept the fact that Francesca and Robert don't ever meet again. We all knew that from the first book, so why read this one? For me it was wanting to have them in my heart, alive again. I remember reading Bridges back in the early 90'a and literally bawling my eyes out, same when the movie came out, which is odd because movies to me don't usually translate well on film, but it was that good. I think many people easily dismiss bridges because "it's a love story of two old people"... but replace Meryl and Clint with two young sexy actors and I think it would've had a broader, wider appeal. This entire novel has been unfairly judged by many from the beginning, even myself, thinking how silly and sentimental the title alone was.
I recommend this book to people who read The Bridges of Madison County, or watched the movie.
I didn't know where this book was heading at the beginning. At first I wondered if I was even reading the epilogue to Bridges.
I remember I once went to a performance by Dave Brubeck, the recently deceased famed jazz musician. Dave was wrapping up a wonderful show when he asked the audience if we had any special requests, and of course, having not yet heard him play Take-5, we all echoed take-5. But Dave asked if instead we wouldn't prefer to listen to Laura, but we were like "noooo, we want take-5!" people kept chanting Take-5, Take-5! Dave Brubeck was so annoyed. With a frown Dave swatted the audience, as if to say, "you people always asking for the same thing, always wanting to hear take 5." and so Dave rolled his eyes and pushed out the shittiest rendition of Take-5 he has ever done. He did that on purpose, just to show us. I felt so cattle-like at that moment. A bunch of dopes.
It seems as if Robert Waller did this with A Thousand Country Roads to shut up undying fans of his original novel The Bridges of Madison County. He probably wanted to turn people on to Laura, but people were like noooo, Bridges! I Can't exactly say it was "a shitty rendition", but it definitely felt like a toss of a dirty metal bowl of food on the porch for the dogs type of deal.
I guess readers simply couldn't accept the fact that Francesca and Robert don't ever meet again. We all knew that from the first book, so why read this one? For me it was wanting to have them in my heart, alive again. I remember reading Bridges back in the early 90'a and literally bawling my eyes out, same when the movie came out, which is odd because movies to me don't usually translate well on film, but it was that good. I think many people easily dismiss bridges because "it's a love story of two old people"... but replace Meryl and Clint with two young sexy actors and I think it would've had a broader, wider appeal. This entire novel has been unfairly judged by many from the beginning, even myself, thinking how silly and sentimental the title alone was.
I recommend this book to people who read The Bridges of Madison County, or watched the movie.
November 22, 2008
Oh, sniff, sniff, blubber, sob! That darn Waller always nails me! I tell myself he's such a sappy romantic and I'm far too old and jaded for that, but then he always gets me in the end.
This is the second book in a trilogy. Somehow I read the first and third and missed this one. Not life changing, but he sure knows how to tell a sweet story. Robert Kincaid is like the Marlboro Man minus the macho posturing.
This is the second book in a trilogy. Somehow I read the first and third and missed this one. Not life changing, but he sure knows how to tell a sweet story. Robert Kincaid is like the Marlboro Man minus the macho posturing.
April 17, 2018
"No os voy a engañar, creo que esta novela deja lo ocurrido en "Los puentes de Madison" en un segundo plano y se centra principalmente en otro suceso relevante de la vida de Robert que ni él conocía. La lectura va siendo más entretenida a medida que avanza, pero no era lo que yo esperaba".
Reseña completa: http://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspot...
Si pudiera, le daría un 2,5/5, pero le doy el 3 porque el 2 lo dejo para los libros en los que me es más difícil avanzar en la lectura y les veo más fallos. Mi principal problema con éste es que considero que parecía prometer algo que no dio
Reseña completa: http://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspot...
Si pudiera, le daría un 2,5/5, pero le doy el 3 porque el 2 lo dejo para los libros en los que me es más difícil avanzar en la lectura y les veo más fallos. Mi principal problema con éste es que considero que parecía prometer algo que no dio
May 6, 2012
I am one of those who loved Bridges of Madison County. Maybe I'm influenced by living only a few miles from the setting, but I enjoyed both the book and the movie. Having said that, this self-labeled epilogue is wordy and lacks the charm of its predecessor. I rate this one a pass.
December 9, 2008
I was disappointed by the sequel. I wanted more
May 14, 2010
This is an epilogue of Bridges of Madison County. He went to bridge. She went to bridge-after years of their four days together. I must say the book did tear me up at the time.
May 30, 2023
Madisonské mosty sú moja ❤️-ka. Je to úplne jednoduchý príbeh lásky, ale s krásnym melancholickým podtónom, že mi občas napadlo: toto sa vážne stalo, to nie sú len slová na papieri. A potom prišiel epilóg k Mostom, ktorý sa rozhodol Robert James Waller napísať (na žiadosť čitateľov) a ja som si v duchu hovorila: čo môže ešte po Madisonskych mostoch v živote Roberta a Francescy nastať? Čo sa môže zmeniť, že by sa napokon znova stretli? Odpoveď už poznám… ale Tisíc poľných ciest bude v sebe niesť nakoniec úplne iný príbeh… tiež svojím spôsobom krásny, v útlej 200 stranovej knižke, ktorej dej tak ľahko plynie, akoby sa aj samotný čas zastavil… naozaj, autor má veľký dar, podať príbeh tak, ako sa stal, a pritom nezabudne na nepatrné detaily, na vône, na spomienky… na všetko, čo je v príbehu podstatné 🤍
Ak ste čítali Madisonské mosty, určite si dajte aj toto voľné pokračovanie (alebo ako to nazvali redaktori, epilog k Mostom)
Tisíc poľných ciest má svoje čaro,,, už len preto, že to písal Robert James Waller, ale Madisonské mosty stále ostávajú na vrchole.
Ak ste čítali Madisonské mosty, určite si dajte aj toto voľné pokračovanie (alebo ako to nazvali redaktori, epilog k Mostom)
Tisíc poľných ciest má svoje čaro,,, už len preto, že to písal Robert James Waller, ale Madisonské mosty stále ostávajú na vrchole.
August 19, 2020
It’s nice to be able to finish the lovely story between Francesca and Robert. I don’t want to ruin it but I feel heartbroken yet complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
After the publication of his very popular and best-selling novel “The Bridges of Madison County” in 1992, Robert James Waller was inundated with questions from readers about the romance between Robert Kincaid and Francesca Johnson. He decided to write a sequel to their story, but had to work with some limitations since both died by the end of the book. In “Bridges” he had focused the story on Francesca, so in the follow-up, he turned his attention to Robert.
Robert Kinkaid is now sixty-eight years old and has little left in life, just his golden lab Highway, his 1952 Chevy truck Harry, his photographs and his memories. Sixteen years after his affair with Francesca, Robert is living outside of Seattle and regularly drops in at a local club to listen to a night of jazz from the saxophone of Nighthawk Cummings. He sits alone, listens quietly, sips his drink and revisits memories of the few days he spent with Francesca Johnson.
He knows he is reaching the endpoint in his life and decides to set out on a last road trip, including a drop off at Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa. He does not intend to see Francesca but he wants to remember their time together years ago while standing in those surroundings one last time. Unknown to Robert, Francesca began visiting the bridge regularly during her long walks after the death of her husband, remembering the man who had sparked such deep feelings in her. But the two never meet. Each died, continuing to hold the love they had for the other until their deaths.
On this road trip, Robert Kincaid has a chance encounter with a woman from his past as readers are taken back to Kincaid’s earlier years after his military service but before his passionate affair with Francesca.
Meanwhile readers meet Wynn MacMillan of Mendocino California who remembers a time back in 1945 when she spent a few days traveling with a young man on his motorcycle. He had just returned from the Pacific where he took photographs of the American military forces landing on islands held by the Japanese. They enjoyed each other’s company, picnicked on the beach and she played her cello for him. After three or four days they parted and each moved on with their lives. The short encounter left Wynn with a son she named Carlisle but the man, Robert Kincaid, never knew about his child until a few months before his death.
In 1981 in South Dakota, Carlisle is now thirty-six and earns his living restoring houses. He hated his stepfather and was glad when his mother finally left him. Carlisle has been searching for his biological father for some time but has had little information to go on. His mother had only a few memories about his father to share with him: an Ariel motorcycle, a war time photographer named Robert and a set of orange suspenders.
What follows becomes Carlisle Macmillan’s story as he searches for his biological father. He and Robert do eventually meet for a few days, talk with one another and promise to meet up again, but Robert Kincaid dies before that can happen.
This is not a novel that stands well on its own, but is meant as a follow-up to the events in “Bridges Over Madison County”. If readers are to get anything out of it, they must read the other novel first.
Critics were generally not kind in reviewing this book, many criticizing Waller for trying to take advantage of his success with his “Bridges” best seller. I can’t fault him for that. Every writer needs to be an astute businessman and who would not want to ride the wave of a best-selling book which might fund a few more years of a writing life. But it is hard to match the impact of a blockbuster best seller like “Bridges”. On the whole there is nothing wrong with this book, it is just that when readers heard he was writing a sequel, they naturally expected so much more than this book ultimately delivered.
Robert Kinkaid is now sixty-eight years old and has little left in life, just his golden lab Highway, his 1952 Chevy truck Harry, his photographs and his memories. Sixteen years after his affair with Francesca, Robert is living outside of Seattle and regularly drops in at a local club to listen to a night of jazz from the saxophone of Nighthawk Cummings. He sits alone, listens quietly, sips his drink and revisits memories of the few days he spent with Francesca Johnson.
He knows he is reaching the endpoint in his life and decides to set out on a last road trip, including a drop off at Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa. He does not intend to see Francesca but he wants to remember their time together years ago while standing in those surroundings one last time. Unknown to Robert, Francesca began visiting the bridge regularly during her long walks after the death of her husband, remembering the man who had sparked such deep feelings in her. But the two never meet. Each died, continuing to hold the love they had for the other until their deaths.
On this road trip, Robert Kincaid has a chance encounter with a woman from his past as readers are taken back to Kincaid’s earlier years after his military service but before his passionate affair with Francesca.
Meanwhile readers meet Wynn MacMillan of Mendocino California who remembers a time back in 1945 when she spent a few days traveling with a young man on his motorcycle. He had just returned from the Pacific where he took photographs of the American military forces landing on islands held by the Japanese. They enjoyed each other’s company, picnicked on the beach and she played her cello for him. After three or four days they parted and each moved on with their lives. The short encounter left Wynn with a son she named Carlisle but the man, Robert Kincaid, never knew about his child until a few months before his death.
In 1981 in South Dakota, Carlisle is now thirty-six and earns his living restoring houses. He hated his stepfather and was glad when his mother finally left him. Carlisle has been searching for his biological father for some time but has had little information to go on. His mother had only a few memories about his father to share with him: an Ariel motorcycle, a war time photographer named Robert and a set of orange suspenders.
What follows becomes Carlisle Macmillan’s story as he searches for his biological father. He and Robert do eventually meet for a few days, talk with one another and promise to meet up again, but Robert Kincaid dies before that can happen.
This is not a novel that stands well on its own, but is meant as a follow-up to the events in “Bridges Over Madison County”. If readers are to get anything out of it, they must read the other novel first.
Critics were generally not kind in reviewing this book, many criticizing Waller for trying to take advantage of his success with his “Bridges” best seller. I can’t fault him for that. Every writer needs to be an astute businessman and who would not want to ride the wave of a best-selling book which might fund a few more years of a writing life. But it is hard to match the impact of a blockbuster best seller like “Bridges”. On the whole there is nothing wrong with this book, it is just that when readers heard he was writing a sequel, they naturally expected so much more than this book ultimately delivered.
April 17, 2018
có thể nói là dở cũng được. Kéo cả cuốn Madison xuống
November 21, 2021
I read this out of curiosity, and my expectations were low. That's about all I can say, really. I have no idea why this book even exists. I'd like to not be cynical and assume that Robert James Waller was looking for a cash grab, trying to capitalize on his biggest success a number of years after the fact, and that he really felt the need to give the world more of Robert Kincaid (and a little of Francesca). Fact is, though, this book is weird. He calls it an "epilogue to THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY", and yet, this book is LONGER than the original book, so...I'm not sure that's an epilogue. He refers to this as "the rest of the story", but the story of the first book is done, so all this does is tell us a bunch of stuff that happens AROUND the original story, and it's not even all that interesting, as contexts go. This book doesn't shed any new light at all on the events of BRIDGES; all it does is fill in blanks on Robert Kincaid that really didn't need filling in to begin with.
As noted, I didn't expect much from this book going in, so I can't say I'm disappointed. But I just don't get it. If you read BRIDGES and you really really REALLY want more Kincaid, by all means, check this out. But if what you really really REALLY want is more Robert-and-Francesca, don't bother.
As noted, I didn't expect much from this book going in, so I can't say I'm disappointed. But I just don't get it. If you read BRIDGES and you really really REALLY want more Kincaid, by all means, check this out. But if what you really really REALLY want is more Robert-and-Francesca, don't bother.
March 15, 2014
The irony that I wrote the review and it vanished as I tried to set the date read is not lost here as I think of the time I wasted when I could have been listening to something more interesting. I'm a huge fan of Bridges of Madison County, so when I saw this was an epilogue to it, I wanted to hear more. I was wrong. Actually, the description is just wrong. Yes, the main character is Robert Kincaid who fell in love with Francesca Johnson, but this story never needed to be told. It was boring, the narrator's voice was annoying, and I was left completely unimpressed. They leave you with the knowledge that there is a third book now focused on a son, but I'd never bother to even pick it up.
July 24, 2012
It would be so hard to follow a pretty good book, Bridges of Madison County, with anything, but Mr. Waller tried and I have to say................... nah!!!! I happen to love Bridges of Madison County, but I really did not want to know what happen to them once he left. The important thing is that they loved each other and could not be together, what happens in between is just insignificant. The story is very slow, redundant at times and just not interesting. I would not suggest this book.
December 21, 2022
The author did it again! AMAZING ✨ This epilogue is the best I’ve ever read! I couldn’t put this book down. I recommend reading Bridges of Madison County, watching the movie, and then read this book!
I can’t believe the story is over.. 😭 but I actually feel complete now. So many of my “what if questions” were answered. What a beautiful, warm, and unforgettable love story. I see a trip to Iowa in my future to see the bridge that started it all. ❤️
I can’t believe the story is over.. 😭 but I actually feel complete now. So many of my “what if questions” were answered. What a beautiful, warm, and unforgettable love story. I see a trip to Iowa in my future to see the bridge that started it all. ❤️
March 14, 2012
Good book. It was nice to finally know what happened. Sad though. Surprising. Interesting reading a love story from a male perspective. Not as satisfying as a female perspective for me but interesting and thought-provoking nonetheless. Definitely recommend for fans of The Bridges of Madison County.
October 26, 2020
This book was so incredibly great. It is the sequel to The Bridges of Madison County and the life of Robert Kincade. It's such a touching and heart wrenching story. Felt like I was reading a script from This is Us. I felt like crying my eyes out thoughout the book knowing what happens in the first book.
December 7, 2015
An epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County. Loved it. Like Bridges of Madison County, I love to reread it every now and then. Love Robert James Waller's work.
September 5, 2020
When I started this book, I didn’t get far into it before I had to stop for around 5-6 days as my library book came in and that was my priority in reading. Once I finished that book, I picked this book up again and read it a further 2 days. It’s only a short story of 181 pages.
It's been sitting in my bookcase for the last 2 plus years. I wasn't a fan of The Bridges of Madison County when I read it in May 8th, 2012 (yikes 8 years ago!) I didn't like the endless detail, I found it boring. I also didn’t like when Francesca dies, she leaves Robert’s camera, necklace, bracelet, and letters plus a written letter to her adult children telling them about her love affair she had when she was married to their dad. I felt the affair should had died with her. I didn’t think it was right that she should ask her children to try to love or respect Robert when they never knew him, and had nothing to do with him.
Anyho, A Thousand Country Roads was written 10 years later in 2002 because Robert James Waller’s fan base asked for an epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County. I guess when I bought this book 2 years ago, I’d give it another change, I may like it better. Well, that didn’t happen with the same 1 rating I gave the first book.
Reading the first chapter I was thinking, where is this story going as I didn’t feel like it was an epilogue. Once I got over that, and as I was reading more (to the very end) I thought, heck I could just close this book now and not care about it one way or the other. But it’s rare, very rare, I give up on a book.
Robert Kincaid is now 68 years ago. It’s been 16 years since his and Francesca’s 4-day love affair. He decides he’s going to hop in his old truck named Harry, with his dog named Highway and do a road trip with hopes of seeing Francesca at the Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa. Ugh! Along the way, he meets up with old friends.
We don’t see much of Francesca. This is more of a story about Robert. She’s never moved away from the farm. The last 16 years she has had hopes that Robert will return to her. Ugh! Every night she walks to Roseman Bridge.
In this story, there’s a surprise which I won’t give away, and then a “oh no” to do with Kincaid.
Blah.
It's been sitting in my bookcase for the last 2 plus years. I wasn't a fan of The Bridges of Madison County when I read it in May 8th, 2012 (yikes 8 years ago!) I didn't like the endless detail, I found it boring. I also didn’t like when Francesca dies, she leaves Robert’s camera, necklace, bracelet, and letters plus a written letter to her adult children telling them about her love affair she had when she was married to their dad. I felt the affair should had died with her. I didn’t think it was right that she should ask her children to try to love or respect Robert when they never knew him, and had nothing to do with him.
Anyho, A Thousand Country Roads was written 10 years later in 2002 because Robert James Waller’s fan base asked for an epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County. I guess when I bought this book 2 years ago, I’d give it another change, I may like it better. Well, that didn’t happen with the same 1 rating I gave the first book.
Reading the first chapter I was thinking, where is this story going as I didn’t feel like it was an epilogue. Once I got over that, and as I was reading more (to the very end) I thought, heck I could just close this book now and not care about it one way or the other. But it’s rare, very rare, I give up on a book.
Robert Kincaid is now 68 years ago. It’s been 16 years since his and Francesca’s 4-day love affair. He decides he’s going to hop in his old truck named Harry, with his dog named Highway and do a road trip with hopes of seeing Francesca at the Roseman Bridge in Madison County, Iowa. Ugh! Along the way, he meets up with old friends.
We don’t see much of Francesca. This is more of a story about Robert. She’s never moved away from the farm. The last 16 years she has had hopes that Robert will return to her. Ugh! Every night she walks to Roseman Bridge.
In this story, there’s a surprise which I won’t give away, and then a “oh no” to do with Kincaid.
Blah.
January 8, 2025
Author: Robert James Waller
Genre: Fiction
The book is conclusive of ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ a romantic novel about the brief love story of ace Photographer Robert Kincaid and Francesca Johnson when he visited to shoot Roseann Bridge in Madison County Iowa.
After taking permanent off from the profession once again after 16 years Robert at 68 took the road to Roseman Bridge in the hope of meeting Francesca. But the long journey turned out to be the sweet sour surprise of his life when he met Wynn McMillan after more than 30 years of their brief meeting on a beach. Unravelling many emotions and undefined memories in the fag end of his life gives Robert a meaning to his tumultuous life.
Why we should read it? If you believe in old school type of love, fingers crossed for an unusual ending not obvious to your imagination.
The only romantic book I like is both these. Rest are run of the mill. (My opinion).
Rating:4.5/5*
Genre: Fiction
The book is conclusive of ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ a romantic novel about the brief love story of ace Photographer Robert Kincaid and Francesca Johnson when he visited to shoot Roseann Bridge in Madison County Iowa.
After taking permanent off from the profession once again after 16 years Robert at 68 took the road to Roseman Bridge in the hope of meeting Francesca. But the long journey turned out to be the sweet sour surprise of his life when he met Wynn McMillan after more than 30 years of their brief meeting on a beach. Unravelling many emotions and undefined memories in the fag end of his life gives Robert a meaning to his tumultuous life.
Why we should read it? If you believe in old school type of love, fingers crossed for an unusual ending not obvious to your imagination.
The only romantic book I like is both these. Rest are run of the mill. (My opinion).
Rating:4.5/5*
August 26, 2025
Este libro es la continuación de "Los puentes de Madison".
El autor, Robert James Waller, continuó la historia ante la insistencia de muchos de los lectores de la novela que querían conocer que había pasado entre Robert y Francesca tras su fugaz historia de amor.
La historia nos traslada 15 años después de su apasionado encuentro.
Está muy bien narrado, engancha como la primera parte, pero me ha decepcionado porque no era lo que esperaba... el reencuentro entre Robert y Francesca nunca llegó. Casi se produce pero nada más lejos de la realidad.
Me pasé más de la mitad del libro creyendo que hablarían, pero se abren historias paralelas: en el caso de Robert, ya jubilado, cobra importancia un hijo que tuvo con otra mujer y que él desconocía; Francesca, ahora viuda, tiene un pretendiente, al que no le hace cuenta y vive sola en la granja, ya q sus hijos ya se han independizado.
Reconforta como lector saber que ambos se siguen recordando y queriendo por encima de todo, que estuvieron a punto de retomar la historia pero tristemente, no pudo ser.
Esperaba otro final, pero las expectativas me han traicionado.
El autor, Robert James Waller, continuó la historia ante la insistencia de muchos de los lectores de la novela que querían conocer que había pasado entre Robert y Francesca tras su fugaz historia de amor.
La historia nos traslada 15 años después de su apasionado encuentro.
Está muy bien narrado, engancha como la primera parte, pero me ha decepcionado porque no era lo que esperaba... el reencuentro entre Robert y Francesca nunca llegó. Casi se produce pero nada más lejos de la realidad.
Me pasé más de la mitad del libro creyendo que hablarían, pero se abren historias paralelas: en el caso de Robert, ya jubilado, cobra importancia un hijo que tuvo con otra mujer y que él desconocía; Francesca, ahora viuda, tiene un pretendiente, al que no le hace cuenta y vive sola en la granja, ya q sus hijos ya se han independizado.
Reconforta como lector saber que ambos se siguen recordando y queriendo por encima de todo, que estuvieron a punto de retomar la historia pero tristemente, no pudo ser.
Esperaba otro final, pero las expectativas me han traicionado.
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