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The Invisible Bridge

Julie Orringer,

Arthur Morey (Reading)

Start date: December 1, 2010

Finish date: January 31, 2011

Discussion: Group Book Discussion

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What Members Thought

Jan 29, 2011 Glenn added it

Shelves: wwii, historical-fiction, favorites, top-books-of-all-time

1 like · Like

Jun 16, 2010 Bookmarks Magazine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: july-aug-2010

Given the novel's size and subject matter, critics can be forgiven for their initial skepticism over a 600-plus page book on the Holocaust--by a first-time novelist, no less. But they were very pleasantly surprised--astonished, even--at Orringer's beautifully rendered novel, which most believed, with its "sweep akin to that of Dr. Zhivago" (New York Times) and other classics, is destined to become a modern-day classic itself. Although one critic felt the novel could have used a more aggressive e ...more

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Apr 04, 2010 Denise rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: female-author, world-war-2, historical-fiction, holocaust, knocked-my-socks-off, favorite-books

I was fortunate to read an ARC of this novel. Let me say from the start that it is a treasure, a work of art, one of the best WW2 novels I have read in a long time. My review can not possibly do it justice. Besides the fact that it is beautifully written, it was extremely well-researched. Some of the dialogue in the book was so beautiful that I wanted to write it down so I wouldn't forget it.

It is a story of love, grace, miracles, sacrifice and survival: the love between brothers and family and ...more

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Apr 16, 2010 Amy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction, rec-botn, read-in-2010

I was a bit worried about this book despite the rave reviews I'd read from a few other bookish friends ... the size of the book was intimidating and I'm not sure I was up for another Holocaust book. But, wow, was I surprised! This book was nothing like I'd imagined. It was a wonderful read that I didn't want to put down for a moment. The novel was the perfect combo of great writing, storytelling and historical information! The book is a commitment due to its size but I felt the time was well spe I was a bit worried about this book despite the rave reviews I'd read from a few other bookish friends ... the size of the book was intimidating and I'm not sure I was up for another Holocaust book. But, wow, was I surprised! This book was nothing like I'd imagined. It was a wonderful read that I didn't want to put down for a moment. The novel was the perfect combo of great writing, storytelling and historical information! The book is a commitment due to its size but I felt the time was well spent!

I cannot believe that this is Julie Orringer's first novel. She is quite a talented writer and I cannot wait to see what she has for us as she grows as a writer. She has a way with words ... she kept a very long novel compelling to me in part because I wanted to keep reading her prose. Her writing is simply fantastic! Her ability to spin a tale is excellent. Orringer's ability to balance the optimism of the book with the inherent despair and darkness surrounding the characters without resorting to melodrama really makes this novel something special. It has all the elements of a good melodrama but none of the overdone emotion.

The novel is romantic, epic, painful, dark, difficult while also being informative. The characters were one of the things that made this novel just 'sing.' The dimension that each character (major and minor) have just jumps off the page! Yes, it is a Holocaust novel but it is also so much more. And, I would venture to say that its a Holocaust novel that is not like most other Holocaust novels that I've read. There is something special about this one! I had never fully understood Hungary's role in World War II so the historical aspects of the novel were quite new and interesting to me.

Although I certainly loved the book, there were flaws ... the book was not perfect. I think it could have been edited a bit and some of the novel could have been condensed without taking away from the overall novel. Although I didn't find the relationship in the novel to be sappy, I can see why some have described it that way. Sometimes the language did venture into the excessive - but I was not bothered by that because I really loved her writing overall. I enjoyed the level of detail. However, I can see why someone might be put off by that aspect of the novel, particularly given its size.

And so ... in the end, I recommend this book with a note that it is a commitment to read this book. It's not a quick, easy read. But, if you put in the effort, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! ...more

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May 12, 2011 Denise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: female-author, historical-fiction, world-war-2, arc, holocaust, knocked-my-socks-off, history

2 likes · Like

May 04, 2010 Charisse rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

A heartwrenching, heartwarming, INCREDIBLE story about a Jewish Hungarian family trying to survive during the second World War. I gave it 4 stars because it really was too long. The first half of the book moved very slowly. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters: Brothers Andras and Tibor Levi, Klara, Polaner. However, much could have been edited out (IMO).

The second half of the book picks up as tragedy after tragedy occurs. The family struggles desparately to stay together as the Hungary ...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Lisa Roberts rated it really liked it

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Would recommend it.

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May 08, 2010 Karen rated it liked it · review of another edition

I may have to edit this review at some time. Liked the book didn't love it. This book felt long. I read lots of books that are 600 + pages and I fly thru they don't seem so long. Example-Pillars of the Earth, Ana Karenina and Shantaram. I really enjoyed the first part of the book which took place in Paris. Loved the author's writing style. But I was just so glad to be finished. ...more

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Jul 25, 2010 Joye rated it it was amazing

Wow, what a story! I am still reeling from this book! This is a beautifully told love/ human story about a Jewish Hungarian man & his family from 1937- after the war. It is definitely not your usual holocaust book. You get inside the human element and really feel for the characters. I also learned a lot about Hungary's role in WW2 & have developed much respect for them. A must read! ...more

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