By Michelle Hannink, Grand Rapids Public Library, Main
If you enjoy a family saga and watch the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, then you might enjoy reading Canadian author Mary Lawson’s second work, The Other Side of the Bridge. Lawson’s ability to draw the reader in is wonderful, allowing them a fine escape into her world.
This is the story of two brothers growing up on a farm during the Depression and onset of war in northern Canada. Arthur and Jake Dunn couldn’t be more different. Arthur is the hardworking, quiet, dull but dependable son who naturally belongs on the farm. Jake is the opposite—very intelligent, better at schoolwork than farm work, seemingly clumsy in all physical labor and unable to please his father. Their relationship reaches a climax one day when crossing the bridge over the river while accompanying a nervous cow—an event which changes their lives forever and lends title to this book. War breaks out and neither son is able to enlist. A new minister and his beautiful daughter Laura come to town and take up residence next to the farmhouse. Arthur is instantly smitten and Jake sets out for revenge.
Lawson tells the story within two time frames—the first during the 1930s and into World War II and the second during the 1950s when teen Ian Christoperson enters their life. Ian is the town doctor’s son. He too has a crush on the now-married Laura and goes to work for her husband Arthur on their farm so that he can be near her. When Jake returns unexpectedly to the farm after a fifteen-year absence, the emotions and apprehensions culminate in a tragic and surprising ending.
