The Invisible Bridge is on of those rare books that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. The story is based on the story of Andras Levi, a Hungarian architecture student living in Paris in the years prior to WWII. Upon arriving in Paris, he becomes involved with the recipient of a letter he has promised to deliver. Through this involvement, he becomes entangled in family secrets that he becomes unable to escape.
The book is a sweeping novel that covers the build-up to WWII, Andras's experiences as a Hungarian Jew, and the experiences of his families and fellow Hungarians. Julie Orringer is a masterful story-teller who creates realistic twists and turns and a series of interesting, yet believable characters. Sometimes, something as staggering and terrible as the Holocaust can lose it's impact due to the fact that we are unable to break down the horrific numbers into something more identifiable. Orringer does just that by creating such a dynamic and interesting family and viewing the effects of the Holocaust on each character. The story doesn't rely on ghastly details and grotesque depictions to depict the magnitude of the horror, but instead paints of picture of how difficult life must have been for families and individuals involved in WWII.
I could go on endlessly talking about the book. It is difficult at times, but such a beautiful story of love and human triumph. I would highly recommend adding it to your list of reads for 2012.
That sounds really interesting!
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