My lovely, lovely husband bought me a hardback copy of Markus Zusak’s latest novel, Bridge of Clay, for Christmas. And then he gave me a paperback copy – with a different cover – for Mother’s Day!
In his defence, I am difficult to buy books for, and as there is a constant rotation of books from the library and friends, it’s tricky to keep track of all the books coming in and out of our home.
And as he bought it in an interstate airport bookstore, there’s no going back to exchange it.
So I am offering a giveaway to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment by Thursday 30th May, 5pm, with a book recommendation for me and you’ll go into the draw to win the paperback copy of Bridge of Clay. The winner will be notified by email and I’ll post the book to you.
As for why I loved reading this fabulous book, the reasons are many.
- I loved the concept – five brothers, mostly teenagers, living alone. Living with only two sons, I can only imagine the noise, the arguing, the wrestling.
- The voice is strong and distinct from page one – In the beginning there was one murderer, one mule and one boy, but this isn’t the beginning, it’s before it, it’s me, and I’m Matthew, and here I am, in the kitchen, in the night – the old river mouth of light – and I’m punching and punching away. The house is quiet around me.
- There is so much heart in this book – beautiful small moments of tenderness that show the human condition – It’s a mystery, even to me sometimes, how boys and brothers love.
- Markus Zusak took thirteen years to write this book – this article is worth reading. After his success with The book thief, he struggled to find a narrator that was as unique as his narrator Death in his earlier book. I’m so glad he didn’t give up.
- The characters are real and messy and flawed and beautiful. We’re shown the best and worst of them.
- The narrative flips around in time, so that we have an understanding of how the characters grow into their later selves.
- The breadth of the novel is astonishing – we have Michaelangelo, horse-racing, a typewriter, a few animals, a piano, Greek mythologies, running, two marriages and a divorce, an artist and of course, a bridge.
This is one of my favourite reads for the year, and I can’t see it moving from my top ten adult novels.
Leave me a comment and suggest another fabulous book to win your copy of Bridge of Clay.
Hi Karen I have just finished this book, I found it slow to start, but ended up loving it. l think of it as a love story on several levels especially the parents and the boys for Penny and her for them.
I also enjoyed the humour,
The family scenes were so moving, especially with Penny. It was a great mix of pathos and humour, Colleen.
I loved Bridge of Clay, so different. I enjoyed reading interview with author about his struggle to write the book. What an example of perseverance.
I have just finished The Bridge by Enza Gandolfo. I can’t recommend it enough. We have it for Bookclub and looking forward to discussing it next week.
Another bridge book, Terri – will look out for this one, too.
Bridge of Clay has been in my pile of “books to read” for quite a while and have just started it today. The article on his struggle to write the book was really interesting – have only heard good reviews so am looking forward to reading it!
I hope you enjoy it, Wendy!
I read where Markus Zusak took 15 years to write ‘Bridge Of Clay’ and felt that was how long it was going to take me to read it! Sorry Karen but I found it to be a tedious and frustrating read. The novel seemed to wander all over the place. Disappointing for me as I loved ‘The Book Thief’.
My recommendation: ‘Only Child’ by Rhiannon Navin.
In ‘Only Child’, six year old Zac tells us the story of how he survived a deadly shooting attack at his school. One of the casualties was his brother Andy. Emotions run high as the family try to come to terms with their loss. The parents of Zac are so sad and angry that they fail to pay enough attention to their surviving son’s suffering. The message in this book reminded me that those left behind after such a traumatic event need a great deal of care and understanding. This was a well written book, with many excellent characters, told through the perspective of a child.
I haven’t heard of of ‘Only Child’ – I’ve just reserved it at the library! Thanks for the recommendation, Robyn. We will agree to disagree on ‘Bridge of Clay’!
I hope the winner enjoys it as much as you did the first time. Readings voucher next time!
Readings voucher works for me!
Oh Karen I have just the book for you. May Cause Miracles by our gurl Gabby B. Ok you may already have it being fellow fan of her work – but if not, definitely check it out. I’d send you my copy but it’s digital 🙁
Thanks, Lee – love Gabby B!