R. Ramos

Not your Typical Nazi..., Jan 6 2008

Don't be scared of the gloomy subject of this book. This is a tender and lovely, albeit very sad, story. My teenage daughter actually suggested this book to me, and I am so glad she did. Teenagers are definitely the target audience for this book, but people of all ages will identify with the struggles of ordinary people living under the Nazi regime. That Death is the narrator adds a sophisticated literary touch to it, but the story never losses its kindheartedness appeal. This book also humanizes the German common folk in a way that, to this day, authors are reluctant to do. Very seldom Germans living during the WWII are given the degree of humanity and dignity that is shown in The… Read more

I could not avoid being hooked to this book, Sep 17 2007

I really enjoyed The Other Side of the Bridge. There is maybe something predictable in a love triangle between brothers - one shy and caring, the other a selfish charmer - and the pretty sad girl just arrived in town, but the characters are portrait with such depth and the story told with such a great voice that I could not avoid being hooked to this book. Also, the story of a fourth character - maybe the principal story after all - adds another layer to the narrative. I am also from a small Canadian community, albeit in the prairies not the Canadian shield, and the descriptions of the small community, with its prejudices and non-written social rules, hang true to my ears. This is my… Read more

I cannot recommend this book enough, Sep 17 2007

I love this book. It is definitely in the pack of books I would carry with me from a burning building. I read it 6 months ago or so, and recently browsed through it again for a book club discussion. I feel surprised with myself that a book with so many graphic descriptions of battles and death does not however make me put it on the list of books never to reread. For all the sadness and destruction it describes, still it does not leave me downhearted. I guess I see the characters' struggles as an illustration of the strength of the human spirit, and specifically the strength of the aboriginal community. There are so many layers in this book - aboriginal integration - or not - and its sad… Read more