The Last Bridge: Book summary and reviews of The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne

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Sandy P. (Gainesville, FL)

The Last Bridge....family dynamics
I thought the book was excellent. Good character development. I enjoyed how the story line went from current to childhood experiences that contributed and had a correlation to what was currently happening in the character's lives. It lent credence to how their adult lives evolved based on their early experiences.

Family dynamics persisted.....with multiple siblings, does one child always feel like 'odd man out' when it comes to receiving their fair share of parental love and attention?

Lea Ann M. (Seattle, WA)

The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne
This book captured my attention the moment I saw the cover. On the cover is a "note," a sticky note, or so it seems. On it are simply the words, "Cat. He isn't who you think he is. Mom xxxooo" The author does a masterful job of tantilizing the reader with clues as to who the "he" of the note may be. In the meantime we are treated to scenes that draw the reader in and which invite introspection. An especially good thing for a book which is read by a book group.

For those who like books with a bit of meat on their bones and one which leaves the reader thinking of the book long after the last page is read, I recommend The Last Bridge.

Jane H. (Indianola, Iowa)

The Last Bridge
Teri Coyne has written an excellent novel. She is a very descriptive writer, and puts words together that keep the reader on edge. There were times when I was uneasy with her flashbacks. Many times I felt they popped up at awkward times, making me break my focus on the story. I also wish the author had make her secondary characters stronger - especially Diane.

The Last Bridge is a strong book! I highly recommend it.

Mary J. (Scottsdale, AZ)

It had me from the first page!!
The Last Bridge was a truly moving and well written novel. It will grab you from the first page and hold you until the end. I am really pretty hard to please but I would recommend this novel to everyone. The only problem is - it leaves you wanting more. You become invested in Cat and the others.

Kathleen W. (New Brighton,, MN)

The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne
The Last Bridge truly "had me at hello." The very first line of the book, "Two days after my father had a massive stroke, my mother shot herself in the head" begins a mesmerizing reading journey. While this opening line may affect some as garish, it is an all too real introduction to the author's masterful handling of this novels many levels of "bridge crossing." I was especially caught up with the narrator Alex whose sardonic wit gives honest witness to a life lived in turmoil.

This is a complex and compelling debut novel by Teri Coyne. While Tom Wolfe has told us that we can never go home again, it is also true that home starts your story and it is important to look back so that you can look ahead. Don't miss out on this one, Reader!

Mary Q. (Greeley, CO)

The Last Bridge -- Emotional Novel
This extremely dark novel with an incredibly dysfunctional and complicated array of family members was often difficult for me to read. Each one of the characters was struggling with his or her own set of sad circumstances through most of the book. I also had a hard time making the frequent transitions from past to present without often feeling jarred and slightly confused.

Even so, I gave this book a fairly high rating because I thought the writing was generally expressive (though not of the caliber of Sue Miller to whom Teri Coyne has been compared), and I think the primary characters and plot will probably be memorable for me. I don't feel the grittiness and true intent of this book would translate well to the screen, but I do think it would be an excellent book club choice because of the tough issues providing strong opportunities for discussion.

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