I randomly picked up this book at my local library used book sale and it sat on my shelf for a while before I grabbed it and gave it a go. I am really glad that I did. Initially I had a hard time "falling for" the protagonist in this story, but as I read on Coyne did a great job at developing "Cat" as a broken individual. In moments of flash backs you learn why she is so broken and you begin to embrace her. For some people, this book wouldn't be considered a sweet and inspiring story but I guess that is all a matter of perception because there is most definitely inspiration to be taken from the story. I also enjoyed Coyne's prose and flow of the story. I received Teri Coyne’s The Last Bridge from the Early Reviewer program and read it in about five hours – partly because it arrived late and I wanted to have the review done before the next round of books. Nevertheless, even without that incentive, I would absolutely have devoured this book.From the very first sentence, Coyne hooked me and kept me dangling on a thread to find out what would be the next revelation of Cat Rucker’s past. Her mother’s suicide, as well as the cryptic note she leaves addressed to Cat bring the latter back to a home she hasn’t seen for many years. These things combine with other factors to bring Cat face to face with her painful past.The transition between past and present is handled in alternate chapters and is for the most part smooth and seamless. There were one or two instances where the change from past to present was sudden, but these did not really take away from the whole of the story.Coyne’s characters are diverse, with varying motives and motivations. Not all are completely believable, though the story was so captivating that I was willing to suspend doubts about the “realness” of a character’s reactions.The title of the book is a metaphor that is present both physically and figuratively in the story linking the threads of the narrative together. While The Last Bridge has an element of mystery to it, it is not the focus of the story, but instead serves as an anchor to the several different relationships Cat has had with male figures, from abusive to overwhelming.I would definitely recommend The Last Bridge as worth your time reading – with one caveat – if an unremittingly dark and depressed main character or being able to handle the reality of abuse does not describe your preferred fare, then this book may not appeal. I found it a compelling read.
What do You think about Cầu Nối Cuối Cùng (2009)?
Excellent but sad read. I finished it in 2 days... couldn't put it down.
—karla
A sad story with a bit of a mystery feel.
—Nzingha7
