It has been included in the American Modern Library’s list of the best 20th century novels and in TIME magazine’s list of 100 Best English-Language Novels from 1923 to 2005. Maybe my hearing is just suffering from old age.The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder, was published in 1927 and awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1928. Waterston's voice is pitched oddly, or because he lacks that special clipped diction that makes other readers more listenable. I can't tell if this is because it's an old transfer from tape, or if Mr. Sam Waterston is a fine actor and his reading is full of expressive nuances, but for some reason the sound is muddy. None of this detracts from the beauty and concision of this gem of a book.
For that matter, I remain mystified as to why the book's internal timeline refuses to behave itself. I remain somewhat mystified as to why he chose to base this, however loosely, on actual historical persons, or why he dislocated them in time from their actual historical dates. This is a short but profound meditation on the moments that can bring a sense of reconciliation and redemption to our lives, and how we misunderstand or misinterpret even those we are closest to. Readers will enjoy the depth of characters enclosed in such a brief novel. Limiting himself to only a few short scenes for each character, he perfectly encapsulates their motivations, dreams, fears, and essences. Wilder's masterful accomplishment rests upon his proficiency in theatre. Perhaps some do not like his plodding, tired style, but I feel it fits this novel perfectly. Sam Waterston’s voice (Law and Order) is excellent. Though I will not reveal the ending, Wilder steeres clear of this conclusion.
Upon reading, I had initial fears that TBOSLR would depict the predictable 20th century existentialist world, where “God’s plan” is synonymous with “panacea” and that each of our lives is purposeless.
Though seemingly unrelated at first, they are in fact indirectly related to Camila Perichole, a former Peruvian actress. We then are taken into the lives of the individuals who died on the bridge – who they were, how they lived, and what forces drew them to cross that bridge at that fateful moment. Brother Juniper, a monk who witnesses the disaster and is also fascinated with the idea of scientifically proving God’s existence, collects and analyzes the evidence of these victims’ lives, hoping to witness God’s plan. The story begins with the end – in Peru in 1714 a bridge collapses, killing five people. I highly recommend this novel, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
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