One Hundred Seventy One Pages
by Cynthia E. Jones

September, 2003

Within this small number of pages, contains a story with a large impact. As I hold the hardcover book, I feel the binding crease and trace over the lettering on the edge. Title reads 'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller.

The author begins in 1989 by introducing us to the main characters and how his story finds him. Right away he introduces us to Carolyn and Michael, the children of Francesca and Richard Johnson.  They find their Mother's journals along with other evidence of her time spent with Robert Kincaid.

We are then taken back to August 8, 1965. There is an old green Chevrolet pickup truck containing knapsacks, rolls of film some fresh fruit and clothing. Photographer Robert Kincaid leaves for Madison County, Iowa from Bellingham, Washington. It would be his job for the following days to photograph the covered bridges in Madison County. While working his craft he would meet Francesca. Robert and Francesca would begin a relationship that physically lasted days but will spiritually last beyond their deaths.

Richard and their children go to the Illinois State fair to show Carolyn's prize steer for 4-H, leaving Francesca alone for a few days. Looking forward to the quiet baths, the radio on her favorite station and no slamming of the screen door, Francesca waves good bye to her family. While her family are gone, without prediction or planning, Francesca will find remnants of her soul that have been safely tucked away. There will be moments, hours and days she will not want end. There will be decisions to be made. Her choices will bring wonderment along with heart wrenching pain and tears of torment.

The author speaks of how writing this book altered his perspective to world views and what is possible of human relationships. It had the same impression on me. What could be a travesty is set to such gentle explanation, one can not hope for anything more then happiness for Francesca. We are left with wondering of Robert Kincaid and his life as a photographer for National Geographic. No real evidence is found to express this man's art with exception of Francesca's keep sakes. Even so, the author continually flirts with the suggestion of this being a true story.

See you in October when we will celebrate a season for Edgar Allen Poe!