Joshua Ferris in his Afterword describes it as an ‘existential nightmare’, which I agree with. It’s also quite funny, sometimes in a bleak way. The novel is a critique of women’s roles in 1950s America (although it’s worth noting that the story actually takes place in the 1930s). Of course, these characteristics prove to be her undoing. She takes the conveniences of her comfortable life for granted. She’s one of those people who always find something positive to say in dire circumstances. She wants what is best for her children, even though they don’t appreciate her meddling in their lives. Although Mrs Bridge (first name India but rarely used in the book) is obsessed with manners and is somewhat prejudiced, you can’t help but admire her resolve.
Her life revolves around domestic issues and a variety of social occasions.
Her husband is at his office most of the time. She is defined by her role as wife and mother. Even more remarkably for a modern classic, it was a debut novel, which first began as a short story.Ĭomposed of very short chapters, Mrs Bridge follows the life of an upper middle class woman in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s one of those novels which you can’t help but keep turning the pages, not because there is much of a plot, but because the writing style is addictive. This book is one of my favourite reads this year.
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