Review of Magic Bridge
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Jaadugar Yadu
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Review of Magic Bridge
[Following is a volunteer review of "Magic Bridge" by Tom Wheeler.]
Tom Wheeler’s Magic Bridge can be called a mosaic; fragments of despair and hope merge into a picture of the spirit of people and can be considered one of the main findings of the novel. It seems to be a work that does not shrink from going deeper than the veneer, into the world where the darkness of hopelessness and the buds of hope lie enmeshed as the roots of the banyan tree. Of course, this book will have a place on my 5 out of 5 stars of the best books collection shelf.
The main character, which is a struggling ship lost in the ocean of sorrow, is depicted in such a candid manner that one can even call it obscene, and, at the same time, one can feel compassion towards the main character. He does not move in a straight line but outlines the tight circular waltz with shadows and occasional brief flashes of enlightenment. In terms of prose, Wheeler’s novel is a soft touch, leading the readers into the main character’s head while making it seem rather scandalous. So, the vivid images of internal and external surroundings are proficiently drawn by the author’s hands, and the reader has quite a sensual trip at the same time. The setting, highlighting the contrast between the realistic environment of the city and the rather idyllic view of India, can be considered a symbol of growth from evil to good.
India is not just a geographical location that is chosen for the sake of it but a mere background setting in the novel. Wheeler creates a detailed experience that even immerses the readers in scenes of a bazaar, temples, and the enchanting music of the Ganges. This juxtaposition of the protagonist’s internal disorder with the harmonious and rhythmic patterns of Indian existence makes for a strong dramatic tension throughout the story. It is impossible to discuss Magic Bridge without focusing on it as a story that tells about mental illness in detail. Overall, Wheeler deserves much credit and encouragement for his willingness and ability to explore and successfully report from the abyss. What we get from the novel is a healing portrayal of mental illness and the everyday struggles that many face in their lives. The editing was exceptionally good, with no mistakes, and there is absolutely no flaw or aspect that one could dislike.
But again, it is the transformation of their lives that has been portrayed as the true healing. Arguing that the main character’s evolution does not follow a straight line but is a spiral of progress marked by victories and failures. Wheeler is also successful in presenting a realistic picture of how the ideas of hope and resilience are nurtured gradually in a character. Apart from being a summary of fantasy and reality in a story, Magic Bridge is a guide for change. It dares readers to look at the dark side in themselves, to seek comfort in the universality of pain, and to come out with a deeper understanding and respect of life. This is the book that one cannot forget even after putting it down, and this is Wheeler’s privilege as an author.
******
Magic Bridge
View: on Bookshelves
Tom Wheeler’s Magic Bridge can be called a mosaic; fragments of despair and hope merge into a picture of the spirit of people and can be considered one of the main findings of the novel. It seems to be a work that does not shrink from going deeper than the veneer, into the world where the darkness of hopelessness and the buds of hope lie enmeshed as the roots of the banyan tree. Of course, this book will have a place on my 5 out of 5 stars of the best books collection shelf.
The main character, which is a struggling ship lost in the ocean of sorrow, is depicted in such a candid manner that one can even call it obscene, and, at the same time, one can feel compassion towards the main character. He does not move in a straight line but outlines the tight circular waltz with shadows and occasional brief flashes of enlightenment. In terms of prose, Wheeler’s novel is a soft touch, leading the readers into the main character’s head while making it seem rather scandalous. So, the vivid images of internal and external surroundings are proficiently drawn by the author’s hands, and the reader has quite a sensual trip at the same time. The setting, highlighting the contrast between the realistic environment of the city and the rather idyllic view of India, can be considered a symbol of growth from evil to good.
India is not just a geographical location that is chosen for the sake of it but a mere background setting in the novel. Wheeler creates a detailed experience that even immerses the readers in scenes of a bazaar, temples, and the enchanting music of the Ganges. This juxtaposition of the protagonist’s internal disorder with the harmonious and rhythmic patterns of Indian existence makes for a strong dramatic tension throughout the story. It is impossible to discuss Magic Bridge without focusing on it as a story that tells about mental illness in detail. Overall, Wheeler deserves much credit and encouragement for his willingness and ability to explore and successfully report from the abyss. What we get from the novel is a healing portrayal of mental illness and the everyday struggles that many face in their lives. The editing was exceptionally good, with no mistakes, and there is absolutely no flaw or aspect that one could dislike.
But again, it is the transformation of their lives that has been portrayed as the true healing. Arguing that the main character’s evolution does not follow a straight line but is a spiral of progress marked by victories and failures. Wheeler is also successful in presenting a realistic picture of how the ideas of hope and resilience are nurtured gradually in a character. Apart from being a summary of fantasy and reality in a story, Magic Bridge is a guide for change. It dares readers to look at the dark side in themselves, to seek comfort in the universality of pain, and to come out with a deeper understanding and respect of life. This is the book that one cannot forget even after putting it down, and this is Wheeler’s privilege as an author.
******
Magic Bridge
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel by Evy Journey
