Review of Magic Bridge
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Arun Kumar Sharmaa
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Review of Magic Bridge
[Following is a volunteer review of "Magic Bridge" by Tom Wheeler.]
Tom Wheeler’s “Magic Bridge” is a richly written and effective story with profound insights into redemption, inner turmoil, and meaning in the face of shattered lives. It is the heartbreaking yet hope-filled journey of Aiden Summers, the protagonist, through his darkest moments to potential deliverance.
Aiden Summers was once an athletic champion and honors student in the state, but he struggles with unbearable remorse for a ten-year-old tragedy in which his girlfriend Cindy lost her life. Sunk deep into depression by this incident, Aiden’s life reaches rock bottom when he attempts suicide unsuccessfully, thus introducing the novel’s central themes of existentialism. The narrative takes place after his recovery at a hospital, where he meets Dr. Penny Gunn and Legna, another principal character who is a wise homeless person and unwittingly becomes an unorthodox spiritual guide to Aiden.
Tom Wheeler’s greatest strength as an author lies in creating intense emotions that evoke pathos from readers as they feel transported into Aiden’s soul. Through Aiden's internal struggle, compounded with flashbacks of better days and the fateful night of his girlfriend's death, Wheeler has created a compelling backstory that enriches the present narrative of the book. In addition to philosophical insights based on hard experience, Legna is instrumental in adding depth and wisdom to what might have been an otherwise shallow tale, thereby prompting Ayden to question his own existence as well as whether or not he merits forgiveness.
The locations used in “Magic Bridge” vary from stark hospital walls to eerily beautiful parks and busy streets, each mirroring different aspects of Ayden’s mental state. By using these environments effectively, Wheeler amplifies the emotional weightiness of every scene, hence making them characters themselves alongside Ayden and Legna.
“Magic Bridge” itself does more than describe personal tragedies ending with hopeful stories; it causes one to reflect upon eternal truths. While its end is satisfying as well as thought-provoking, it is not easy to see what path the journey of self-discovery and acceptance will take.
I acknowledge that this book has been well edited, so I have no reason to hate it or claim that there is nothing to dislike. Also I have to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
In closing, “Magic Bridge” by Tom Wheeler is one elegantly crafted novel that must find a place on every shelf. It serves as a poignant reminder about life’s complexities and the power of understanding and resilience. it is a five-star read for anyone who has ever contemplated their own oblivion and wondered what lay beyond.
******
Magic Bridge
View: on Bookshelves
Tom Wheeler’s “Magic Bridge” is a richly written and effective story with profound insights into redemption, inner turmoil, and meaning in the face of shattered lives. It is the heartbreaking yet hope-filled journey of Aiden Summers, the protagonist, through his darkest moments to potential deliverance.
Aiden Summers was once an athletic champion and honors student in the state, but he struggles with unbearable remorse for a ten-year-old tragedy in which his girlfriend Cindy lost her life. Sunk deep into depression by this incident, Aiden’s life reaches rock bottom when he attempts suicide unsuccessfully, thus introducing the novel’s central themes of existentialism. The narrative takes place after his recovery at a hospital, where he meets Dr. Penny Gunn and Legna, another principal character who is a wise homeless person and unwittingly becomes an unorthodox spiritual guide to Aiden.
Tom Wheeler’s greatest strength as an author lies in creating intense emotions that evoke pathos from readers as they feel transported into Aiden’s soul. Through Aiden's internal struggle, compounded with flashbacks of better days and the fateful night of his girlfriend's death, Wheeler has created a compelling backstory that enriches the present narrative of the book. In addition to philosophical insights based on hard experience, Legna is instrumental in adding depth and wisdom to what might have been an otherwise shallow tale, thereby prompting Ayden to question his own existence as well as whether or not he merits forgiveness.
The locations used in “Magic Bridge” vary from stark hospital walls to eerily beautiful parks and busy streets, each mirroring different aspects of Ayden’s mental state. By using these environments effectively, Wheeler amplifies the emotional weightiness of every scene, hence making them characters themselves alongside Ayden and Legna.
“Magic Bridge” itself does more than describe personal tragedies ending with hopeful stories; it causes one to reflect upon eternal truths. While its end is satisfying as well as thought-provoking, it is not easy to see what path the journey of self-discovery and acceptance will take.
I acknowledge that this book has been well edited, so I have no reason to hate it or claim that there is nothing to dislike. Also I have to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
In closing, “Magic Bridge” by Tom Wheeler is one elegantly crafted novel that must find a place on every shelf. It serves as a poignant reminder about life’s complexities and the power of understanding and resilience. it is a five-star read for anyone who has ever contemplated their own oblivion and wondered what lay beyond.
******
Magic Bridge
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Signature Experience by Karen Root
