Bridges are for Burning is a novel that explores the dynamics of female friendship and the decisions made by women navigating their lives.
The story revolves around Gigi and Alana, childhood friends. As well as Fifi, Gigi’s sister. Fifi marries at a young age to a very wealthy man, and we see how she navigates this Marriage.
On the night before Valentine’s Day, Gigi decides to put herself out there and look for a temporary connection and intimacy. Little does she know that this decision will have a profound impact on her life.
The book starts out strong, the plot is so interesting that I kept turning turning the pages. I just kept on reading I wanted to figure out the consequences of Gigi’s decision on Valentine’s day and it was interesting to read.
It felt like a typical everyday story so it was easily relatable. It felt familiar and at the same time intriguing.
The writer is so good with her words I’ll give her that.
However, I wish it had been written simply. I found the use of complex sentences and words unnecessary. It was also obvious this was a debut novel. So I’m definitely looking forward to her next book to see how she grows from this.
The story is centred on the friendship between Gigi and Alana, which is based on the notion that the most beautiful one gets the best of everything, including boys. Gigi’s desire for attention and validation leads her to make a drastic decision that alters history and levels the foundation of their friendship. The story also explores the marriages of Fifi and Alana, which are founded on secrets and experiences of mistreatment.
The drama in the novel keeps readers turning the pages, wondering about the complexity of the characters and the magnitude of Gigi’s betrayal.
The theme of female friendship is deeply explored and represented, and the story captures the reality of human relations.
Despite the characters’ flaws, they make hard decisions with everyone else but themselves in mind. The novel raises questions about toxic friendships and the meaning of true friendship.
Bridges Are For Burning is a novel that explores the Dynamics and complexities of female friendships, the fragility of human relationships, and the harsh realities of marriage.
The story revolves around Gigi and Alana, childhood friends. whose friendship is based on the notion that the most beautiful one gets the best of everything, including boys. Gigi finds herself at a crossroads when something Alana holds dear becomes available to her, and every bone of desire in her body wills her to take it. Knowing fully well that there’ll be no going back when she takes the plunge, Gigi settles for burning the bridges.
The novel also illuminates the marriages of Fifi and Alana. Fifi marries at a young age to a very wealthy man, but the marriage soon turns sour with all the despicable things she begins to experience. Alana’s marriage to the handsome Benji is also founded on secrets. The drama in Bridges Are for Burning will keep readers turning the pages and wondering what inspired the complexity of the characters.
The theme of female friendship is deeply explored and represented in the novel. While platonic friendship amongst women has been known to be fickle and never ridden by pettiness, Bridges Are For Burning portrays the worst form of it. The story captures the reality of human relations as we experience it – childhood friendships will fizzle out, some siblings will not be exactly close, and all this is not necessarily due to hate. It is just life.
Overall, Bridges Are For Burning is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, especially female friendships. It is a story that will keep readers guessing and turning the pages until the end
Bridges are for burning Blurb
On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Oghogho ‘Gigi’ Dempster wore her heart on her sleeve. At almost thirty-one, she was single and ready to mingle after nearly two years of relegating her love-life to the curb in favour of growing her fledgling social media company. Her beautiful best friend Alana was newly pregnant for the love of her life, Benjamin Halal, and her sister Efemena ‘Fifi’ was married to wealthy aristocrat, Lotanna Dike. But on that February 13th night, Gigi wasn’t looking for what her best friend and sister had; not love or marriage, but a temporary connection and intimacy. How could she have known that that night would dramatically alter the course of her life?
‘Bridges are for Burning is an introspective story of modern romance. It is a story of consequences and choices; an examination of love, sisterhood and friendships with important themes: how far is too far to go for love? Are there truly unforgivable sins between friends and lovers? What emerges from the ashes of a life burned down to the ground—redemption, renewal or bitter regret?’
Angel Patricks Amegbe, author of The Days of Silence
‘Bina Idonije’s writing is layered, clever and funny, even when the subject is weighty. Bridges are for Burning is an easy but thought-invoking read. Her characters are so well developed that they will feel familiar to you by the end of the story. This is a testament to Bina’s imagination, and it is what makes this book a cut above your average paperback novel.’
Edify Yakusak, author of After They Left
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