Under the Bridge

by Anne Bishop

[Quirky Cat]

Under the Bridge is Anne Bishop's latest novel, not to be confused with Anne Bishop, the famous fantasy author! This is a contemporary fiction novel, and for that reason alone, it'll probably stand out a bit from my usual reading regimen.

Lucy has long been working hard for her community. She's a teacher and anti-poverty activist. And yet, it's a personal trauma that forces her to step back and fight to maintain control over her life. The fight ends up being harder than she could have ever expected.

Her life flips head over shoulders, leaving her forced to take refuge where she can – both physically and emotionally. That is until she comes across a series of secrets that change everything.

"There are people who break open and make a new, bigger, self. But some of us are ... brittle."

Under the Bridge is a thought-provoking novel, one that forces readers to confront the meaning and effects of poverty and homelessness. Naturally, it hits quite hard – just like Anne Bishop intended, I'm sure.

Bishop's novel takes a cold look at poverty and what our society is doing (or not doing) to try and get a handle on it. More than that, it tackles the very real consequences and pain that come with working through personal trauma.

It's a difficult read if only for all of the emotional notes this book hits upon. However, I think that just makes Under the Bridge all the more important to read.

Thanks to Roseway Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks