Eight women. Four Decades. One unimaginable weekend. How far would you go to help a good friend? Is there a place where you might draw the line?
This is a novel for anyone who values friendship. I don't mean simply the "Hi, how are you?" type of friendship but rather the kind that weathers all sorts of storms, unselfishly celebrates triumphs, and hums along year after year with never an unkind word. It does exist.
If you have such a friendship in your life you will relate to the women in The Bridge Club. If you don't, perhaps the story will inspire you to search for it.
Although this novel is a work of fiction, many of the issues are based on the experiences of my real-life Bridge Club of over forty years. The friendship is certainly true of us. I chose to write about the controversial topic in the final chapter after watching a friend deteriorate intellectually and physically in a locked Alzheimer's ward at the age of fifty-three. It was shattering to observe.
Throughout the story each of the characters faces challenges and change in her life. The Bridge Club emphasizes how strong friendship helped to enable these changes and demonstrates how these women empowered each other and indeed how much they learned from each other in the process. Change is inevitable and personal growth should always be the outcome. This novel encourages women to feel positive about facing the challenges, large and small, that may arise at any stage of our life and to recognize how building a strong foundation of friendship is a priceless asset in so many ways. Knowing you are offering true friendship to someone is as rewarding as receiving it.
Professional Reviews
EIGHT WOMEN'S LIVES FORM AN UNFORGETTABLE BOND
Won an autographed copy by Ms. Sands when I entered a contest recently.
The Bridge Club (ISBN 978-1-4502-4135-9) by Patricia Sands 2010
ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award Finalist
5 star rating
I recommend this book to everyone.
Amazing novel - Eight women (The Bridge Club) came together during the 1960's meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at one of their homes. They came together to celebrate their sixtieth birthdays and reminisce forty years of trials and tribulations they each experienced during this time. They were always there for one another (Support of Sisters), over lunches, dinners, wine parties, accompanying one to doctor's appointments, etc, and playing a game of bridge at the end of the day. The one staple that brought them together.
Each individual story will have an impact on you, as it did me. Felt like I was right there experiencing their issues with them.
This is Ms. Sands first novel and can not wait to read her second The Promise of Provence a Novel due out next month. Thank you Ms. Sands for allowing me to read such a well written novel.
Best book that I have read in a long time
I loved this book ! I would encourage all my friends to read it as it hits so close to home . It reminds me kind of like the Ya Yas , a bunch of girls that have gotten together through the years and have been there for each other through life's journey .
Amazing Heart Wrenching Fascinating Novel,
I found this book to be so much richer and filled with thought provoking parables that I know I shall pass it on to many people. I did not know when I purchased it the kind of story it would become, I thought it was just another fun, beach read about a group of friends who remained close through the years, I was in for s surprise. I feel so enriched by reading this novel and at the same time saddened that I can not say that I have a group of friends who would support me in such a decision as one of the characters had to make. I will keep this book on my heart for a very long time as there is so much to think about and consider within its pages. Namaste
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - Welcome to AILEEN’S GUESTHOUSE where locals and lodgers have more in common than first meets the eye. And, there's plenty of blame to go around.
