Mrs. Bridge, by Evan Connell

"Mrs. Bridge" is "a book about an underrepresented character in American literary fiction – the alienated upper-middle-class housewife, passing from youth to old age with a nagging existential fear – written, with great sensitivity . . . .  It's a book that is smart and knowing and makes its reader[s] feel as if they're in on a joke, while at the same time gradually coaxing them to feel more and more empathy for its vaguely absurd main character, and ultimately playing them like an emotional Stradivarius."  (Tom Cox, "Overlooked classics of American Literature," The Guardian)

"Mrs. Bridge" was published in 1959, and was followed ten years later by "Mr. Bridge," completing what Emma Gosnell called "two of the most moving novels about marriage ever written" and shedding light on the lives depicted in the earlier novel from a different perspective. (Emma Gosnell, "Evan S Connell: the modern-day Jane Austen who chronicled married life," The Telegraph)

Regular reading-group participants who have read both novels urge that "'Mr. Bridge' is the perfect companion to Mrs. Bridge,' making each one better than without the other."

Anyone who has read the month’s selection is welcome, as are new participants; no long-term commitment required. Contact Peter Greenfield ’67 with questions or suggestions.