The Bridges of Madison County

“When a woman makes the choice to marry, to have children, in one way her life begins but in another way it stops.  You build a life of details.  You become a mother, a wife and you stop and stay steady  so that your children can move.  And when they leave they take your life of details with them.  And then you're expected to move again only you don't remember what moves you because no one has asked in so long. Not even yourself.”
- The Bridges of Madison County


If true love comes when you already committed to another person who gives you all the security but the love you sought as a kid, adolescent, will you pick a new choice? 
Francesca, an Italian woman, marries and migrates to Iowa with Richard, a soldier and farmer. After more than 15 years of marriage and two children, living in the county as a housewife and farmer, she encounters Robert Kincaid, a photographer who happened to drop by to ask for direction to Roseman Bridge. 
The appearance of Robert stirs up Francesca’s dreams as a girl and the want to be loved just like a girl. In 4 days they fell in love with each other, but should she leave her responsibilities and go ahead to follow her dreams and love ?
The first reaction to this question is Yes, she should go ahead and do what her heart desires. 
But Bridges of Madison County is different in this regard. Francesca decides to stay back for the family. Her care is far beyond the love she has for her husband, the photographer or her kids. She sacrifices herself for the happiness of the rest. She gives her life for her family and what is remaining of her (Ashes) to Robert. 
If you are looking for a teenage romance, this is not the book for you, it stretches far ahead than romanticism, love, care and respect. It has no mushy love talks, lengthy love making sessions, it's more of a journey inside of you, questioning one's feelings, it's about A Man, A Woman and their passion which lasts a life time. 
This is the best way I have seen the flow of emotions in words, never had there been a love so strong and never it had been described so aesthetically. 
Ending it with Robert's quote he said on understanding her decision : 'The old dreams were good dreams; they didn't work out, but I'm glad I had them.’ 


Verdict: Beautiful, touchy, sensitive read.