The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the story of Andras Levi, a Hungarian Jewish architecture student. The narrative unfolds in Paris and Hungary, delving into the intricate relationships of Andras with his family, friends, and love interests as they navigate the tumultuous events of the war. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, survival, and tragedy against the backdrop of the Holocaust, providing a unique perspective on Hungary's role in the war.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Andras Levi, whose relationships and experiences are deeply explored to reflect the emotional and societal impacts of the war.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by lush, descriptive prose that immerses the reader in the settings and characters' experiences, often highlighting the emotional depth of the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the experiences of Andras Levi, detailing his life as a Hungarian Jew studying in Paris while navigating the implications of WWII as he returns to Hungary, where the effects of the war on his family and friends become increasingly dire.

Setting:

The novel's setting spans Paris and Hungary, vividly contrasting the cultural vibrancy of pre-war Paris with the grim conditions of Hungary during the Nazi occupation.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout the novel, initially slow as it builds character depth, but accelerates during the war years, heightening tension and emotional stakes.

LATER HE WOULD TELL her that their story began at the Royal Hungarian Opera House, the night before he left for Paris on the Western Europe Express. The year was 1937; the month was September, the eve...

Notes:

The story follows Andras Levi, a young Hungarian Jew studying architecture in Paris in 1937.

Andras's love interest is Klara, an older ballet teacher with a secret past.

The book looks at the experiences of Hungarian Jews during WWII, which is less commonly told than other European Jewish experiences.

It emphasizes the contrast between the vibrant life in Paris and the grim realities faced upon returning to Hungary.

The narrative deepens familial bonds, particularly highlighting the relationships among the three Levi brothers.

Julie's inspiration comes from her own family history, adding a layer of authenticity to the tale.

The book is notable for its exploration of both personal and social themes within the context of war.

It effectively captures the evolution of life in Hungary from optimistic beginnings to tragic ends as WWII unfolds.

The novel contains vividly descriptive prose that immerses readers in the time and place of the story.

The bond of brotherhood and the support shared among the Levi family is a recurring theme.

The title, 'The Invisible Bridge,' refers to the connections and relationships that endure despite physical distances and turmoil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, violence, anti-Semitism, sexual assault, and the trauma and horrors of the Holocaust.

Has Romance?

The novel includes romantic elements, particularly focusing on the love story between Andras and Klara, but is balanced with the broader historical themes of familial bonds.

From The Publisher:

LONGLISTED FOR THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION

Paris, 1937. Andras Lévi, an architecture student, has arrived from Budapest with a scholarship, a single suitcase, and a mysterious letter he has promised to deliver to Clara Morgenstern a young widow living in the city. When Andras meets Clara he is drawn deeply into her extraordinary and secret life, just as Europe's unfolding tragedy sends them both into a state of terrifying uncertainty.

From a remote Hungarian village to the grand opera houses of Budapest and Paris, from the despair of Carpathian winter to an unimaginable life in forced labour camps and beyond, The Invisible Bridge tells the story of a marriage tested by disaster and of a family, threatened with annihilation, bound by love and history.

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About the Author:

Julie Orringer was born in 1973 and grew up in New Orleans and Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Cornell University. Her stories have appeared in several publications including The Paris Review, The Yale Review and Best New American Voices. Julie Orringer lives in San Francisco where she is currently at work on a novel. How to Breathe Underwater is her first book.

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