Bridge of Clay

Markus Zusak's new novel is Bridge of Clay. His famous novel, The Book Thief, was published in 2005 so readers have long been anticipating this novel.

Bridge of Clay is set in New South Wales and is the story of a family, particularly of the five Dunbar boys, Matthew, Rory, Henry, Clay and Tommy, as they try to survive in difficult circumstances. Their mother, Penny, has died after a protracted illness and their father, Michael, has left them to fend for themselves. The boys share the family home with a mule (Archilles), a dog (Rosy), a cat (Hector), a pigeon (Telemachus) and a fish (Agamemnon).

The book is narrated by Matthew, the oldest of the Dunbar boys, as he types the family story on an old typewriter. The story fluctuates between the present and the past as the events affecting this family are gradually revealed. The physical activity and rough and tumble activity of the boys is contrasted with the presence of their mother, although she is no longer there. There are constant references throughout the novel of how stories in books and music and art can influence memories and relationships.

Much of the novel involves the boys challenging themselves to the limit. The need to run and tackle until exhaustion in order to be stronger and face future challenges. Then one day Michael returns requesting the assistance of the boys to build a bridge across a river on the property where he now lives. The boys have always stood together to face challenges and when Clay is the only one to eventually agree to help his father relationships between Clay and his brothers become strained. The bridge becomes a symbol of not just a physical crossing from A to B but a means to mend relationships between family members.

This is a family saga. It is about life and death. It is about relationships and about finding oneself after tragedy. It is definitely a book worth reading.

Bridge of Clay review - Michael McGirr - Sydney Morning Herald 12 October 2018