Flying Under Bridges

Sandi Toksvig

5/9/2005 general fiction novel, book review, Sandi Toksvig, Flying Under Bridges, women's issues, gay rights, environmental issues, Jandy's Reading Room

Eve is writing letters to her girlhood friend Inga from jail. Eve is in jail for murder. She killed the groom at a wedding - her daughter's wedding. Hmmmmmmmm

Eve and Inga went to school together. Eve went on to marry Adam, stay in Edensford, and raise two children. Inga stayed single, was an Olympic gold medalist, and became the top sports reporter at the BBC. Inga and a dying friend move back to Edensford. Eve and Inga quickly renew their childhood friendship.

Thus begins a story partly narrated in first person in Eve's letters and partly in third person. The story starts as Eve examines her own life and Inga returns to her girlhood home. Inga is dealing with a dear friend's death and a reorganization at the BBC. Eve now is an empty nester whose whole life has been centered around her home and family. Now she is questioning her role, her husband Adam, and her place in the community.

Over the next few months Eve faces environmental activism, religious issues, gay rights, women's issues, and changes in her marriage. Eventually, she runs over her future son-in-law.

This is a wonderfully amusing book. It strikes chords in us "middle aged" women who have faced family and life changes. At times the book is jumpy and hard to follow, but it soon comes back together. I don't know if men will appreciate this book or not, but I could understand Eve and her challenges. And there' s something ironic about a woman who kills someone for being "too" nice and understanding.

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