Review: The Secret Bridge
Quality reading material is hard to come by for kids these days! There is a lot of junk on the market, but very few books that both are engaging to read and communicate good values. I am a believer in the classics, but, as you know if you’ve read any, those are tough to read sometimes! That’s fine for high school, but I’m still in the earlier reading stages with my kiddos. Lamplighter Publishing has reprinted an old classical called The Secret Bridge and kindly sent it to us to review.
This novel was originally published in 1889, late in author Amy Le Feuvre’s life. The book itself is BEAUTIFUL. The cover is embossed, and the hardcover book is a work of art in itself!
The aim of the story is to provide an allegory of sorts, encouraging the human heart in the pursuit of Christ. Through storying, Le Feuvre aims to stir up the hearts of the bride of Christ, falling more in love with Him, and eagerly awaiting Him, like a bride awaits her bridegroom. I love stories with multiple layers like this, especially ones that encourage us to draw near to Jesus.
The language has been partially modernized. While it takes a bit of puzzling out to understand, it is a fun puzzle and offers some new vocabulary words.
I do recommend this story for slightly older students. I kept this one for my own, as my Super D, who turned 10 today!!), isn’t quite ready in my estimation. Perhaps as an 11 or 12 year old. 🙂
The story opens with a young gal named Bridget, sailing to London. Her beloved father has died in India, and left her with few funds. She is en route to meet her uncle, and attracts the attention of a young sailor by the name of Godfrey Bullingham. (Both quite old-fashioned names. 🙂 )
Upon her arrival in England, she learns that, tragically, her uncle has also passed away by quickly succumbing to pneumonia. His landlady convinced him to leave everything to her (infuriating!!) and so Bridget is left along in the world.
Thankfully, Bullingham refuses to leave her to her own devices and proposes marriage to her. (Awww) When she accepts and moves to his farm, a plethora of challenges await her. Many are perpetrated by the fact that they are keeping their marriage a secret. She finds these deceptions to be a stumbling block in her efforts to know God.
I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book, and appreciative of Lamplighter Publishing!
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