The Bridge, by Peter Tomasi, illustrated by Sara Duvall

Peter Tomasi's The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York, a graphic novel with illustrations by Sara Duvall, tells the remarkable and memorable true story of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Before its opening in 1883, the father and son team of John and Washington Roebling, of the Roebling Wire Mill, had a vision and made great sacrifices to see the bridge to completion.  In fact, the construction of the bridge took many lives, with its innovative and sometimes perilous construction techniques.

The Bridge tells of the many conflicts and controversies surrounding the construction of the bridge.  Between the political opposition, the skepticism of many New Yorkers, the superstitions of workers, the caution of the board overseeing the bridge, and the many, many extravagant cost overruns, it's a wonder the bridge was ever completed.

Tomasi emphasizes one driving force in the completion of the bridge: the support and persistence of Washington's wife, Emily.  Without her, he might have given up or failed, but she supported him throughout all of his opposition, frustrations, and sicknesses.

The Bridge is an informative and enjoyable history of the bridge's construction.  The Brooklyn Bridge stands today not only as a New York landmark but as a monument to the Roebling's vision and the commitment of the New York community to see the project through.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!