Fall in love with one of the bestselling novels of all time -- the legendary love story that became a beloved film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
If you've ever experienced the one true love of your life, a love that for some reason could never be, you will understand why readers all over the world are so moved by this small, unknown first novel that they became a publishing phenomenon and #1 bestseller. The story of Robert Kincaid, the photographer and free spirit searching for the covered bridges of Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, the farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream, The Bridges of Madison County gives voice to the longings of men and women everywhere -- and shows us what it is to love and be loved so intensely that life is never the same again.Download and start listening now!
"This is an older book, but since I'm planning a trip to Iowa to see the bridges in a few weeks, I thought I should read the book and then see the movie. I thought this book was very well written. I really enjoyed it. And now, I have the story to go along with the bridges when I see them."
— Jenni (5 out of 5 stars)
“We all dream of the chance meeting, that moment when we feel we are really living. Waller shows us that it can happen, with compelling assurance.”
— Sunday Telegraph (London)“The romantic classic of the 1990s.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“This is the story of four days that change forever the lives of two lonely people…A well-plotted, quick, and pleasant read.”
— Library Journal“Quietly powerful and thoroughly credible, Waller’s first novel…[is] an erotic, bittersweet tale of lingering memories and forsaken possibilities.”
— Publishers Weekly“A hauntingly understated love story, set in small town America, that stays with you long after you’ve reluctantly finished reading the final page.”
— Terence Stamp, Academy Award-nominated actor“Narrators Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale bring out the beautiful simplicity of this love story…As the narrators alternate chapters, both offer performances that reflect the natural development of the love affair that develops…O’Hara and Pasquale complement each other’s performance with consistent renditions of Richard’s steady speech, reflecting his contemplative nature, and the foreign-born Francesca’s slight accent and soft voice. The dual narration adds to the effectiveness of this quietly stirring romance.”
— AudioFile" I may be a hopeless romantic..... "
— Heather's, 2/18/2014" If I had come across a Bridge, I would have rather plummeted from it than read this book. "
— Diona, 2/10/2014" My first book to read in my adult life after raising children and I loved it and decided to become a reader. "
— Robin, 1/31/2014" Loved this book. I read it before I saw the movie (and of course, the movie doesn't do it justice). I loved the writing - the love affair between Francesca and Robert - and the poignant quotes, throughout the book. Great read. "
— Corrine, 1/23/2014" reminded me of the greatest love of my life. "
— Kelly, 1/10/2014" If you've lived this choice, you understand how powerfully and masterfully this story has been told. "
— T.J., 1/8/2014" Author Robert James Waller narrates this passionate reading of the endless love story. "
— Marcia, 1/5/2014" Still don't understand the fuss--but then, I rarely do about the popular novels. This one was pretty ho-hum. "
— Jana, 1/1/2014" What a lovely story!! "
— Bianca, 12/27/2013" This book was like a Nicholas Sparks story with terrible writing. I don't know how it ever got the buzz that it did. "
— Asg141, 12/9/2013" I wanted to see what all the flap was about when it rode the best-seller lists for 87 months or whatever. Turns out, not much. "
— David, 12/6/2013" this gets the award for truely worst book ever. but i can recommend 'the ditches of edison county' for a`laugh. "
— Cheri, 11/21/2013" I read this a very long time ago. I remember that I read it, but no detail. I don't remember that I thought it was bad as everyone said.... "
— Louise, 8/8/2013" Powerful connection, difficult decisions, melancholy results, knowing 'right' is often painfully 'wrong' and doing it anyway. Sparks captures some anguish here. Excellent book. "
— Shawn, 7/22/2013" Easy, good read. One could finish it in an evening with a good bottle of wine, but be prepared to be depressed if you're not in love... and even more depressed if you are, haha -- Robert's love for Francesca is simply that unreal :) "
— Mary, 6/16/2013" Love the story but the writing is slow and drags on and on. But it is better than the movie. "
— Janna, 4/24/2013" So awful. "
— Lee, 8/20/2012" I read this book ages ago and it still sticks in my mind as one of my favorites. "
— Lauraley, 5/21/2012" Quite possibly THE most romantic book I've ever read. "
— Rosey11, 5/17/2012" Saw the movie before I read the book and loved it. So the book was better than the movie, gives a little more detail at the end, I really enjoyed both, be sure to have a box of tissues with you. "
— Dan, 5/8/2012" I started this book several times because friends raved about it, but I could never get into it. "
— Jacquelynn, 11/26/2011" A lyrical love story that takes place in four days. A Missouri farm wife must chhose betwwen her lover and her husband. "
— Beekman, 10/27/2011" Oh it made me cry.... "
— Kathryn, 10/17/2011" Read this forever ago (15+ years ago?), when I was in high school. I remember liking it to an extent, but I don't like stories about cheating on a spouse for any reason, so that killed it somewhat. And I was a teenager, so take it for what it's worth. "
— Wendy, 8/4/2011" One of my favorite books of all time. So romantic & heartbreaking. "
— Caitlindawn, 7/27/2011" Brought me to tears and that is unusual for me when reading a novel. "
— C, 6/15/2011" Pure kitsch. A sub-par romance novel inexplicably elevated to popular status a while ago, and clogging up the shelves of used book stores everywhere. "
— Kaworu, 5/24/2011" I loved this book. It is so believable and romantic. A love affair. Of course adultery should not happen, best to avoid temptations. I enjoyed the story anyway. "
— Rosario, 5/20/2011" A beautiful love story! It pulled at my heartstrings!!! "
— Joan, 5/20/2011" Heartbreakingly lovely....a love story that will stand the test of time...almost - but not quite - comparable to Thornbirds, etc "
— Anushka, 5/20/2011" I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. I'm not usually into love stories that much, but this one was tender and sweet, despite one lover's decision to forsake that love. "
— Lisa, 5/16/2011" The Bridges of Madison County is a sweet little love story. It was a quick and easy read. I would <br/>recommend this book to whoever is a romantic at heart. It's a very emotional book, prepare <br/>yourself for tears. It's definately worth the read. "
— Vicki, 5/16/2011" Boring classical love story <br/>good concept but the story lacks substance "
— Jerald, 5/16/2011" This was a great love story. I read it twice and cried hard twice. A photographer stumbles on to an Iowa farm and the wife. They fall in love and have four wonderful days together. They love each other the rest of their lives without seeing each other again. "
— Vikki, 5/9/2011" The Bridges of Madison County explores what is possible in the arena of human relationships. This is the story of Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid, a passionate and deeply moving experience. "
— Sue, 5/9/2011" This book was like a Nicholas Sparks story with terrible writing. I don't know how it ever got the buzz that it did. "
— Asg141, 5/7/2011" I can't decide if this novel is beautifully tragic or tragically beautiful. I think that the book was made even better by having seen the movie (an excellent film). "
— Teardra, 5/3/2011" One of the worst books I've ever ready. So corny. "
— Sheila, 5/2/2011" One of the most poetic, touching and heart warming things I ever came across! A beautiful and heart rendering tale of love, passion and soul mates! "
— Shriya, 4/28/2011" One of the best books I have read!! "
— Iris, 4/25/2011" I loved the movie. Tis one of the best love stories ever. I loved the book. If you have only seen the movie, I recommend that you also read the book. "
— Glenda, 4/24/2011Robert James Waller (1939–2017) was an American writer and author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Bridges of Madison County and Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend. The Bridges of Madison County was the basis for a major motion picture starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Street and nominated for an Academy Award. His other works include the New York Times bestsellers A Thousand Country Roads, Old Songs in a New Café: Selected Essays; Border Music; and Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, as well as a book of photographs, Images.
Kelli O’Hara is a voice talent and Audie Award–winning narrator.
Steven Pasquale is anactor, producer, and Audie Award-winning narrator. His acting roles include Alliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Rescue Me, and Aurora Borealis, and he starred as Dr. Jason Cole in the television series Do No Harm.