The Bridge of Years

This novel first published in 1946 is one of May Sarton''s earliest and some critics think one of her best. It takes place during the years between the world wars and explores the life of a Belgian family the Duchesnes and their mutual devotion which intensifies under the shadow of impending disaster. Mlanie Duchesne mother of three is an active businesswoman whose courage energy and optimism bind the family and its farm together. Paul her husband is a philosopher detached moody continually embroiled in the spiritual conflicts of a crumbling Europe. The last years before the second war are tense ones a time for stock-taking for a quickening of the pace of life. But it is Mlanie who encourages her family to proceed with their plans to continue with their way of life. And it is Mlanie who decides their future as the Germans launch their invasion of Belgium.