Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo - Book Club Discussion Questions

Can people change? This timeless question is inhaled and exhaled throughout Richard Russo's Bridge of Sighs. Use these book club discussion questions on Bridge of Sighs to discuss this novel with your reading group or book club.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Rivers are often used as a metaphor throughout Russo's works? What is the river metaphor in Bridge of Sighs?

2. What perspective of the world do you usually take? Lucy's father's (Lou's)? Lucy's mother's (Tessa's)? Both? Neither? Why?

3. How does the state of Thomaston mirror the state of the Lynch household throughout the novel?

4. Which character in the story do you relate to the most? Why?

5. Why does the novel begin and end with Lucy's voice? Is he the "main" character or is it really someone else's story?

6. Does anyone truly change in Bridge of Sighs? If so, how does s/he change?

7. What does the Bridge of Sighs represent for Lucy? Sarah? Bobby (Tom)?

8. Rate Bridge of Sighs on a scale of 1 to 5.