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The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Paperback
Classic FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025317878
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 244
Weight: 0.76
Height: 0.51 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a masterpiece of philosophical fiction that explores the intricate interplay of chance, destiny, and divine providence. Set in 18th-century Peru, the narrative begins with a catastrophic event: the collapse of an ancient rope bridge over a deep chasm, an accident that claims the lives of five travelers. Witnessing this tragedy is Brother Juniper, a Franciscan friar who embarks on a meticulous quest to understand why these specific individuals were chosen by fate at that exact moment. Through his investigation, the lives of the victims are revealed in a series of poignant, interconnected stories.
The novel delves into the histories of characters such as the lonely Marquesa de Montemayor, the orphaned brothers Esteban and Manuel, and the sage-like Uncle Pio. Thornton Wilder's celebrated work examines the nature of human affection and the legacy left behind by those who perish. It poses the timeless question of whether there is a cosmic pattern to existence or if our lives are governed by mere coincidence. With its lyrical prose and profound insights into the human condition, The Bridge of San Luis Rey remains a seminal meditation on the power of love as the ultimate bridge between the living and the dead.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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