Two decades ago, Colm Tóibín released a poignant novella set against the backdrop of the Catalan Pyrenees, chronicling the story of a woman who leaves her home and vanishes into the snow. Her son, Miquel, is left searching for her, enduring the harsh winter months in anticipation of the thaw. Titled A Long Winter, this narrative, later included in the 2006 collection Mothers and Sons, explored Miquel’s journey through extreme trials and his unwavering patience, articulated through a remarkably restrained writing style, particularly in his reflections on death.
In Tóibín’s latest work, The Bridge, only a year has elapsed since Miquel’s life was upended. He now survives alongside his harsh and unyielding father, tending to sheep on their desolate farm while engaging in smuggling to supplement their meager income. Within the stark confines of their rural existence, expressions of affection are scarce and often clandestine; the bond that forms between Miquel and Manolo, a mistreated servant, serves as the emotional core of the narrative. Their relationship provides a rare comfort, characterized by gentle words and tender gestures, highlighting their youthful resilience amidst a landscape that feels unyielding.
As the novella unfolds, Miquel embarks on a varied romantic life, with encounters in the nearby town leading to significant connections. A particularly vivid relationship develops between Miquel and a fellow prisoner, illustrating his desire to connect intimately. However, it is the love story with Manolo that profoundly shapes Miquel’s experiences and emotional landscape.
A transformative shift occurs in the region with the construction of a road bridge that connects previously isolated villages to the outside world. This newfound connectivity symbolizes broader social changes and is vividly illustrated in a scene where dogs from both sides of the valley excitedly cross the bridge, driven by the instinct to find mates. Yet for Miquel, this bridge represents not just opportunity but also danger, leading him into a realm of confinement and anxiety. Ultimately, The Bridge resonates as a timeless exploration of themes such as loss, betrayal, and survival rather than simply a historical account of 20th-century progress. Miquel comes to realize that his sense of isolation is not a recent development but a longstanding aspect of his existence.
Tóibín’s connection to Catalonia spans five decades, beginning with his first novel set in Barcelona and continuing with his recent collection, The News from Dublin, which features several Spanish narratives. He spends part of each year in the Catalan mountains, and through Miquel’s story, he delves into the lives of those shaped by this intriguing yet often inscrutable region. The inspiration for Miquel’s tale stems from a specific moment in local history when Tóibín learned of a dilapidated structure that marked the last remnants of a house from which a desperate woman once fled. This haunting story has given rise to both A Long Winter and The Bridge.
Tóibín’s appreciation for the precision and depth found in Catalan literature, such as the works of Mercè Rodoreda, is evident in The Bridge. Miquel’s profound feelings are palpable, yet the harsh realities of his life leave little room for overt expressions of emotion. Tóibín’s writing reflects a deliberate restraint, even as the narrative takes on a tone that borders on absurdity due to the cruel twists of fate.
Readers familiar with Tóibín’s previous works, such as Brooklyn and its sequel Long Island, will recognize his adept handling of interconnected narratives. The Bridge stands strong on its own while also complementing its predecessor, A Long Winter. Reading them in either order offers a compelling experience, and the prospect of a further installment could provide Miquel with a much-needed escape from his oppressive circumstances, even if relief seems unlikely.
This compact volume is often found near checkout counters during the holiday season, though it may not be the ideal choice for a festive stocking stuffer; its weight of sorrow could easily cause the stocking to tumble. Nonetheless, it is a striking short work where Tóibín’s unsentimental writing aligns seamlessly with the austere realities faced by individuals navigating lives stripped to their essence.
The Bridge by Colm Tóibín is available from Picador (£12.99). To support the Guardian, you can order your copy at guardianbookshop.com, though delivery fees may apply.
