Standiford, Natalie. The Boy on the Bridge.

Standiford, Natalie.  The Boy on the Bridge.    Scholastic Press  2013  248p  ISBN 978-0-545-33481-5  hs   VG-BN Historical  fiction

Laura’s year abroad, studying in Russia, is depressing and uncomfortable until she meets Alyosha on a bridge near her dormitory, seemingly by chance.  But is it really by chance?  Alyosha introduces Laura to dissident Russia, a world of wild parties, underground books and music, constant danger, and love.  The play of emotions rings true as Laura gradually succumbs to the charm of her Russian lover.  Laura is on the brink of marrying Alyosha, despite her chaperones’ warnings, her friends’ reservations, and her own worries about her youth and ability to support her spouse once they return to the States.  Then Laura stumbles on evidence that suggests her feelings were deliberately manipulated by Alyosha in a bid for American citizenship, and that she is not the first girl he has mesmerized to achieve this goal.

Shattered, Laura must make the choice to believe the evidence of her intellect or the evidence of her heart.  Either choice will lead to devastation for her or her family.  Readers will ponder Laura’s decision and the impact it has on her future long after they close the cover on this story.

Summary: Laura is a foreign exchange student to Russia.  When she  develops feelings for Russian rebel Alyosha she must consider the possibility that she is being manipulated into marriage so he can become an American citizen.

     

Romance-Fiction, Politics-Fiction                           -—Hillary Welliver