Reviewed by Carine Engelbrecht for Readers' Favorite

Bridges: What Ties Allies by Lande Jewels is a collection of poetic narratives focused on the many bridges that crisscross the City of London. Some, like the iconic Tower Bridge, are famous for their ingenuity, distinctive form, and stately grace. Other bridges have weathered the changing tides of history. The location of Richmond Bridge recalls the Tudor family's dramatic rise to power, from Henry VII to Elizabeth I. Putney Bridge saw not only the excitement of the annual Cambridge/Oxford boat race, but also Mary Wollstonecraft's darkest moments of despair. The Bridge of Aspiration displays an eclectically modern twist. Then there was the bridge that collapsed while still under construction, and the bridge Charles Dickens described as the ugliest in all of London. When he was not attempting to tame the sewers of London, Joseph Bazagette left the city Albert Bridge, Battersea Bridge, and a resurrected Hammersmith Bridge. The collection includes road bridges, footbridges, railway crossings, and viaducts.

Standing sentinel over the ebb and flow of history, these bridges guard the story of a 2000-year-old city. They were moored to the fates of kings and queens. They recall victories but also carry war wounds from the terror and dread of the Blitz. As such, they form a unique lens through which to view one of the world's greatest cities. I loved the accompanying watercolor illustrations, which captured the essence of each bridge. In this particular context, the passive voice works rather well. By describing the bridges through a series of cryptic notes and intriguing factoids, it makes the narrative far more accessible. Some lines are almost like riddles, teasing you to chase their mystery and meaning. Bridges: What Ties Allies by Lande Jewels may be particularly valuable to tourists planning to visit London. Instead of the usual attractions, the book invites you to add a bucket list treasure hunt of architectural marvels to your itinerary.