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Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Kay Alahakoon offers readers a cultural romance that spans social hierarchy in The Bridges We Cross. After her father’s stroke, Rukmi desperately searches for a new job to afford the exorbitant medical costs. There is only so much she can do as a schoolteacher and private tutor. When she hears of an advertisement for a carer for the younger siblings of the Randunu family, Rukmi is hesitant, knowing the dangers she will be facing. But she needs the money. Sahan Randunu, called back to Sri Lanka to take over the business, has to salvage a sinking ship. He needs to save the family. There are immediate sparks between Sahan and Rukmi but they fear their time together will never last because of their social standings.
Author Kay Alahakoon has the gift of immersing the reader wholly in a world rich with sensory stimulation. Written in the first-person narrative from the perspectives of the two main characters, we are privy to their most intimate thoughts and feelings. The characters are easily relatable and the descriptions are outstanding. The plot and pace of the story are steady and strong, easily taking you from start to finish. There is a strong theme of trust saturating the pages throughout the story. I loved the fact that a glossary of terms was included in the beginning, strengthening the family dynamic theme and readers' understanding of the culture. With some explicit language and only a hint of sexual situations, The Bridges We Cross can easily be recommended to young adult readers as well.
