The Other Side of the Bridge

Ian starts off the novel infatuated with Laura Dunn, but as he matures, he becomes less interested. How does Ian's concept of the feminine ideal change throughout the novel? How does his projection of this ideal affect the way he relates to Laura, as well as to his mother and his girlfriend?

The novel occupies itself primarily with the world of Struan, but the outside world makes intrusions here and there. What are some of the ways in which characters are affected by the larger world, and how do their reactions to those events shape them?

Why does Lawson employ two separate timelines in the narrative?

Discuss how Lawson uses irony in the book, citing three specific examples

Although the three major characters of the novel are male, how do the female characters drive the action?

Discuss the role of Pete in Ian’s life.

The role of fate seems to drive much of the action in the novel. Ian and Arthur have very different approaches to fate. Compare and contrast how Arthur and Ian deal with the events that life hands them and how their respective approaches affect their happiness.

Why does Lawson leave Jim Lightfoot’s fate ambiguous?