July 17, 2023 in Library News

In July 1993, The Bridges of Madison County was in the midst of its months-long run at the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list. Now, 30 years later, we asked staff to share some read/watch alikes for fans of this book.

Before Sunrise (1999)

by Castle Rock Entertainment

If you're looking for a moving romance sharing a similar theme of "wrong time, wrong place" for two soulmates’ first meeting, you'll love Before Sunrise. Set in the beautiful European city of Vienna, two strangers spend the evening roaming the city and musing on the mysteries of life. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy's on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and Linklater’s masterful dialogue leaves the audience yearning for that one person who you never want to stop talking to. — Monica, Fiction, Movies & Music


The Stars Are Fire (2017)

by Anita Shreve

This work of historical fiction explores themes of survival and family devotion. Similar to The Bridges of Madison County, the main character encounters choices about duty and love. — Allison, Fiction, Movies & Music


The Memory Keeper's Daughter (2005)

by Kim Edwards

Beginning in the same time period, The Memory Keeper's Daughter traces a father's decision on a fateful winter night. Spanning 25 years, the novel addresses secrets and parental love. — Allison, Fiction, Movies & Music


The Remains of the Day (2001)

by Columbia Pictures

The movie Remains of the Day, based on the novel of the same name, follows Stevens, who has prioritized his life according to his position as Butler of Darlington Hall — much as Francesca of The Bridges of Madison County prioritizes her role as wife and mother over a relationship with Robert. Each made a choice based on duty that superseded any desires they themselves felt and set their life on a path from which they never waivered. Remains of the Day reflects on Stevens' life as a butler between WWI and WWII, a beautiful reflection on the changing views of aristocracy and the British Empire at the time of impending war. — Sara, Fiction, Movies & Music

Out of Africa (2000)

by Universal Pictures

Out of Africa, the 1985 film that won 7 Academy Awards starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep! This film tells the story set in 20th Century colonial Kenya of the Danish author and baroness/plantation owner Karen Blixen, who moved to Africa and has a passionate love affair with a free-spirited big game hunter. Fabulous cinematography and acting! I love the performances of Redford and Streep! — Janet, Fiction, Movies & Music


The French Lieutenant's Woman (2015)

by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Before she fell for a lanky photographer (Clint Eastwood) in the 1995 film The Bridges of Madison County, Meryl Streep had a string of on-screen romances. She fell for a married man (Robert De Niro) in 1984's Falling in Love, fell twice for Jeremy Irons in the plot-within-a-plot 1981 movie The French Lieutenant's Woman, and snared a rugged big-game hunter (Robert Redford) in 1985's Out of Africa. It's good to be Meryl Streep. — Kris, Fiction, Movies & Music

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