The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson

This was the type of book that I tried to savor for as long as possible but couldn't because it was too good.  I didn't want to put it down.

The synopsis: Arthur and Jake Dunn are brothers growing up in Struan, Ontario (a fictional in the Canadian Shield) during the 30s/40s...a time of struggle, on the cusp of war. They are the sons of a farmer and as opposite as two people could be.  Arthur is strong, solid, dutiful and set to take over the farm.  He is the pride of his father.  Jake is the younger, attractive, can-do-anything son who has the ability to wrap every person around his manipulative finger. His mother's pride and joy.  And with all this, of course there is a rivalry that is sure to tear lives apart. 

In the same town, 25 years later, there is Ian Christopherson, the son of the town doctor.  He's a good kid, with a level head who is slightly afraid of the future but more than that, afraid of falling into a rut, doing the thing that is expected of him.

Somehow, these two world intermingle and become locked together by fate.  And as sometimes happens, fate deals a shitty hand every now and then.

The cover of this book (shown) sums it up best: Heartbreak, truth, lies, tears, grief and hope. This book had reminders of East of Eden (John Steinbeck) and of course with that, the story of Cain and Abel.  You hated who you were supposed to hate; loved the lovable characters and cheered for the good to slay the bad.  Sure signs of a gifted author.  Mary Lawson can keep on writing them because I will always want to read her books.  Such amazing story telling.  A definite must read!