"Bridges We Build"

A Story of Hope in Depression-Era Watertown

By: Desire Night

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

"Bridges We Build" takes readers into the heart of Watertown, New York, during the darkest days of the Great Depression. Through the eyes of Maggie O'Connor, a resilient housewife, the novel explores the intertwining lives of working-class families, small business owners, and local leaders as they struggle to survive—and ultimately rebuild—amidst economic collapse. From factory layoffs to neighborhood food drives, Maggie becomes the emotional anchor of her community, finding strength in resourcefulness and solidarity. As her husband Jim grapples with the shame of losing his job and their son Johnny dreams of a brighter future, Maggie navigates the harsh realities of the era while holding onto hope for a better tomorrow.

Weaving together the stories of a diverse cast of characters—Sissy Fontaine, a determined waitress turned labor organizer; George Taylor, a grocer torn between business and charity; and Evelyn Carlisle, a socialite transformed into a genuine philanthropist—"Bridges We Build" is a deeply human portrait of a town facing unprecedented hardship. With rich historical detail and a deeply emotional core, the novel is not just a story of survival but one of personal and collective transformation. As new bridges rise over Watertown’s rivers, the people of this once-bustling town rebuild not only their lives but their faith in one another.