The Bridge Home
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The Bridge Home Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Padma Venkatraman (Author, Narrator), Listening Library (Publisher)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,433 ratings
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"Readers will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma shares with us an unflinching peek into the reality millions of homeless children live every day but also infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers and stay with them long after turning the final page." (Aisha Saeed, author of TheNew York Times best seller Amal Unbound)

Four determined homeless children make a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut.

Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, 11-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter - and friendship - on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in, too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

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  1. Listening Length
    4 hours and 33 minutes
  2. Author
    Padma Venkatraman
  3. Narrator
    Padma Venkatraman
  4. Audible release date
    February 5, 2019
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Listening Library
  7. ASIN
    B07LH79DMN
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 4 hours and 33 minutes
Author Padma Venkatraman
Narrator Padma Venkatraman
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date February 05, 2019
Publisher Listening Library
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07LH79DMN
Best Sellers Rank #135,261 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#91 in Teen & Young Adult Fiction on Runaways (Books)
#236 in Geography & Cultures for Children
#773 in Family Life Fiction for Children

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,433 global ratings
Captivating from start to finish!
5 Stars
Captivating from start to finish!
This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions that will cause you to laugh, cry, cheer, and even sneer at times. Those ignorant to the vunerability and abundance of unsupervised minors living alone will get a glimpse of that reality. I was reminded how dangerous it is for children, but more specifically female children, navigating in this world- alone or accompanied. The children in the novel share a remarkable bond that just may cause you to rethink your definition of family. I would highly recommend this charming tale for both reading and sharing!
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Top reviews from the United States

Melissa D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb writing and moving story
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
I’m a librarian at a grades 3-5 school in CT. I’ve read this book three times, once with a 5th grade book club and once to my husband aloud (because I couldn’t stop telling him how amazing it was). Each time, I cried in several places. Padma Venkatraman is a gifted writer. I loved the way she wrote so descriptively. It made me feel like I knew these young homeless kids. The way the orange was described when Rukku and Viji ate it was worth rereading with both my book club and husband.

The author even sent my book club bookmarks and and autographed poster for each student! It was so kind of her. The students absolutely loved the book and we all cried together.

The author’s note makes me love the book even more, but it also makes me sad and appreciate all I have in my life.

If you are looking for a well-written and moving middle-grade novel that will linger in your thoughts for months afterwards, be sure to read this amazing book!
7 people found this helpful
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L. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle, sad, hopeful book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2023
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I suppose I expected this book to emotionally assault me more than it did, but it’s perfect for middle grade or YA readers who want to read about different experiences, but are not ready for full emotional devastation. It’s still pretty sad, though.

Viji and Rukku are sisters running from an abusive household. Rukku has intellectual disabilities, but the book does a good job of drawing her as a real and capable little girl. Viji is fierce in her love for her sister and her found family and it’s an excellent book to demonstrate strong female role models in diverse situations and cultures. They manage abuse, food insecurity, homelessness, and threats from adults and other children.

The most interesting part of this book is that it’s written in second person, as if in a letter to Rukku from Viji. It’s a pretty effective device, and it’s a POV that we obviously don’t see much and is not often done well.

I would recommend this to younger readers and adults who are interested in reading about challenging experiences that are not too brutal.
7 people found this helpful
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Teeker
5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth Story that Tells of a Different Place/Life
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2023
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This story read smoothly. Relatively short chapters led to natural breaks in reading. The story is sad because the children run away (for a legit reason) and have to take care of themselves. It really dives into chosen family and how kids might earn a living and survive if left on their own. I liked learning about a place that was much different than my own upbringing, too.
2 people found this helpful
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Miss M
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-written and enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021
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Loved the book, but had trouble getting into the 2nd person narrator, hence the 4 stars. I'm looking forward to more of the author's books!
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Gomathy Naranan
5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and Realistic
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019
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Another winner from Padma Venkatraman! This book tugged at my heart, and I could not put it down. The story of the 2 sisters Viji and Rukku, their will to survive against all odds, their closeness and love for each other, and their adventures in Chennai, with Arul and Muthi who become like a family to them is beautifully told. The characters are so well portrayed. The daily struggle of the 4 homeless children, as rag pickers to get some food to eat, and a place to sleep made me cry. The relationship between them, as it grew stronger and closer made me smile. It left me wanting to know more about them and wonder what their path ahead would hold for them.
7 people found this helpful
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@bandofmgbooks
5.0 out of 5 stars Took My Breath Away...
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2019
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Padma Venkatraman painstakingly tells a story of four children who face the harsh realities of fending for themselves on the streets of India. Sisters Viji and Rukku have such a special bond—you’ll love them immediately. It will break your heart to read vividly of the lengths that they go to survive and you’ll be filled with hope that they remain resilient through every encounter they face. Based on actual accounts, it is impossible not to be compassionate and empathetic towards the underprivileged children who suffer and are discriminated against based on their caste, gender, ethnicity etc. The Bridge Home is an enthralling and endearing story that had me gasping and bawling my eyes out.
12 people found this helpful
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KittenKaboodle
5.0 out of 5 stars Stirring middle grade debut from Padma Venkatraman
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2020
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11-year-old Viju runs away from home to escape a violent father, taking younger sister Rukku with her into the dangerous streets of Channai in India. They make friends with two homeless boys, and the four scavenge to scratch out a living...until sickness hits, and Viju is faced with a decision that could either make or break them all.

It's been a while since I read a middle grade book I enjoyed this much. With engaging action, it's also full of heart and intelligence. The author doesn't write down to her young readers, or protect them, or her characters, from the grit and grime of life's underbelly, yet the value of resourcefulness and kindness is what shines through.
4 people found this helpful
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Lisa
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Story
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2022
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This is an achingly beautiful story, wonderfully told, containing some hard truths about Indian street life, but also healing friendships and redemption. Highly recommended for middle grade to old age.
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Top reviews from other countries

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tiemi
5.0 out of 5 stars Tudo perfeito!
Reviewed in Brazil on January 10, 2023
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Chegou muuuuito rápido e em perfeito estado! Super bem embalado! Recomendo!
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Avinash matta
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time!
Reviewed in India on May 24, 2021
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This is the story of Viji and Rukku, runaway sisters from an abusive father; and Muthu and Arul, orphans who've found support in each other, as they build a home across the bridge and dream for a better future. Not only does the book give us an insight into the struggles of these street children, but it also paints a portrait of their bright and philosophical minds.

<i> "I don't know how you live without dreams."
"The only way I can get through each day," Arul said quietly, "is by not thinking of all those tomorrows." </i>

The author tackles several issues including abuse, child employment and education, religion, and mental health, along with friendship and love. She deftly weaves all these themes into a single narrative and brings it to life with her lucid yet vivid writing style.

<i> And they were so beautiful, those little flames, dancing in that still, silent church, dancing like they could hear music. Like they were alive. Alive the way you were alive, alive right there, right then... </i>

After Slumdog Millionaire, if there is a story that portrays the world of Indian street children with honesty and hope, it is 'The Bridge Home!'
One person found this helpful
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Henry
5.0 out of 5 stars poignant, sad, delightful
Reviewed in Canada on February 10, 2020
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This book was to be the in class reading that my son's teacher choose for the grade 7's. I opted to buy it to read along.

Sadly the class opted out, but I thought it was a wonderfully written book. An insight to a different culture, and vastly different opportunities, and lack of them for the 'heroines' of the story. They weren't so heroic, but yet brave in their own way as they still enjoyed life and friendship along with the hardship and squalor.

The book is part fact and fiction, based on the authors own meetings with children with similar stories.
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Abaño Chermelyn Degamo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in Japan on April 29, 2024
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I truly recommend this book.
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Carlos P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Meu Filho Está Gostando Muito
Reviewed in Brazil on January 28, 2022
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É uma dificuldade colocar esta nova geração apreciando uma boa leitura, este livro ajuda muito.
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