Bridge by Lauren Beukes is a bingeable multiverse novel that delves into the complexities of loss, memory, and the desperate search for reconnection. It follows the journey of Bridge, a stubborn and at times sullen woman, as she unravels the mysteries surrounding her mother's death and their tumultuous past.

Bridge's mother, Jo, a professor of neuroscience, once took her on the run due to what Bridge was later told were delusions caused by a brain tumor. After Jo's death, Bridge finds herself sorting through her mother's belongings with the help of her friend Dom, a “brown queer from out of town” who steps in to handle the less pleasant tasks. This friendship is one of the novel's strengths, offering a moving portrayal of chosen family and mutual support.

As Bridge sifts through Jo's things, she begins to question the reality of her childhood memories. Jo's obsession with something called the “dreamworm”—a psychedelic said to open doors to other worlds—starts to seem less like a delusion and more like a hidden truth. Flashbacks to Jo's perspective reveal her desperate travels through alternate realities in search of a cure for her cancer. The discovery of a dreamworm in Jo's freezer propels Bridge into her own experiments, leading to the startling realization that traveling to other universes means switching bodies with her alternate selves.

Bridge and Dom's investigation into Jo's journals, found in a mysterious storage unit, uncovers a lifetime of interdimensional travel. They realize it was not Jo's consciousness in her body when she died but an “otherself,” suggesting that Jo's consciousness is still out there, somewhere in the multiverse. Determined to find her mother, Bridge embarks on a relentless journey across countless worlds, with Dom as her unwavering companion.

However, Bridge's quest is fraught with danger. Amber, a woman determined to eliminate those who use the dreamworm, poses a significant threat. Amber's mission to protect the multiverse from what she perceives as the dreamworm's destructive potential adds a layer of tension and urgency to Bridge's journey.

I absolutely devoured this book, losing a whole weekend to its captivating narrative. Bridge is a fantastic binge-read that combines the thrill of multiverse travel with profound emotional stakes. Though the ending left some questions unanswered, possibly setting the stage for a sequel, it felt somewhat unnecessary. Additionally, the diverse representation at times felt forced, and certain references, like those to the AIDS epidemic, seemed out of place.

Despite these critiques, Bridge is a compelling and fun read, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a novel that will keep you turning pages, eager to explore the next world and uncover the next secret.

📖 Recommended For: Enthusiasts of multiverse adventures and speculative fiction, readers interested in exploring complex mother-daughter relationships, those who appreciate a blend of science fiction and emotional depth, fans of Blake Crouch.

🔑 Key Themes: Multiverse Exploration, Mother-Daughter Bond, Identity and Self-Discovery, Grief and Loss, Chosen Family and Friendship, Uncovering Hidden Truths.