Little Jeremy is a 13-year-old young man from Paris. He enjoys painting and the visual arts. He is homeschooled because of a heart condition. His mother works hard at a nursing home to support their family, and his father died previously in war. Little Jeremy and his dog Leon stay home for most of the day, but explore the downtown area around their apartment flat near Notre Dame cathedral. His mother is in a big financial bind, not of her own making.
One day, Little Jeremy secretly discovers an antique painting of a Parisian bridge and seeks to restore it in order to help his mom financially. Under little adult supervision, he pours his life into this painting. Along the way, he ventures into the world of social media, the life of his neighbors, and the history of his family. In many ways, this is a coming-of-age tale that bridges Jeremy from his childhood into maturity.
Be forewarned that this book does not have a happy ending. In fact, it is quite sad and sudden. Despite the abruptness, it teaches the themes to make the most of time and that it’s never to early to think about giving to others. This novel appreciates and values the arts as a mechanism to better the world.
A couple of situations seem out of place in this book, though. The story is told from Little Jeremy’s perspective. As a 13-year-old boy, he seems extraordinarily self-aware and dealing with complex, even heavy thoughts. That seems somewhat unrealistic. Further, the caricature of social media and Internet access seems inaccurate for 2019. Most homeschooled children will have Internet access at home and not be forbidden from using it, like Little Jeremy was at this story’s beginning. Instead, it’s more likely that they’ll be policed by their adult parents. Garai’s portrayal seems somewhat disorganized here, too.
Overall, this book provides a touching story that is especially appropriate for a young adult or teenage audience. That audience does have to know how to deal with tragedy, though, and not to expect ever-rosy outcomes. There is much suffering in this book, but Little Jeremy inspirationally finds a way to make joy out of humble surroundings. Indeed, resilience and hope in the midst of one’s journey are two motifs that stick out. Through this moral modeling tale, we can all learn to pour one’s soul into helping others through genuine human expression like Little Jeremy as he restores this painting for his family.
The Bridge of Little Jeremy
By Indrajit Garai
Copyright (c) 2019
Self-published
ISBN13 9781987423617
Page Count: 366
Genre: Fiction, Teenage
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