Insightful perspective into community and grief

“The Bridge at Dawn” offers an insightful perspective into spirituality and community. Beginning with Henry’s disbursement of the morning coffee, readers are slowly introduced to his history and how he came to be living in a homeless encampment, affectionately known as Freedom Camp. Immediately, it is clear there is more to Henry than meets the eye, he goes out of his way to help others, with resources, connections, and friendships many like him seem to lack. Yet, it is the entrance of Cindy Rhodes that takes this story to new heights. As Henry opens himself up to Cindy a bond begins to form between them.

As shifting acceptance of homelessness enters the political and cultural fray, Henry and his Freedom Camp community suddenly find themselves being raided with little time to find a new place to live. So, when Cindy suggests Henry join her in returning to Tamanass he decides to try it. A commune in the forest near the Columbia River Gorge, the community of Tamanass welcomes Cindy back and quickly accepts Henry into their fold. Through rituals, mind-altering substances, and community bonds, Cindy begins to spiritually process all she’s lost. With a history of alcoholism, his own losses, and a painful road himself, Henry, like Cindy, finds himself growing, learning, grieving, and reconciling while at Tamanass.

Author Krin Van Tatenhove guides riders through Henry and Cindy’s plights as we are slowly peppered with flashbacks, memories, and recounting of their paths to homelessness. Through various reunions, emotions, and even fear, readers form a deep bond to Tatenhove’s characters. Traversing the west coast, “Bridge at Dawn” offers a powerful, yet distinctive perception of grief in all its forms, including the brilliance of hope that awaits us at the other end.

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