Bridges that Sell

When I began reading the Bridges of Madison County i knew two things- it was a best seller and a love story, that too an extra-marital one. Now, I am a reasonable person, lenient on others, strict on myself, so naturally someone's torrid liaison does not vex me nor brings forth a bitter diatribe against post-conjugal licentiousness. However touting that licentiousness as love is pathetic,rather insulting to the emotion I'd say. Francesca and Robert's sexual attraction is
evident from the start, each being for the other the 'someone' they did not have, the 'long-lost,now-found love' as most would put it. If we believe that Francesca fell for Robert because inordinate ennui had set in her life as her husband was not what she had wished him to be or/and because her surroundings were a bit prudish and orthodox for her liberal free spirit one still cannot deny the excessive emphasis laid by the author on their physical appearance and, the detailed manner in which each appreciates the other physically clearly shows that it was a case of intense lust not love. Francesca's remark that they made love a lot of times in a number of places is yet another proof of their enduring sexual adventure. The boredom is existent, the yearning for that perfect person they had always wanted in life, is also existent; so is the sex, but to sell all these ideas under the garb of 'the one true love of your life' is preposterous. A yearning springing out of boredom or vice versa, resulting in sex, does not have an iota of true love in it. When francesca ardently wishes Kincaid to stay on after their first dinner or when she tucks the invitation for the second dinner at the bridge wall its not due to profound love; when she buys a provocative dress for herself or when she agrees to accompany him for the photo -shoot at the bridge, mindful of the gossip it would generate yet choosing to be heedless, love is not on her mind,rather its the excitement and fun of doing something new, venturing into uncharted territory, something that she had longed for secretly. Her actions are coloured by her powerful attraction and its accompanying thrills. She is blinded or chooses to be blinded (for she confesses to behaving in a silly teenage way not knowing why) by her overpowering desire. Hence her participation in the affair. Later when she resolves to stay back, fulfilling her roles of a wife and mother, her decision is not born out of love or sacrifice but because the other course would be unbearably guilt-ridden. Where does love come into play when yearning and guilt are the instigators? One can argue for her love towards Robert when she warns him how she'd change(incase they are together) and how unsettling it would be for both of them yet the reason for her change is not love, but her own gnawing guilt. So it is not love for her children or husband or Robert that makes her do what she chooses to do. Its just the fear of not doing what is right. As for Robert he is the 'powerful' and 'primitive' hunter, a fast vanishing breed, whose search for his soulmate ends with Francesca and, his emotions are not explained. Sketching him to be a mystery helps to put the focus on the guise of genuine affection. By the time one realizes the psychological foulplay its too late.The book has sold millions of copies and millions who read it think it is or was 'true love'.