The Bridges of Madison County seems to provoke controversy whenever it is discussed. Passions and tempers flair as critics and fans debate the relative merits of the story, the book's style, and the probabilities of the plot. The book should make for good discussion sessions.

1. How does The Bridges of Madison County stand up as romance novel?

What conventions of the genre does it use; what does it contravene?

2. Is the book "feminist" or "sexist" in content; does it celebrate or degrade women?

3. What would you do if you were in Francesca's position? Would you stay or run away with Robert Kincaid?

4. Many critics have condemned Waller's style as banal and clumsy and at times embarrassing. How did you react to the style of writing in the book?

5. Some critics have also found Robert Kincaid insufferable and his mystical asides gibberish of the most pretentious kind...