A book like a soul warmer. Markus Bundi tells in his witty narrative "At the Crooked Bridge" the recordings of an innkeeper, a patron named Rousseau - in anecdotes, sketches, and barroom jokes, but also in sensitive character portrayals and small, delicate descriptions of extraordinary events. For instance, in the story of the cook's mysterious disappearance or how the Italian's son runs aground at the bar out of sheer heartbreak. The inclined reader takes a seat in a small tavern by the stream. It is the tavern of regulars, where they all feel almost at home. Where familiarity awaits, where the hustle and bustle stays outside, where no one has to pretend. Freshly tapped beer and time-honored favorites, matters of the heart, indeed. It is almost impossible for pub-goers at the crooked bridge not to recognize themselves. A book like an invitation.