Erica Wagner's latest novel, 'Wash', offers a compelling and multi-layered exploration of Washington Augustus Roebling, the chief engineer behind the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Opening to the public on 24 May 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge globally, a monumental achievement that 'Wash' reveals was far from a solitary endeavour.
The narrative intricately details Roebling's life, from a challenging upbringing under his austere and demanding father, John Roebling – who initially designed the bridge before his death in 1869 – to his profound reliance on his accomplished wife, Emily Warren. Emily's role evolved significantly, moving beyond moral and secretarial support to taking on substantial responsibility for the project as Washington's health mysteriously declined. Wagner structures the novel with what she terms "the soul's time" rather than linear chronology, employing a series of short chapters that traverse time and place, emphasising pivotal moments and relationships that shaped Roebling.
The story begins in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1849, depicting a childhood marked by the oppressive presence of John Roebling, a self-made man renowned for his wire rope business and the Niagara Falls suspension bridge. Despite his success, John Roebling is portrayed as parsimonious and exacting, creating a bleak home environment where Wash and his siblings frequently experienced hardship. This unhappy childhood is contrasted with the solace and joy Wash found in two significant relationships: with fellow engineering student Max Andermann and his future wife, Emily Warren.
Max Andermann, a charming and supportive figure, provides a much-needed counterpoint to Wash's austere existence, fostering a deep personal connection. Emily Warren, equally vital, brings wit, warmth, and a renewed determination to Wash's life, inspiring him to pursue success on his own terms. As Wash's health deteriorates, Emily's involvement in the bridge project deepens, transforming her into a crucial figure who manages the political and practical complexities of the undertaking, while he focuses on the technical aspects. Wagner thoughtfully explores the emotional toll this took on Emily, highlighting her increasing burden as caretaker, nursemaid, secretary, and, effectively, engineer.
Wagner's deep personal connection to the Brooklyn Bridge and Washington Roebling himself, which she acknowledges in her afterword, imbues the novel with rich detail and a nuanced understanding of its subject. 'Wash' stands as a vivid and idiosyncratic portrait of a significant American life, demonstrating that Roebling's story, and the collaborative effort behind the bridge, remains worthy of revisit and reflection.