Memories of Madison County : The True Story of My Romance with Robert James Waller

In 1992, a novel by university professor Robert James Waller was published to less than glowing reviews. Despite the critical reception, The Bridges of Madison County became a publishing phenomenon, spending two years on the New York Times bestseller list and selling more than 50 million copies. Decades before, Waller had met 18-year-old Jana St. James at an Indiana University coffeehouse. Their innocent friendship blossomed into love— despite Waller's seven-year marriage. Years later, as St. James read the newly published book of her dear friend, it wasn't long before she experienced a shortness of breath and a relentless ache. Why were there so many similarities about her experiences with Waller in the novel— were the memories still alive for him, too? In Memories of Madison County, Jana tells her side of the impossible love story— from the innocent phases of friendship through gentle afternoons as lovers, and ultimately to the heart-wrenching yet inevitable end of their relationship.