Re: The Mezzanine
Andrew Masashi Abrams (ama5q@server1.mail.virginia.edu)
Wed, 26 Feb 1997 14:39:58 -0500 ()
While I did not find The Mezzanine to be a deeply
inspiring work, or a so-called "great novel," I do think it
successfully carves out its own niche in the world of
fiction. I thought the book was somewhat Seinfeld-esque in
its humor and its observations (toilet paper has not
changed in form since the Civil War, was brought up in one
episode; also: why don't bathroom stall doors extend all
the way down to the floor?) Of course, Baker is far more
detailed in his studies of everyday objects. I think that
is what the book sort of is: an informative, upbeat, sitcom
of a novel which is entertaining if not intellectually
stimulating.
I did come away from reading the book with a sense
of appreciation that at least someone has taken the time to
look at all the little things in our lives, because
otherwise I would never think twice about them.
Andrew Abrams