USELESS MIRACLE BY BARRY SCHECHTER
In Barry Schechter’s Useless Miracle, George Entmen, a middle-aged professor of hermeneutics in the English department at Northwestern University, finds a small miracle—he can fly—though only at heights of mere inches. George’s inexplicable talent breaks science and quickly dissolves his previously steady life, putting him in the company of rejected philosophy doctoral candidates, circus kidnappers, and magicians on the edge.
In a world desensitized by modern technology, floating several inches above the ground is hardly more than a party trick. But to George Entmen, his new-found ability could signal the next step in human evolution, and he’s willing to stake his reputation as an academic on defending the dignity of flying, despite the low heights he may soar.
Schechter deftly balances lush and descriptive prose with humorous dialogue, creating a complex plot from a mundane miracle and a cast of witty characters. In particular, the disgruntled philosopher-turned-magician, Nelson, who had his dissertation committee turn on him for wanting “someone to pay you to be sad,” evokes the reader’s pity and delight in equal amounts. Add in a maniacal philanthropist determined to propel Nelson’s philosophy to Nietzsche-esque stardom, a flock of jealous magicians set on revenge for George’s unintentional mockery of magic, and the world’s dry dissatisfaction with George Entmen and his useless miracle, and with every righteously funny turn this book spins a hard-to-please America against George.
—Review by Sidney Thomas
