Silhouette of the Bridge (Memory Stand-Ins) by Keith Waldrop

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Publishers Weekly

Waldrop, not as well known as he should be, is among the most important writers, translators and publishers of avant-garde literature in our time. Like his "fictional memoir," Light While There Is Light (1993), Waldrop's latest book is for the most part autobiographical. His general subjectmemory, the mother of the musesis classical, while the form, mixing poetry and prose fragments, is more experimental. The result is a highly engaging and eclectic exploration of the follies of memory. There are short anecdotes involving Waldrop's kooky elderly neighbors; asides concerning violins, friends and teeth; and aphoristic phrases such as "isolated, the most casual scene becomes formal." Although there is little sense of progression (narrative or otherwise), Waldrop's light touch and understated humor cast a sustained spell. The opening sequence of prose fragments begins with Waldrop listening to a lecturer who tells a story about a man whose heavy burdens were lifted when the bottom of the basket dropped out and who continues to refer "to enlightenment as the experience of `dropping our bottoms.'" Waldrop knows his insights are provisional, which is why he calls them "Stand-Ins." Perhaps in explanation of his project, he writes: "I'm trying to remember what I will be"; we are privileged to listen in as he does so. (Sept.) FYI: Waldrop is married to Rosmarie Waldrop, whose Another Language was reviewed in Forecasts, Apr. 28.