| Writing |  5 | | Content | 5 | | Readability | 5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 5 |
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5 of 5 Funny stories of mature life, with a twist Friday, May 23, 2008
A Reader from Brooklyn, New York
Robert E. Mandel (1926-2003) was a lifelong storyteller, though he didn't collect his writings for print until he retired from his career as a manufacturer's rep, based in Chicago. By then his craft and wit had matured to be able to poke fun with compassion at the relationship games of folks in an old-age home, to share the movie-inflected daydreams of a Mittyesque man over a life's course, to take to task the unquestioning faith of those who subscribe to a single journal of news & opinion. In 21 short works, Mandel also joined the battle of the sexes, played with the fable form, recast legends, and (in his earliest efforts) depicted concerns of the WWII generation soldier returned to civilian life. In large print, with personal photos, This Side of Heaven speaks lightly yet incisively of mid-20th century Americans, with the knowing warmth of a unpretentious though accomplished and well-traveled father, son, husband and friend. Was this review helpful?  
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