Photocopies - John Berger

A crowd. So large that one can't imagine it, even when one is part of it. A crowd in which all that the past has left is bursting out, searching, cheating, acheiving, hoping, waiting, despairing, for a future.

The crowd is there because of the market. Getting richer. Getting poorer with the hope of getting a fraction richer later. The market has nothing to do with the wealthy. Here a voice and a glance of the eyes can still make a difference. Everything glistens because it may be a bargain. Everything sold is a little gain because it has been sold.

Berger has used the term photocopies to describe his written impressions of people, places and moments in life. Most of the short chapters, photocopies, are 3-6 pages long. The book is short, but thoughtful. If you like John Berger, as I do, you will find this book an enjoyable read on a relaxing afternoon. While I prefer his novels (see my review of Here is Where We Meet), I always find Berger worth my time- like sinking into an old leather chair.