By Becky Holland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon is one of those wonderfully odd little books that somehow manages to be funny, thoughtful, heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.
The idea of a Roomba named Scout becoming the emotional center of the story sounds quirky on paper — and it is — but it also works surprisingly well. Scout’s desire for connection and purpose gives the novel a lot of heart beneath its humor and satire.
The story blends themes of technology, loneliness, aging and love without becoming overly heavy-handed. There’s a sweetness to Harold and Scout’s relationship, and the book raises questions about what it means to be human in a world increasingly run by systems and automation.
Fans of The Brave Little Toaster will definitely see the comparison, though this story feels more grown-up and reflective.
I liked it. What more can I say? It’s clever, strange in the best way, and ultimately comforting. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a little humor, a little sadness and a lot of heart, this one is worth picking up.
Can be found at most booksellers and if you wait a bit, it should be available at The Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley Library soon.
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