Jessica Leigh Hester

Sewer, by Jessica Leigh Hester, makes wastewater systems both interesting and entertaining. Like the rest of the books in the Object Lessons series, this focus on a common (though in this case largely unseen) aspect of everyday life allows us to understand it as more than just its basic utilitarian function.

Admittedly, when I think of sewer systems, I think of horror films or espionage dramas where the subterranean tunnels serve as symbolism as much as a path characters might, reluctantly, take. Turns out these architectural and engineering marvels offer a much more nuanced view of life on the surface than I realized. What we waste, what our waste can be used for, and how we manage our waste is all far more fascinating, and important, than I ever imagined.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about the things around us that we often take for granted, and thus often abuse.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (altro)