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Though it’s the spine of the show, it’s the most obvious, least interesting aspect, and again, your own age may determine whether you prefer a joke about “geriatric stink” to one about the “ethically made adult sleep sack” Clem wears to a meeting.

Clem Labine and Roger Craig had the other Dodgers victories.

Recounting the courtship of two young telegraph operators, Clem and Nathalie, it shows how a bond can be formed with only words exchanged.

Midway through the novel, Clem shows up at Nathalie’s office unannounced.

Ultimately, the true Clem emerges, and the couple’s love survives the move from the disembodied wires to everyday life.