Hi Brian, 
 
"The counter faced a wall lined with old mirrored tiles that had discoloured so that looking at your reflection was like looking at a drowned man staring up at you out of dark water." 
 
Funny. I had just tried to cite this line (and this essay) to someone the other day as being exemplary of the best of Bruce. But I just had the feeling and not the words. I just couldn't recall the line because the image was so powerful. It certainly is the most evocative and "perfect" of the pieces in Stardust IMO. It comes alive in every sense. 
 
I think your review is spot on...but I think he's had more of a lasting influence (and on unlikely characters) than you might imagine. 
 
Yes. It is too bad.