First published 1986
Adam Hochschild's mother suddenly dies when he's just 11 years old. Torn between his wealthy California upbringing and his father's bleak life in London, he grapples with grief and a fractured identity. As he navigates his altered family, Hochschild finds solace in literature, forming a deep connection to the written word. His poignant journey explores the pain of loss, the search for belonging, and the power of the imagination to transcend one's circumstances. Hochschild's vivid recollections paint a portrait of a sensitive boy caught between two vastly different cultures, each claiming a piece of his heart.
Genres: 20th-century, coming-of-age, autobiography, biography-memoir
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: United States
248 pages · Paperback