This Boy's Life: A Memoir

Tobias Wolff

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In Circulation

In this unforgettable memoir of boyhood in the 1950s, we meet the young Toby Wolff, by turns tough and vulnerable, crafty and bumbling, and ultimately winning. Separated by divorce from his father and brother, Toby and his mother are constantly on the move. Between themselves they develop an almost telepathic trust that sees them through their wanderings from Florida to a small town in Washington State.

Fighting for identity and self-respect against the unrelenting hostility of a new stepfather, Toby's growing up is at once poignant and comical. His various schemes—running away to Alaska, forging cheeks, and stealing cars—lead eventually to an act of outrageous self-invention that releases him into a new world of possibility.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Resilience: Wolff's story underscores the resilience of the human spirit, as he navigates through various challenges and adversities in his youth.

  2. Identity Formation: The memoir delves into the process of identity formation, as Wolff grapples with questions of self-discovery and belonging amidst changing circumstances.

  3. Family Dynamics: Expect insights into the complexities of family relationships, including Wolff's interactions with his mother, stepfather, and other family members.

  4. Impact of Environment: The book sheds light on how the environment and upbringing shape individuals' values, behaviors, and aspirations, as Wolff reflects on his upbringing in different settings.

  5. Power of Storytelling: Wolff's narrative prowess is evident in the memoir, showcasing the power of storytelling as a means of making sense of one's experiences and finding catharsis.

  6. Escapism and Imagination: Through Wolff's escapades and flights of imagination, readers may glean insights into the role of creativity and imagination as coping mechanisms during difficult times.

  7. Struggles with Authority: The memoir explores Wolff's conflicts with authority figures, including teachers, coaches, and his stepfather, highlighting themes of rebellion and defiance.

  8. Social Mobility: Wolff's story touches on themes of social mobility and the American Dream, as he grapples with the desire for upward mobility and the realities of socioeconomic constraints.

  9. Friendship and Camaraderie: Expect to see the significance of friendship and camaraderie in Wolff's life, as he forms bonds with peers who offer support and companionship.

  10. Reflection and Redemption: Ultimately, "This Boy's Life" is a story of reflection and redemption, as Wolff comes to terms with his past and finds a sense of closure and self-acceptance.

Language English
ISBN-10 0802136680
ISBN-13 9780802136688
No of pages 304
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Grove Press
Published Date 01 Jan 2000

About Author

Author : Tobias Wolff

2 Books

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