This collection of short pieces by the American humourist showcases his talent for observation, wit, pathos, and language. The ‘pieces’ (how else to describe them?) are neither short stories nor essays but share features of both.
While some are pure imagination, most are autobiographical, leaning on his sizeable family who are mercilessly mined for comic effect. He does not spare himself in that regard, self-deprecation abounds, and as gay, Jewish, and of Greek heritage, there is plenty to go at.
The tone is conversational. Those familiar with his broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 will be able to project his distinctive voice onto the page – otherwise think Billy Crystal delivering a Dave Allen monologue.
The quality of
writing puts him up with the likes of Alan Bennet and Bill Bryson. Praise
indeed but justified by a collection such as this.
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