Assignment by Geoff Dyer - Cheltenham's analogy to Proust (in a broader sense)
So, What's the Buzz about This "Homework" Book?
Geoff Dyer's latest read, Homework, is a masterpiece, chums! Gone are the mediocre books he's written on films, literature, sports, photography, war, and such, because this bad boy is a classic that'll give Edmund Gosse's Father and Son a run for its money! This is a one-of-a-kind memoir that leaves you laughing, wide-eyed, and with a heart full of nostalgia - all at once.
Dyer, the lad born in 1958, paints an unprecedented picture of post-war England, with his parents, a dinner lady and hospital cleaner mom, and a planning engineer dad, as the unlikely protagonists. You might think they're nothing special, what with the typical skinny, sickly kid and bubblegum card collector antics, but Dyer's raw intellect and inner yearning for something 'beautiful' set him apart, even at a young age.
He dives deep into his memory bank, unearthing the mundane treasures of his early years and shining a spotlight on them for our appreciation, like an Indiana Jones of childhood recollections. Besides the sights, you'll get a taste of those memories too - that old, chlorinated public bath swimming pool where he got his first verruca, the pungent smells of his grandad's house, the stale-aired family homes where the trapped time smelled like dog food - you name it!
School meals were a horror show for him, but even his home cooking went from "sweet as candy" to downright dreadful. Boiled sweets, fruit gums, chocolate, Frosties - if it had sugar, he was all over it! Even the thought of tea without sugar sent a shiver down his parents' spines. All I can say is, he must have been quite the sugar fiend to make sugar-less tea an "abuse of their human rights"!
One of the most fascinating memories from his youth was passing the 11-plus exam, which paved the way for him to attend grammar school and brighten his prospects. This life-changing event still fills him with gratitude, despite recognizing the unfairness of such a system. It also marked the beginning of a widening chasm between him and his parents, none of whom were readers or appreciated culture as he did.
Dad was all about saving pennies or, more precisely, not spending them at all. He couldn't care less about books, beer, films, cars, music, or anything that required a dime. The man was constantly infuriated by the price of things, even something as cheap as a toilet brush! One might think he was tight as a drum, but Dyer seems to rock with the same beat, especially when it comes to skimping on expenses. Just like old man Dyer, Dyer Jr. can't resist a good bargain, preferring to DIY rather than pay others to do the work.
Now, you might find this strange because Dyer comes off as smooth-as-silk in his writing, but apparently, stinginess runs in the family. But hey, who am I to judge? Honesty is the game in Homework, and Dyer readily admits that he makes no one else look quite as bad as he does himself. This countryside boy turned boomer Proust is an original thinker, and he ain't afraid to spill the beans on himself!
Homework: A Memoir by Geoff Dyer is out now, and it's a must-read for those who enjoy a good laugh, a dash of nostalgia, and an insightful look into post-war England.
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This masterpiece, "Homework" by Geoff Dyer, expands beyond his previous works on various topics like films, literature, sports, photography, war, and more, capturing the attention of readers with its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and insight into post-war England. The memoir explores Dyer's lifestyle and home-garden anecdotes, intertwined with books and entertainment experiences, making it a must-read for bookworms and cultural enthusiasts alike.
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