Germs: A Memoir of Childhood

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Set against the backdrop of London's affluent suburbs in the 1920s and 1930s, the memoir explores the author's complex relationship with his parents—a charismatic impresario father and a glamorous but shallow mother. The narrative delves into themes of loneliness and longing, capturing the allure of high society through encounters with notable figures like Diaghilev and Kurt Weill. With a blend of deadpan humor and deep emotional resonance, it offers a compelling reflection on childhood and familial bonds, establishing itself as a poignant classic.